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Misconceptions About The Attitude Era and the PG Rating.
The biggest debate right now is the controversy over the "PG" rating. Two letters thrown around at convenience to describe whatever shortcomings there are in the WWE. Is it justified or or just smark lingo?
Many people describe the Attitude Era as the pinnacle, most profitable, and most popular era of wrestling. It was a great time for wrestling. Huge stars, great stories, great, memories. This era gave birth to the likes of The Rock, Steve Austin, Y2J and great tag teams of our time. How great was it to see The Rock and Y2J, two of the best on the mic, go at it in a promo? How great was it to witness the classic three way tussle for tag team supremacy by E&C, The Hardyz, and the Dudley Boyz? Yes, the Attitude Era was a massively entertaining period in wrestling history, but it should not and cannot be the ideal.
The Attitude Era was a period of transition for wrestling. The steroid scandal, retirements, and company switching left the wrestling world in uncertainty. WCW picked up some of WWF's former talent and finally found a way to seize control of the landscape. The NWO. With WCW winning the Monday Night Wars, WWF had to find a way to counteract. This and other incidents such as the infamous Montreal Screwjob would lead the way. Without many of their major players and pressure from a rival, what would the WWF do to survive? Enter the Attitude Era. The Attitude Era in the WWF wasn’t some planned change in the landscape but a desperate temporary fix. Once things picked there was a gradual shift back to family friendly wrestling, which is how it has been. While some think that the Attitude Era is the standard and the pinnacle, the 80s and early 90s were the true pinnacle of wrestling. That period featured the two most popular stars in wrestling history, Hogan and Warrior.(though his run was cut short) This period featured some of the greatest talents and characters like Savage, Perfect, Rude, Bret, Dibiase, Piper, Steamboat, Andre, the Dream…During this golden era, every belt had extreme importance. The Intercontinental title and Tag Titles were as significant as the World Title in their own way. Each field had its own crop of stars. Who can forget the Intercontinental Title on center stage at Wembley Stadium. This era clearly trumps the Attitude Era. This era was indeed a family oriented era with Hogan being the ultimate family friendly hero, transcending wrestling. And that, is an understatement.
Some despise the current direction of the WWE and contribute it to the “PG rating.” While they might have a point in some way, we must also remember the current time we’re living in. Things are much different than they were ten years ago. Society is different. Events like the infamous breast popping by Janet Jackson at the Superbowl, the terrorist attacks on September 11th, and the double murder suicide by Chris Benoit have caused society to be stricter. Cable and satellite are an even more necessity. There is no TV anymore; it’s just cable or satellite. While you can make the case that Raw is on a cable network, that just doesn’t fly anymore. It’s not as simple as just switching back a more adult product. Finally, there just isn’t a reason to switch to an adult product. The WWE is not in a desperate state. The only way you’ll see another Attitude Era is if their absolute survival depends on it. And even then, it will revert back to its natural state, family friendly. Children are the main consumer, so the product has to be aimed toward them. Enjoy the Attitude Era for what it was, a transition period. While great and memorable, as a witness of both eras, the 80s-early 90s was superior and more popular. It amazed me that some people were actually upset that Cena didn’t fight through the crowd with real blood pouring from his face. The PG rating is not the problem. Blaming the lack of quality product on the ratings gives McMahon the easy way out. All the talent is there. The possibilities are there. They just aren’t being creative. The same thing goes for TNA, even though they are a complete joke. Let’s end the PG smarkness and address the real issues.
You’ve just been saved .237
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10/27/2009 11:14:00 PM
ok what u have said is agreeable but not entirely.I haven't watched the 80's wrestling and quite frankly I can't even stand it on Vintage Collection .I have grown up watching Shawn Michaels,Bret Hart,Owen Hart,The Rock and Stonecold.Yes Vince doesn't have competition and doesn't feel the need to target a more adult audience.But please explain to me ,since when was two people beating the hell out of each other a parental guidance issue.How can violence be deemed pg or even thought of as pg.I was 11 when I watched to me the greatest match in wrestling history-Bret vs Shawn ,ironman match .They weren't pg back then and yet they got me hooked.And what's with the no blood policy,just to pander to the potential voters,does Vince think people are stupid and they will buy it and vote for Linda?An entire ppv themed around violence inside a steel cell -Hell in a Cell and no blood?Superman gets busted at Bragging Rights and they tape his cut back.Ric Flair was there in the era that u talk bout,The Yellow Trunks Superman and the 80's Batista ,he bled buckets ,at a time which u consider family friendly.When was two people beating the heck out of each other a family thing?And what's with the mutual respect thing that WWE does often-like with Batista-Undertaker or Superman-HBK or more recently with Rey and Batista.They r there to fight ,not to make love.Where's the old school screwing up ur opponent's matches,chairshots and verbal abuse?
Quote: U can't hunt what u can't kill!
