WWE’s continuing to miss on “can’t miss” talent is the norm
2021 was the year where WWE released more than 70 performers, much to the chagrin of fans around the world. Toni Storm’s was the latest name added to the list as she requested and was granted her release this week. Many were surprised that the largest wrestling company in the world botched yet another “can’t miss” talent. Unfortunately, viewers and WWE fans should expect this to be the norm going forward.
If you were to ask who is the biggest name that WWE has missed out on in the last few years, several names would bubble up. Shinsuke Nakamura, Brodie Lee, Chad Gable, Tay Conti, Deonna Purrazzo, and others roll off the tongue. It’s unfathomable to think that the biggest company in professional wrestling has not found a way to utilize some of the best talents in the world. It’s become a broken record that can’t be pulled from the record player.
It’s time to change our expectations. Don’t lament over the fact that Kushida, one of the best wrestlers in the world today, is playing a bit part in a comedy tag team. Or the fact that WWE fails to elevate any women on its roster outside of The Four Horsewomen. It’s not that the WWE is missing on these talents, but they aren’t even trying. Instead, their focus is to create and mold new talent into a replica of what has worked in their brand, with the hopes that they can catch the same lighting that led to the creation of names like Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, and more.
WWE is even changing its hiring policies to fit that future. The “Next in Line” program is meant to find talented athletes and shape them into superstars. Having an extensive background in the independent scene is no longer a requirement. Instead, the WWE is hoping that fans recognize these athletes from their social media followings rather than a 5-star match they put on in BOLA. The WWE’s focus has changed and what viewers should expect from the product should change as well.
A recent Grayson Waller promo ironically tipped the hat at what the WWE is looking for. It’s not about wins and losses, instead, it’s about swipes and likes. WWE is booked with the intention of pleasing a near-80-year-old man. Understanding that makes it easier to see that the product will struggle to connect with the younger fans today.
But that doesn’t mean fans should turn away from supporting their favorites. Individuals like Roman Reigns, Big E, Kevin Owens, Sasha Banks, Bayley, Carmelo Hayes, and plenty of others still excite with they are given the opportunity to excel. That still happens in the WWE, although not as often as many viewers would like. There’s still room to be excited about some of the content that WWE creates, even though it’s difficult to maintain that feeling for the long term.
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Fans should make a resolution to watch WWE with adjusted expectations. Storm will not be the last “can’t miss” talent that WWE misses on. This is a normal situation for the promotion and it’s time that viewers recognize this heading into the new year.