I know it’s been mentioned before, but there truly hasn’t been a time in wrestling as wildly unpredictable as this. We’re just 48 hours away from the World of Wrestling Draft—assuming it doesn’t get moved to tomorrow evening, as Megan and Sami are advocating. My sources report that the heads of BWM Inc. and Seventh Era Productions have arrived in Charleston, and the leaders of Cash Mouse Entertainment are expected in West Virginia early tomorrow evening.
As my new counterpart pointed out in last night’s “Quest for Truth,” the Seventh Era marks the first time in 22 years that one era has begun immediately after the previous one ended. This has generated significant buzz—wrestling fans, industry insiders, talent, and promoters alike are eager to get started. We may be heading into the most competitive era in the sport’s illustrious history.
Speaking of my new counterpart, Mr. Quest has taken over for Lenny Mouse, and rumor has it that his column last night really got under the skin of Mr. Murrey and Ms. Hulette. Quest criticized WWE’s crash-TV style, expressing doubts about its long-term viability. (For what it’s worth, I recall a time people ‘doubted’ BWM Inc.’s staying power committed to a proper, uninterrupted schedule, and look how that turned out?)
“…but the one (major) downside to “Crash TV” is that deeper stories take a backseat. 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?”
The crux of Mr. Quest’s argument is that AEW and PWI have mastered the art of long-term storytelling. While WWE’s presentation is effective in the short term, it doesn’t fare as well when it comes to the payoffs for these months-long (sometimes years-long) stories. To Quest’s credit, this is a fair criticism. AEW and PWI benefited tremendously towards the end of the era as their long-term storylines began to pay off. In AEW, ratings soared with every twist, turn, and revelation of the Benny Mouse dementia saga. Similarly, PWI saw a surge in interest during the final weeks of the Bray/Mickey/Global Conflict climax and conclusion.
But my question for Mr. Quest is simple: What about the weeks when nothing happened in those “long-term storylines?” While WWE consistently delivered surprises and unpredictable moments throughout the year, how often did that earn them a first or second-place finish? The answer is often enough to be considered a solid number two of the era, frequently within striking distance of AEW. I don’t have the data in front of me at the moment, but I believe WWE only finished in third place a handful of times, mostly towards the end of the era as those long-term storylines began to pay off.
The style works, and it will stand the test of time because it pretty much already has. To his credit, Quest acknowledged this when he suggested that if WWE mastered a blend of both styles, they would be unstoppable. That’s probably true, but we all know that Murrey doesn’t care about ratings. He’s in it to make memorable television, and it’s impossible to argue that he hasn’t found great success with this approach. If Murrey’s WWE is a solid number two, often pushing for first place without even trying for ratings, what happens when that becomes his focus?
Murrey doesn’t have any plans to change his approach. Sources tell me he stated directly: “The surprise style and the comedy will not be leaving because… it works.” He reportedly added that he has a few matches planned as a result of long-term storylines. If he sticks to those plans and continues excelling in other areas, BWM Inc. might have a serious problem on their hands.
In his remarks on the future of AEW, Quest said this era will effectively serve as Megan’s coming out party.
“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.”
I don’t really have any issue with that assessment; I think it’s fair. However, I do find his prediction of trouble in paradise for the newlyweds a bit absurd, given the united front we’ve seen from them. But, since it’s pro-wrestling, anything is possible. Even if I think it’s premature at best, if not downright improbable.
Now, I know what you’re thinking—it’s easy to rip apart someone else’s opinion and much harder to offer my own analysis on the coming era. And you’d be right. One of the most exciting aspects of this era is the unpredictability. It’s a fool’s errand to look too deeply before the promotions even know their rosters and what they’re working with. I have no idea what to expect, but I have heard a few rumors I can report on.
I’ve heard that ULW has a plan for all 20 of their draft exemptions, and presumably all of their legend’s exemptions as well. Look, I think that’s great and all, but if they’ve spent the last few weeks writing all the top programs with the talent they’ve exempted, what is even the point of the Draft? I worry that if the Triad has been busy plotting out detailed plans for the 30 or so superstars they’ve got on hand, the roster they wind up with this weekend may find themselves hitting a glass ceiling in the organization because all the good spots have already been taken.
While their draft strategy remains to be seen, I’ve heard repeatedly from my sources within the company that the birth of this company is meant to feel like a “reset.” I imagine that means they plan to raid as much of AEW’s and WWE’s roster as possible before they are forced to use a “save” on talent previously contracted to MMouse Enterprises.
And while this is nothing more than a gut feeling, I sense that Seventh Era Productions will heavily focus on the future, potentially using some of their first picks on unsigned talent from the rapidly expanding “Available Talent” list, which is growing both in volume and quality by the day.
Meanwhile, AEW has reportedly invested significant effort and planning into their strategy, which shouldn’t be surprising given the company’s commitment to storytelling. I’m told they won’t hesitate to use their saves, and maintaining the company’s identity is a top priority. From what I’ve heard, they have a list, they’ve checked it twice, and they’re heading into Charleston with a clear plan in mind.
One thing that’s certain is the level of hype for this era is truly unprecedented. I’m catching a redeye to West Virginia, and I’ll bring you all the coverage from the ground during WOW Week 2024! Sleep tight, wrestling fans—this weekend marks the beginning of a new journey!
World Of Wrestling: Murrey Universe 