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10/27/2009 11:28:00 PM
You weren't around for the 80s and have not watched it so you have no place here. Just read, don't comment. Again, there's a difference between real blood and fake blood. It's idiotic to blame them for stopping the match so Cena doesn't bleed on the damn audience when they went in the crowd. How stupid can you be to think that would be acceptable today. Political race or not, if I go to a scripted WWE event, I DO NOT want a wrestler bleeding on me. If wrestling wasn't a family friendly product, there's absolutely no way Hogan would've become the star he did. People of all ages knew/know Hulk Hogan.
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10/28/2009 6:15:00 AM
Superman-Orton match was just one instance .Explain to me how u go through 3 hell in a cell matches without a single drop of blood.Anyway that's not really the point,it's bout "family " audience .Well I can never watch wrestling sitting with my family ,which family likes to sit together and watch violence .Wrestling was adult world and should be that way .Two people beating the heck out of each other is not exactly a cartoon series is it?So why pander to the kids and change u'r product for them when it is not supposed to be for them?So that superman stays a superman,sells tshirts and caps?Last time I checked ,it was World Wrestling Entertainment ,not World Merchandise Entertainment.I was there in the 90's ,so I do deserve to be here ,I don't really care about a balding,yellow trunk wearing ,brother uttering, piece of over rated crap who is by far the worst wrestler in the world apart from Sycho Sid even if he did put wrestling on the map .
Quote: U can't hunt what u can't kill!
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10/28/2009 3:35:00 PM
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Originally Posted by HBKisGOD
Superman-Orton match was just one instance .Explain to me how u go through 3 hell in a cell matches without a single drop of blood.Anyway that's not really the point,it's bout "family " audience .Well I can never watch wrestling sitting with my family ,which family likes to sit together and watch violence .Wrestling was adult world and should be that way .Two people beating the heck out of each other is not exactly a cartoon series is it?So why pander to the kids and change u'r product for them when it is not supposed to be for them?So that superman stays a superman,sells tshirts and caps?Last time I checked ,it was World Wrestling Entertainment ,not World Merchandise Entertainment.I was there in the 90's ,so I do deserve to be here ,I don't really care about a balding,yellow trunk wearing ,brother uttering, piece of over rated crap who is by far the worst wrestler in the world apart from Sycho Sid even if he did put wrestling on the map .
Since you used the cartoon example I'll go that route. Some of the greatest and most popular cartoon classics were Tom and Jerry, Buggs Bunny vs. Elmer Fudd, and the Road Runner vs. the Coyote.. Those were extremely violent filled with extremely violent content. Elmer Fudd wanted to shoot Buggs with a shotgun. It is a well known fact that wrestling is a family shows and I have first hand experience with that as I grew up during the different eras. I'm speaking from experience and facts. You're an idiot.
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10/28/2009 5:48:00 PM
Good blog. Nice to see that this site isn't just full of 'adult' wrestling fans who constantly bi### & moan. It looks like the real mature fans are making a comeback 'round here, which is good news indeed.
In regards to the WWE's woes, everyone has to point their fingers at something. The PG rating is the biggest and easiest target. Oh, the same guys are in the title picture, time to blame the PG rating. Oh, matches aren't bloodbaths anymore, let's go cry about the PG rating. And the product may not be as entertaining anymore, so let's go weep about the PG rating while whacking off to Attitude Era clips, shouting through tears that we miss the good old days as we bust our load.
Chris Jericho may just be following a script, but he couldn't be more correct when he calls the fans hypocrites. Granted, he sees the hypocrisy of the fans in a different light as I do, but the fans are hypocritical none the less. As people clamor for a return to the Attitude Era, are they not just crying and complaining like children? And, also like children, these 'older' fans would smile with glee if they got what they wanted with things got edgy and violent again, would they not? The PG rating isn't a major problem, as you can easily have a great product without blood and whatnot. The solution is simple; the WWE has to try harder. And with Hogan/Bischoff in TNA, they just might have to.
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pocket
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February 08
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10/28/2009 6:38:00 PM
Nice blog dude... and I must say that its really good to see so many guys blogging as the site went through a tumble weed period and thank god its over! Oh and welcome back Don... not seen you and your sarcasm in a while:)
This PG Vs Attitude seems to be a hot topic right now! I just think its hard to bash guys for longing for Attitude and dismissing opinions... come on guys!
Wrestling is in this constant state of evolution. we had the pre 80's era where mutliple organisations came together and started forming an audience.... then came the colourful mega ratings of the 80's.... then the more grown up 90's..... then the desperation of the Attitude vs nWo.... then the Invasion into a more consistand time..... and now the kiddy kids slop........and who knows what comes next? Who knows how this TNA thing will turn out?
Its easy to cling to the crazy antics of Attitude but it was never ever a long term deal, couldn't have been sustainable! Its also easy to put that down and play the 80's card.... I loved that time because it was so colourfull and fun, but I couldn't wish it to return... who would want to see two oiled up meat heads locking palms for a test of strength? or a sleeper hold taking up a quarter of the match?
Once each period has past, its past for a reason. You have to keep up with the times and can never go back. You can't go back on the 80's, nor can you go back to get some attitude.... that would be crazy! You cvan only evolve and thats what happened!
Golden era of wrestling? some would say ratings which was the 80's... others would say revenue which was the Attitude era.... I say its personal preference...
