WWE SmackDown: Beyond the Card – Trends Shaping the Future of Pro Wrestling
This Friday’s WWE SmackDown, emanating from Montreal, promises a compelling night of action. But looking beyond the announced matches – a Women’s Tag Team Championship contendership bout, a Tag Team Championship defense, and singles clashes between Nathan Frazer & Johnny Gargano and Trick Williams & Damian Priest – reveals broader trends reshaping professional wrestling in 2024 and beyond.
The Rise of Multi-Woman & Tag Team Competition
The inclusion of a three-team Women’s Tag Team Championship contenders match is significant. For years, women’s wrestling was often relegated to singles competition. Now, WWE is actively investing in tag team divisions, mirroring a trend seen in other combat sports like women’s MMA. This isn’t just about adding matches; it’s about developing more characters and storylines.
Consider the success of The Kabuki Warriors in recent years. Their consistent presence and compelling dynamic elevated the entire tag team division. The current match setup, featuring established stars like Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss alongside rising talents like Nia Jax, Lash Legend, Kiana James, and Giulia (a standout from Stardom, a major Japanese promotion), signals WWE’s intent to build a robust and diverse tag team landscape. This cross-promotional element, bringing in talent like Giulia, is increasingly common, expanding WWE’s reach and introducing new styles to its audience.
Tag Team Championship Dynamics: Beyond Traditional Powerhouses
The Wyatt Sicks defending their Tag Team Championship against MFT (likely representing newer, developing talent) is a fascinating pairing. WWE is increasingly using championship reigns to elevate younger or less established teams. This is a departure from the past, where titles were often held by established main eventers for extended periods.
This strategy is reminiscent of AEW’s approach, where frequent title changes and opportunities for emerging stars are prioritized. Data from wrestling analytics sites like WrestlingData.com shows a clear increase in the average length of tag team championship reigns across all major promotions in the last five years, suggesting a shift towards more dynamic title pictures. The Wyatt Sicks, with their unique presentation, represent a modern take on tag team wrestling, blending athleticism with compelling character work.
Singles Competition: Bridging Generations & Styles
The matches between Nathan Frazer and Johnny Gargano, and Trick Williams and Damian Priest, highlight another key trend: the blending of wrestling styles and generations. Gargano, a veteran known for his technical prowess and storytelling, faces Frazer, a rising star representing a more athletic, high-flying style. Similarly, Williams, a newer face, is stepping into the ring with the established and imposing Priest.
This intergenerational clash isn’t accidental. It allows WWE to showcase the evolution of wrestling while simultaneously providing experienced performers like Gargano and Priest with opportunities to mentor and elevate the next generation. This is a smart way to maintain audience engagement and ensure a smooth transition of power within the company. The success of performers like Cody Rhodes, who successfully blended old-school storytelling with modern athleticism, demonstrates the appeal of this approach.
The Influence of International Talent
Giulia’s participation in the Women’s Tag Team Championship contenders match is a prime example of the increasing globalization of professional wrestling. WWE is actively scouting and signing talent from around the world, particularly from Japan, Mexico (CMLL and AAA), and the UK (NXT UK/NXT Europe). This influx of international talent brings fresh perspectives, unique styles, and expands WWE’s global fanbase.
This trend is driven by several factors, including the growing popularity of wrestling in international markets and the desire to diversify WWE’s roster. Companies like New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) have long been recognized for their high-quality wrestling and strong storytelling, and WWE is increasingly looking to tap into that expertise.
FAQ
Q: Will we see more cross-promotional events like Giulia’s appearance?
A: Absolutely. Expect to see more talent exchanges and collaborations between WWE and other major promotions.
Q: Is the focus on tag team wrestling a permanent shift?
A: While it’s difficult to say definitively, the investment in tag team divisions suggests it’s more than just a temporary trend.
Q: How important is social media to these trends?
A: Crucially important. Social media allows wrestlers to connect directly with fans, build their brands, and influence storylines.
Q: Where can I find more in-depth wrestling analysis?
A: Check out resources like PWInsider.com and Cagematch.net for detailed results, news, and analysis.
Want to delve deeper into the world of professional wrestling? Explore our other articles on wrestling storylines and emerging talent. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and exclusive content!
