The Evolution of Angering Storylines in WWE: A Sealed Chapter or A New Beginning?
Wrestling has always been a carefully crafted blend of athleticism, entertainment, and psychology. However, not all storylines are created equally. From 2002 to the present, many storylines have aimed to anger the crowd, often succeeding in making fans feel emotionally invested. This article delves into these storylines and explores their impact on WWE.
The Birth of HHH's Angle (October 7th, 2002)
The WWE Raw roulette on October 7th, 2002, introduced one of the most controversial and memorable storylines in the company's history. This event saw Triple H, played by Kevin Nash, deliver a monologue that left Kane and his commentators, J.R. and Lawler, perplexed. Nash's insistence on a press conference to tell his side of a recent incident, however, did not sit well with the audience.
The Feud Between Kane and Triple H (October 14th - October 21st, 2002)
The following week, Kane entered the ring and unloading the truth about his car accident and girlfriend's death. Despite this tragic situation, Triple H wasted no time provoking Kane. The feud intensified, particularly as Terri, a close friend of Kane, tried to mediate. This storyline's complexity laid the groundwork for a generic but effective love interest, as well as a broader feud that aimed to engage the audience.
The Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels Feud (October 28th, 2002 - Present)
Although the Kane angle was winding down, Trip H found a new antagonist in the person of Shawn Michaels. This period saw an intense rivalry where Shawn Michaels, holding the heavyweight title, faced off with Triple H. The title change back and forth added an extra layer of competition and emotional attachment to the storyline. Another layer of complexity was added when Kane was dropped into the tag team division, further diminishing the intensity of the main feud.
The Modernization of Storylines (2017-Present)
Comparing this historical storyline to more recent events, one can't help but notice a recurring trend where every week of the last five years features storylines designed to generate anger and reactions from the crowd. A notable example includes the recent storylines around Styles vs. Angle, which saw both wrestlers attempting to claw their way to the top of the division.
The Role of Female Wrestlers in Storylines
In addition to these male-driven storylines, the spotlight has also fallen on female wrestlers. A significant example is Kofi Kingston's reaction to the storyline involving Marie, a then-Diva who did not appear to wrestle despite receiving significant exposure. Similar issues have been raised regarding another female wrestler, whose absence from matches has attributed to the frustration of fans. These storylines and the unfulfilled potential of these wrestlers have left many feeling disappointed and alienated.
Has a WWE storyline ever angered you? Share your thoughts! Remember, every storyline serves a purpose, whether it's engaging the crowd or developing wrestlers for future roles. The evolution of these storylines continues, with each new storyline potentially shaping the future of WWE.