Professional wrestling, particularly WWE, is a captivating blend of athleticism, storytelling, and showmanship. While the physical prowess of the performers is undeniable, the outcomes of matches are predetermined. Understanding how WWE decides who wins involves a complex interplay of factors, ranging from long-term storylines to immediate business needs. It’s a theatrical production presented as a sport, where the “winners” are chosen to advance narratives and entertain the audience.
The Creative Process: Crafting the Narrative
The creative process within WWE is primarily driven by a team of writers, led by the head of creative, often in conjunction with Triple H, or Vince McMahon depending on who is in power. This team is responsible for developing storylines, character arcs, and match outcomes. These narratives are not arbitrary; they’re carefully crafted to engage fans, build anticipation, and ultimately, generate revenue.
Long-Term Story Arcs and Feuds
WWE storylines are often long-term investments. They can span months, even years, culminating in high-profile matches at major events like WrestleMania. These arcs are designed to build a feud between wrestlers, creating a compelling reason for fans to invest in the outcome of their matches.
The process begins with identifying potential rivalries. These rivalries are then fleshed out with a series of events, including promos, backstage confrontations, and in-ring clashes. The wins and losses along the way are strategically planned to build tension and anticipation. The ultimate goal is to make the final showdown feel significant and meaningful.
Short-Term Decisions and the “Feel” of the Show
While long-term plans are crucial, WWE’s creative team must also be adept at making short-term decisions. The “feel” of each show is important. They must react to immediate circumstances, such as injuries, changes in fan reaction, or the need to elevate a particular wrestler quickly.
These decisions can involve altering match outcomes, changing storylines on the fly, or introducing new elements to keep the show fresh and exciting. This adaptability is essential for maintaining the audience’s interest and ensuring that the product remains dynamic.
The Role of Promos and Character Development
Promos, or scripted interviews, are a vital component of WWE’s storytelling. They allow wrestlers to develop their characters, express their motivations, and further build their feuds. The creative team works closely with the wrestlers to craft these promos, ensuring that they are consistent with the overall narrative.
Character development is also a key consideration. The creative team aims to create compelling characters that fans can either root for or root against. This involves exploring the wrestlers’ personalities, their backstories, and their relationships with other wrestlers. A well-developed character can significantly enhance the impact of a storyline and make the outcome of a match feel more meaningful.
The Business of Wrestling: Revenue and Ratings
While storytelling is paramount, WWE is ultimately a business. Decisions about who wins are heavily influenced by factors such as television ratings, merchandise sales, and pay-per-view revenue. The goal is to maximize profitability, and this often means making choices that may not always be in line with purely artistic considerations.
TV Ratings and Network Relationships
Television ratings are a crucial metric for WWE. High ratings translate to higher advertising revenue and stronger relationships with television networks. The creative team is constantly striving to create compelling programming that will attract and retain viewers.
Decisions about who wins can be influenced by the desire to boost ratings. For example, a popular wrestler might be booked to win a match in order to generate buzz and attract more viewers to the next show. Similarly, a controversial outcome might be used to create a “water cooler moment” and generate social media buzz.
Merchandise Sales and Brand Recognition
Merchandise sales are another important source of revenue for WWE. Wrestlers who are popular with fans tend to sell more merchandise, such as t-shirts, action figures, and other memorabilia. The creative team takes this into account when deciding who wins, as a wrestler’s popularity can directly impact their ability to generate revenue.
Brand recognition is also a factor. WWE wants to promote its brand and its top stars. Booking those stars to win matches helps to reinforce their status and increase their visibility.
Pay-Per-View and WWE Network Impact
Pay-per-view events and the WWE Network are major sources of revenue for the company. The creative team aims to build towards these events with compelling storylines and high-stakes matches. The outcomes of these matches are often carefully planned to maximize viewership and subscriptions.
The decision of who wins at a pay-per-view event is often influenced by long-term plans. The creative team will consider the potential impact of the outcome on future storylines, as well as the overall direction of the company.
The Wrestler’s Perspective: Input and Influence
While the creative team ultimately makes the decisions about who wins, the wrestlers themselves can have some input. Their performance, their charisma, and their ability to connect with the audience can all influence the creative process.
Performance and In-Ring Ability
A wrestler’s performance in the ring is a critical factor. Those who are skilled and athletic are more likely to be given opportunities to shine. The creative team also considers a wrestler’s ability to work safely and protect their opponents.
