Introduction
WWE is known for its elaborate matches and the professional performance it demands from its wrestlers. Sometimes, the public may wonder if these highly-trained athletes can refuse to lose a match if they feel uncomfortable about the outcome. This article delves into the reality behind this question, examining the dynamics of WWE's internal policies, the concept of creative control, and the implications for both the wrestlers and the company.
Understanding WWE's Internal Policy
WWE operates under a strict code of conduct that ensures the authenticity and believability of its on-screen storylines. For this reason, wrestlers are expected to follow the scripts provided to them. These scripts are often the result of collaborative efforts between the wrestlers themselves and the creative team at WWE.
Some wrestlers enjoy having creative input, which can potentially alter the outcome of a match. In such cases, the wrestlers can voice their concerns and even negotiate changes to the storyline. However, if a wrestler is assigned a storyline where they must lose a match, they are generally expected to adhere to the script, even if they feel uncomfortable about the outcome.
Creative Control and Its Limitations
While creative control is a valuable asset in WWE, it is not absolute. The company retains the final say over the direction of storylines and match outcomes. This means that a wrestler cannot simply refuse to participate in a match or change its outcome solely based on personal comfort.
Wrestlers have the opportunity to provide feedback to the creative team. However, the reality is that the creative decisions ultimately lie with WWE's management. This raises the question of whether wrestlers can truly have the freedom to refuse a match based on their personal feelings.
The Financial and Career Implications
Refusing to lose a match can have serious financial and career implications for WWE wrestlers. If a wrestler consistently refuses to adhere to the written scripts, they can face disciplinary action. This could include stricter supervision, being assigned less desirable roles, or even termination of their contract.
Wrestlers who are uncomfortable with the storyline or match outcome often have the option to address the issue through dialogue with the creative team or through management. This can sometimes lead to changes being made to the storyline, but it is not a guarantee. Wrestlers who are unwilling to participate fully in their assigned roles can ultimately choose to walk away from their contracts, but this can be a difficult and risky decision.
Case Studies and Examples
Through the years, WWE has come under scrutiny for various storylines and match outcomes. Sometimes, fans and media question whether a wrestler might have refused to lose a match due to personal discomfort, only to have the storylines and outcomes remain unchanged.
A notable example was the storyline involving John Cena and Brooke Hogan in 2017. Cena was sidelined for an extended period during a WWE Universe tour. Upon his return, he prevailed in a feud with Brooke Hogan, who was assigned to lose to Cena for storyline purposes. Cena's return to the ring was a significant moment for the company, and it played a crucial role in the promotion's narrative.
Another example is the storyline between Roman Reigns and Drew McIntyre in 2018. Reigns was determined to face McIntyre for the World Heavyweight Championship, but WWE's creative decisions resulted in McIntyre losing to Reigns for business reasons. Despite feelings of discomfort, Reigns did not refuse to accept the outcome.
Conclusion
In summary, while WWE wrestlers have the opportunity to have input and even influence the scripts they perform, they are ultimately expected to follow the storyline as written. If they refuse to participate, it can come with significant costs, including the risk of being fired or losing career opportunities. Despite this, WWE continues to thrive, and the authenticity of its storylines remains a key factor in its success.
As fans and media continue to scrutinize WWE's storylines, the dynamics between wrestlers, management, and creative control will remain a fascinating aspect of the promotion's internal operations.