What If: Altering the Professional Wrestling Landscape
Speculating on how the landscape of professional wrestling would have changed if significant events had not occurred can be quite interesting. Here’s a breakdown of how these hypothetical scenarios might have played out:
If Steve Austin Never Broke His Neck
Continued Dominance: Steve Austin was a major draw during the Attitude Era. If he had remained healthy, he likely would have continued to be a top star, potentially extending the popularity of WWE into the late 2000s.
Storylines and Feuds: Austin could have had more prominent storylines and rivalries. His presence might have prevented the rise of other stars like John Cena or Randy Orton to the same level of prominence, as Austin would have remained a central figure.
WWE’s Direction: With Austin leading the charge, WWE might have maintained a more edgy, rebellious tone, possibly delaying the shift toward a more family-friendly product that emerged in the late 2000s.
If The Rock Never Left for Hollywood
Increased Star Power: The Rock’s charisma and popularity drew many fans to wrestling. If he had stayed, WWE would have benefited from his star power, likely leading to even larger audiences during events.
Main Event Scene: The Rock could have been involved in more high-profile matches and rivalries, potentially headlining multiple WrestleManias. This could have altered the trajectory of other wrestlers’ careers as they might not have had the same opportunities to shine.
Crossover Appeal: While The Rock’s Hollywood career helped bridge wrestling and mainstream entertainment, a continued wrestling career could have kept WWE in the spotlight. This might have led to more crossover storylines and appearances, enhancing WWE’s relevance.
If Lesnar and Goldberg Never Left WWE in 2004
Star Power and Credibility: Both Brock Lesnar and Bill Goldberg brought significant star power and credibility to WWE. Their continued presence would have elevated the roster, especially in the heavyweight division.
Feuds and Matches: Their ongoing rivalries could have created compelling storylines. For instance, a prolonged feud between Lesnar and Goldberg could have produced memorable matches and drawn significant buy rates for pay-per-views.
Impact on Future Stars: Their presence might have affected the development of other wrestlers, such as John Cena, Randy Orton, and Edge. Wrestlers might have had different career trajectories if they had to compete for the spotlight with Lesnar and Goldberg consistently.
Overall Impact
WWE Landscape: The combination of Austin’s continued dominance, The Rock’s star power, and Lesnar and Goldberg’s presence would have likely resulted in a more competitive and high-profile environment in WWE.
Market Competition: It could have also affected the rise of rival promotions, as WWE would have been stronger during this period. This might have stunted the growth of promotions like TNA, which started gaining traction in the mid-2000s.
In summary, if these pivotal moments had not occurred, WWE might have seen a different landscape characterized by stronger ratings, more compelling storylines, and potentially different trajectories for many wrestlers. The overall popularity of wrestling as a mainstream entertainment form could have been sustained or even enhanced.
These hypothetical scenarios offer insights into the development and potential future of wrestling as both a cultural phenomenon and an entertainment industry. By examining what might have been, we can better understand the impact of key events on the landscape of professional wrestling.