A wrestler’s in-ring ability can also influence the way a match is structured. The creative team will often work with the wrestlers to choreograph the match, ensuring that it is both exciting and safe.
Charisma and Connection with the Audience
Charisma and the ability to connect with the audience are essential qualities for a successful wrestler. Those who can generate strong reactions from the crowd are more likely to be pushed by the creative team.
A wrestler’s ability to connect with the audience can also influence their character development. The creative team may tailor a wrestler’s character to capitalize on their strengths and appeal to a specific demographic.
Relationships with Management and Creative
A wrestler’s relationship with management and the creative team can also play a role. Those who are well-liked and respected are more likely to be given opportunities. Conversely, those who are difficult to work with may find themselves sidelined.
The ability to pitch ideas and collaborate with the creative team is also valuable. Wrestlers who can contribute to the creative process are more likely to have a voice in their own storylines.
The Unpredictability Factor: Injuries and Unexpected Events
Even with meticulous planning, the world of WWE is subject to unpredictability. Injuries, unexpected departures, and changes in fan sentiment can all throw a wrench into the creative process.
Dealing with Injuries
Injuries are a common occurrence in professional wrestling. When a wrestler is injured, the creative team must adapt quickly. This may involve changing storylines, altering match outcomes, or even introducing new characters.
In some cases, an injury can actually create opportunities. A wrestler who is sidelined due to injury may return with a new character or a more compelling storyline.
Reacting to Changes in Fan Sentiment
Fan sentiment is a fickle thing. What is popular one day may be unpopular the next. The creative team must be able to react to changes in fan sentiment and adjust their plans accordingly.
If a wrestler is being booed when they are supposed to be a babyface (a good guy), the creative team may need to turn them heel (a bad guy). Conversely, if a wrestler is being cheered when they are supposed to be a heel, the creative team may need to adjust their character to capitalize on their popularity.
The Impact of Unexpected Departures
Wrestlers sometimes leave WWE unexpectedly, whether due to contract disputes, personal issues, or other reasons. This can create significant challenges for the creative team, who must find a way to fill the void left by their departure.
In some cases, an unexpected departure can lead to new opportunities for other wrestlers. A wrestler who was previously in a supporting role may be elevated to a more prominent position.
The Art of “Making” a Star
One of the WWE’s primary goals is to create new stars. This involves identifying promising wrestlers and giving them the opportunities and storylines they need to connect with the audience.
Identifying Potential Stars
The process of “making” a star begins with identifying wrestlers who have the potential to connect with the audience. This involves assessing their in-ring ability, their charisma, and their overall marketability.
WWE’s developmental system, NXT, plays a crucial role in identifying and developing potential stars. NXT provides a platform for young wrestlers to hone their skills and develop their characters.
Creating Compelling Storylines
Once a potential star has been identified, the creative team will develop storylines that are designed to showcase their strengths and connect them with the audience. This may involve feuding them with established stars or giving them opportunities to win championships.
The goal is to create a compelling narrative that will make fans care about the wrestler and invest in their success. This requires careful planning and execution, as well as a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.
Building Momentum and Sustaining Success
Building momentum is crucial for a rising star. This involves giving them a series of wins and positive storylines that will generate buzz and excitement. However, it’s equally important to sustain that success over the long term.
The creative team must be careful not to push a wrestler too quickly or to give them storylines that are inconsistent with their character. They must also be willing to adapt their plans as the wrestler evolves and their popularity grows.
In conclusion, the process of deciding who wins in WWE is a complex and multifaceted one. It involves a delicate balance of storytelling, business considerations, and the individual talents of the wrestlers themselves. While the outcomes may be predetermined, the entertainment value and the emotional connection that fans feel are very real. The magic lies in the ability of WWE to create a world where anything can happen, and where the drama unfolds in front of a captivated audience.
How much influence do Vince McMahon’s decisions have on the outcome of WWE matches?
Vince McMahon, prior to recent changes, held significant influence over the outcomes of WWE matches. As the Chairman and CEO, his vision for storylines and character development often dictated who would win or lose, impacting a wrestler’s trajectory within the company. McMahon’s creative control meant that even if a match was organically leaning one way, his directives could shift the results based on larger narrative goals.
