The Shifting Landscape of WWE Storytelling: Protecting Heels and Elevating Legends
The recent critique from Bully Ray regarding the GUNTHER and AJ Styles segment on RAW highlights a perennial challenge in professional wrestling: balancing the need to elevate established stars with the importance of maintaining the credibility of dominant characters. This isn’t just about one segment; it’s a symptom of broader trends in how WWE constructs narratives in 2024 and beyond.
The Delicate Art of the Heel
For decades, a cornerstone of compelling wrestling has been the believable villain. GUNTHER, as a dominant Intercontinental Champion, embodies this archetype. Bully Ray’s core argument – that allowing Styles to land a slap without immediate, impactful retaliation diminished GUNTHER’s aura – speaks to a fundamental principle: heels need to *react*. A heel who absorbs punishment without consequence risks appearing weak, even comical. This is particularly crucial in an era where wrestling fans are increasingly sophisticated and demand logical consistency in storylines.
Consider the evolution of heel work. In the 1990s, Stone Cold Steve Austin’s rise was fueled, in part, by his willingness to sell for established heels like Bret Hart. However, Austin’s eventual dominance wasn’t built on *always* absorbing punishment; it was built on strategically overcoming it, and then delivering even more devastating blows. The key is the arc – the journey from underdog to dominant force. Simply having a heel take a beating without a believable response undermines that arc.
The “Rub” and the Veteran’s Role
Bully Ray correctly identifies the likely motivation behind the segment: giving AJ Styles a “rub” – a boost in perceived credibility – as he enters what is acknowledged as the final chapter of his career. This is a common practice. WWE often uses interactions with established stars to re-establish or elevate other performers. However, the method matters.
The challenge lies in finding ways to elevate a veteran without sacrificing the momentum of a rising star. A more effective approach might have involved Styles strategically exploiting a momentary lapse in GUNTHER’s focus, or utilizing his experience to gain a tactical advantage, rather than a blatant, unreciprocated assault. This preserves GUNTHER’s dominance while still showcasing Styles’ cunning and resilience.
The Impact of Long-Term Booking and Character Consistency
This situation underscores the importance of long-term booking and consistent character work. WWE’s storylines are often criticized for short-term gains at the expense of long-term credibility. If GUNTHER is consistently portrayed as an unstoppable force, a single slap shouldn’t derail that perception.
Looking at AEW as a contrasting example, their focus on building characters through consistent actions and motivations has resonated with a significant portion of the wrestling audience. While AEW isn’t without its flaws, their commitment to character consistency often leads to more believable and engaging storylines. Recent data from wrestling viewership trackers consistently shows AEW maintaining a strong core audience, largely attributed to this focus.
The Future of WWE Storytelling: Balancing Act
The trends suggest WWE will continue to grapple with this balancing act. The pressure to capitalize on the star power of veterans like Styles is undeniable, but the risk of diminishing the impact of newer, dominant characters is equally significant. Expect to see more attempts to integrate established stars into storylines in ways that provide a “rub” without undermining the credibility of those around them.
This could involve more strategic alliances, calculated betrayals, and storylines that emphasize experience versus brute force. The key will be to find creative solutions that satisfy both the immediate need to elevate a legend and the long-term goal of building compelling, believable characters.
FAQ
Q: Why is it important to “protect” a heel?
A: Protecting a heel means ensuring they maintain a credible level of dominance and threat. Consistently having them lose or absorb punishment without retaliation diminishes their impact and makes them less believable as a villain.
Q: What is a “rub” in wrestling terminology?
A: A “rub” refers to a situation where a more established or popular wrestler helps elevate the status of another wrestler, often through association or a victory.
Q: How does AEW approach storytelling differently than WWE?
A: AEW generally prioritizes long-term character consistency and logical storytelling, while WWE often focuses on short-term gains and capitalizing on star power.
Q: Will WWE change its approach to storytelling?
A: While it’s difficult to predict the future, the ongoing criticism and the success of alternative promotions suggest WWE may need to adapt its approach to maintain audience engagement.
Did you know? The concept of “protecting” a wrestler dates back to the territorial days of wrestling, where promoters understood the importance of maintaining the illusion of strength and dominance to draw crowds.
What are your thoughts on the GUNTHER/AJ Styles segment? Share your opinions in the comments below! Don’t forget to explore our other articles on wrestling storylines and industry trends for more in-depth analysis.
