Which WWE Superstars Are Hurt Most by Lack of Creative Freedom?

One of wrestling's fan's favorite criticisms of WWE is that 'it's not like it used to be.' Perhaps [...]

One of wrestling's fan's favorite criticisms of WWE is that "it's not like it used to be." Perhaps the most important element of WWE, other than the wrestling itself, is nostalgia. Fans can't help but compare today's WWE to their own favorite bygone era.

While WWE seems to re-brand itself every 10 years, there are primordial aspects of professional wrestling that seem to be void in today's product. And the most documented of these ingredients is creative freedom.

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In an interview with Wrestling Inc, former WWE announcer, Sean Mooney, discussed which WWE Superstars are hurt most by WWE's creative restraints:

"Well, we were talking like Bray Wyatt, who I think is great. His promos that he cuts, it reminds me of Jake 'The Snake' Roberts. I call it the slow burn and some of the stuff that they do; and some of the guys that they are pushing are up there."

In comparing today's stars to some of WWE's greatest, Mooney thinks that WWE's All-Timers simply had more room to move.

"Roman Reigns and these other guys I think are great, but it's kind of like having a Governor on them; if you take these characters and allow them to develop. You think back to some of those people that were instrumental in developing The Rock, and a really good friend of mine who worked closely there said that Vince McMahon had gave him the idea, but in order for him to own it, The Rock took it and ran with it."

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Bray Wyatt finds himself often mentioned by the old school minds of WWE. He seems to be the chief example of talent being suffocated by WWE's affinity for micro-management. While WWE makes consistent attempts to keep him relevant, his character has yet made a big jump we all seem to be anticipating.

When fans complain that WWE isn't like it used to be, the next question that needs to be asked is "Well, what is?"

The Attitude Era will never be repeated. The racy, sexually charged characters and storylines have been put to bed for nearly 2 decades. In fact, as a publicly traded company, WWE will remain TV-PG until the end of time. Not to mention, in the late 90's WWE was forced into envelope pushing programs as WCW was clearly trying to put them out of business. But today, there is no dragon to slay nor a monster to avoid. WWE is the real Universal Champion.

So while wrestling will never be like it used to be, that's a good thing, because it would only be a cheap impression. Themes and motif are meant to be repeated, not purple faced promos and bra and panties matches.

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