However, with recent shifts in leadership, specifically the influence of Triple H, the creative process has changed. While the core concept of pre-determined outcomes remains, the specific decision-making process may be more collaborative, considering wrestler feedback, fan reactions, and alternative story angles. This doesn’t negate McMahon’s prior impact, but suggests a potentially more nuanced and adaptable approach to deciding match results in the future.
What role does the “Creative Team” play in deciding who wins a WWE match?
The WWE Creative Team is responsible for crafting the storylines, character development, and overall narrative arcs that drive the wrestling programming. They brainstorm ideas, write scripts, and develop the direction of feuds, and a key part of this process involves determining the winners and losers of matches. The Creative Team works to ensure that the match outcomes align with the larger storyline goals, character motivations, and the desired audience reaction.
The team’s decisions are often influenced by a variety of factors, including the perceived popularity of wrestlers, their marketability, and their ability to connect with the audience. They also consider logistical factors such as the availability of wrestlers, their physical condition, and their willingness to participate in certain storylines. The decision to have someone win or lose is typically made in advance and communicated to the wrestlers involved.
Is there a process for changing the planned winner of a WWE match?
Yes, the planned winner of a WWE match can be changed, even at the last minute. A variety of factors can contribute to such a decision, including a wrestler injury, a change in the storyline direction, or unexpected fan reactions. The WWE is known for being adaptable and responsive to its audience, so if a particular storyline or wrestler is not resonating with the fans, the company may decide to alter the plans.
These changes can happen with little to no notice, which requires wrestlers to be flexible and adaptable. Wrestlers must be able to adjust their performance to reflect the new outcome, while also maintaining the integrity of the match and the overall storyline. Last-minute changes demonstrate the dynamic nature of WWE’s creative process.
Do wrestler injuries ever affect the planned outcomes of matches?
Yes, wrestler injuries significantly affect the planned outcomes of matches. When a wrestler is injured, the storyline must be adjusted, which often means changing the planned winner. Injuries can necessitate a complete rewrite of ongoing feuds, requiring creative to come up with alternative plans to keep the storyline progressing while the injured wrestler recovers.
Moreover, the health and safety of the wrestlers are paramount. WWE has protocols in place to address injuries, and the decision to allow a wrestler to compete is made by medical professionals. If a wrestler is deemed unfit to compete, the match outcome will be changed to protect their well-being and prevent further injury.
How much influence do fan reactions have on the results of WWE matches?
Fan reactions can exert considerable influence on the results of WWE matches. While outcomes are pre-determined, the WWE is a business that relies on audience engagement. If a wrestler is receiving overwhelmingly positive or negative reactions, it can impact their booking and, therefore, their win-loss record. WWE often monitors fan sentiment through live attendance, television ratings, social media, and merchandise sales to gauge the popularity of individual wrestlers and storylines.
Positive fan reactions can lead to a wrestler being pushed into a more prominent role, potentially including championship reigns and higher-profile victories. Conversely, if a wrestler is consistently met with apathy or negative reactions, the creative team may reassess their storyline and consider a change in direction, which could involve losses to help establish other talent. This emphasizes that fan engagement plays a vital role in the evolution of storylines.
Are championship wins and losses predetermined like regular match results?
Yes, championship wins and losses are pre-determined just like the outcomes of regular matches. While the wrestlers put on athletic performances that appear competitive, the decision of who will win a championship is made in advance by the creative team and management. These decisions are usually closely guarded secrets to preserve the element of surprise for the audience.
The choice to award or take away a championship is often a strategic one, driven by a variety of factors such as storyline progression, wrestler popularity, and television ratings. Championship reigns are used to elevate wrestlers, create compelling rivalries, and build narratives that keep fans engaged. Ultimately, championship wins and losses are tools used to tell stories and maintain the overall entertainment value of WWE.
Is there any compensation given to wrestlers who are asked to lose a match?
While the exact compensation details are confidential and vary based on individual contracts, wrestlers are generally compensated for their participation in matches regardless of the outcome. WWE performers are typically paid based on a combination of factors, including their contract value, appearance fees, merchandise sales, and a percentage of the overall revenue generated by events they participate in. Losing a match doesn’t necessarily result in a reduction in pay.
Losing matches is an integral part of the professional wrestling business and is often viewed as a necessary component for building compelling storylines and elevating other talent. A wrestler’s ability to effectively portray a losing role can be just as valuable as their ability to win, and successful performances contribute to their overall value and potential future opportunities within the company. Their overall value extends beyond just wins and losses.