Mission in Waiting: Contemplating the 7th Era

Hello everyone, it’s me, once again. I’m back to discuss professional wrestling in our new Quest for Truth. Today, as we await our next mission, I am left to contemplate what is to come with the Seventh Era. So, relax and join me as we ponder what the next few weeks and months have in store for us!

Can the Return of Crash TV endure the Test of Time?

I like a good surprise as much as the next guy, but there is something exhausting about over-reliance on unpredictability for entertainment. While the beginning of the Sixth Era had its fair share of surprise angles and twists, the emergence of HLW and later WWE brought back an old familiar approach to wrestling: the so-called “Crash TV” approach.

I’m definitely not going to complain about having a good time while watching some wrestling, but the one (major) downside to “Crash TV” is that deeper stories take a backseat. Now, I need to clarify that I loved HLW, AXW, and have so far had a great time with WWE. They have been truly reminiscent of what made us love this business back in the day. But WWE and its predecessors are NOT the problem here; it’s the competition’s reaction to their use of this tried and true approach.

AEW and PWI had to scramble to find the best response to Cross’s growing popularity, and they weren’t comforted at all when Murrey jumped back into the mix by buying the successful product. The style which led LWF to take over the wrestling world for 10 straight weeks in 2004 was back and better than ever!

No, PWI and AEW didn’t abandon their deeper approach to storytelling, but they did attempt to duplicate elements of what was working with the new competition with mixed results. My question in all of this (as I am sure you are dying to know) is: can WWE’s approach keep up the success, or will it wear thin?

This really can go either way, and I am willing to bet that Miss Elizabeth – who is temporarily filling in for Murrey – is prepared to pivot as needed to ensure that her product not only endures, but thrives in the coming months. If the “Crash TV” approach starts to seriously lose its steam, then we could see a downward spiral forcing a complete overhaul. But, if Elizabeth, and/or Murrey, figure out how to truly master their craft in this brave new era…well, the Seventh Era will be theirs for the taking.

Megan takes off the training wheels

With her father (and we can say that without hesitation, given everything that we now know) out of the picture indefinitely, Megan Mouse-Zayn finally has a chance to show us what she’s made of. My money is on her further exploring her potential for devious wickedness, like we saw hinted at back in late-2022 during AEW’s brief return at the time. In all honesty, it is highly possible that she realizes that Sami is more deadweight than he is a boost…which can lead to a very unceremonious end to their relationship.

Her ruthlessness behind the desk could prove to be just as resilient as her determination in the squared circle, and it would be a mistake to bet against her in this new era that is dawning next week. Let us not forget that, regardless of whether she knew about Benny being her father all along, she learned a lot under the guidance of her dad…and that includes everything which made him one of the most feared and revered businessmen in the world!

A brand new Era!

The Seventh Era is most definitely an open book as we sit here on the cusp of its opening shots, and it really is anyone’s for the taking. For the first time in 16 years, we are starting an era with three major competitors. For the first time in 22 years, we are starting a new era in the immediate aftermath of its predecessor. For the first time ever, we are kicking off a new era with a draft, an award show recognizing the recent era, and a major interpromotional event…in the same week!

If you are not rapidly excited for what’s to come in the days ahead, then I honestly think you need to change the channel and pick a new thing to obsess over. Wrestling is at its hottest that we have seen it in 20 years, and that’s a fact!

I know this was short and sweet, but I promise I will have more things to say in the coming days; including my predictions for the Draft and Starrcade!