Topics & People
A past creative strategy where WWE created characters, like the Iron Sheik, that reflected real-world geopolitical tensions. This is now harder to do due to societal sensitivities.
A collaborative process involving a writer's room and direct partnership with talent to develop long-term character arcs and storylines that resonate with audiences.
The significant physical strain and risk of injury that wrestlers endure, despite the choreographed nature of the performance. WWE has a robust medical program to manage this.
WWE's flagship annual event, which requires months of long-term story and character planning, similar to a blockbuster movie.
The core creative principle of WWE, which prioritizes creating compelling narratives with protagonists and antagonists over simply booking athletically impressive matches.
A famous wrestler from the 1980s who represented the classic 'superhero' type baby face, a contrast to the modern antihero.
A wrestler from the Attitude Era who exemplified the antihero persona. He was technically a 'heel' but was overwhelmingly popular with the fans.
The term for a 'good guy' or protagonist character in professional wrestling. The concept has evolved from the perfect superhero archetype of the past.
The term for a 'bad guy' or antagonist character in professional wrestling. The modern approach is for the heel to believe their actions are justified, making them more compelling.
A modern creative necessity for WWE, where wrestlers must blur the lines between their real-life selves and their on-screen characters, largely due to the transparency created by the internet.