Quote: Cool guys don't look at explosions!!!
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10/28/2009 7:10:00 PM
That's wat exactly I said u moron,it's not a CARTOON SHOW,it's a wrestling show.I don't want to see Bugs Bunny vs Elmer Fudd ,nobody does .It's bout 2 ADULTS fighting in the ring .All I care about is the heat between two rivals.They booked Superman and Orton on multiple shows and never really built the rivalry ,they just used gimmicks.And old man ,u r not sane just cause u saw an over rated yellow trunk wearing ass dominate WWF,in fact if u really liked seeing that,u r a bigger idiot than I am.WWE can still draw the kids to the shows without pandering to them and writing better shows and not recycling the same stuff over and over and over again .
Quote: U can't hunt what u can't kill!
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10/28/2009 7:33:00 PM
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Originally Posted by HBKisGOD
That's wat exactly I said u moron,it's not a CARTOON SHOW,it's a wrestling show.I don't want to see Bugs Bunny vs Elmer Fudd ,nobody does .It's bout 2 ADULTS fighting in the ring .All I care about is the heat between two rivals.They booked Superman and Orton on multiple shows and never really built the rivalry ,they just used gimmicks.And old man ,u r not sane just cause u saw an over rated yellow trunk wearing ass dominate WWF,in fact if u really liked seeing that,u r a bigger idiot than I am.WWE can still draw the kids to the shows without pandering to them and writing better shows and not recycling the same stuff over and over and over again .
You said that wrestling is violent, not a cartoon, so it cannot be a family show. I debunked your post by showing that the most popular cartoons had extreme violence in them, so wrestling can indeed be a family show. You refer to the wrestling's greatest asset of all time as an "overrated yellow trunk wearing." Hogan was a figurehead in both of the legendary eras in wrestling. Your precious Attitude Era might not have even happened if not for Hogan.
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10/28/2009 7:38:00 PM
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Originally Posted by DogKing1179
Good blog. Nice to see that this site isn't just full of 'adult' wrestling fans who constantly bi### & moan. It looks like the real mature fans are making a comeback 'round here, which is good news indeed.
In regards to the WWE's woes, everyone has to point their fingers at something. The PG rating is the biggest and easiest target. Oh, the same guys are in the title picture, time to blame the PG rating. Oh, matches aren't bloodbaths anymore, let's go cry about the PG rating. And the product may not be as entertaining anymore, so let's go weep about the PG rating while whacking off to Attitude Era clips, shouting through tears that we miss the good old days as we bust our load.
Chris Jericho may just be following a script, but he couldn't be more correct when he calls the fans hypocrites. Granted, he sees the hypocrisy of the fans in a different light as I do, but the fans are hypocritical none the less. As people clamor for a return to the Attitude Era, are they not just crying and complaining like children? And, also like children, these 'older' fans would smile with glee if they got what they wanted with things got edgy and violent again, would they not? The PG rating isn't a major problem, as you can easily have a great product without blood and whatnot. The solution is simple; the WWE has to try harder. And with Hogan/Bischoff in TNA, they just might have to.
I agree with you. What makes these "older" fans think that wrestling should go in their direction? It is really whiney. What good was blood going to do in the Cena/Orton match? It still would've been the 1000th time they faced each other. There are much bigger problems than the rating.
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10/28/2009 7:56:00 PM
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Originally Posted by pocket
Nice blog dude... and I must say that its really good to see so many guys blogging as the site went through a tumble weed period and thank god its over! Oh and welcome back Don... not seen you and your sarcasm in a while:)
This PG Vs Attitude seems to be a hot topic right now! I just think its hard to bash guys for longing for Attitude and dismissing opinions... come on guys!
Wrestling is in this constant state of evolution. we had the pre 80's era where mutliple organisations came together and started forming an audience.... then came the colourful mega ratings of the 80's.... then the more grown up 90's..... then the desperation of the Attitude vs nWo.... then the Invasion into a more consistand time..... and now the kiddy kids slop........and who knows what comes next? Who knows how this TNA thing will turn out?
Its easy to cling to the crazy antics of Attitude but it was never ever a long term deal, couldn't have been sustainable! Its also easy to put that down and play the 80's card.... I loved that time because it was so colourfull and fun, but I couldn't wish it to return... who would want to see two oiled up meat heads locking palms for a test of strength? or a sleeper hold taking up a quarter of the match?
Once each period has past, its past for a reason. You have to keep up with the times and can never go back. You can't go back on the 80's, nor can you go back to get some attitude.... that would be crazy! You cvan only evolve and thats what happened!
Golden era of wrestling? some would say ratings which was the 80's... others would say revenue which was the Attitude era.... I say its personal preference...
Hogan had so much charisma that he could put on a classic still. Hogan and Warrior wasn't about the wrestling, in fact, they could've just stared at each other for the whole match and not even touched each other, and it still would've been a classic. Even watching it now, it still gives chills. In rare instances, the characters and storyline can carry the match. Very rare, but Hogan is one of those guys. Pair him up with another SUPER OVER face, and the wrestling in the match itself doesn't really matter. I'm not putting the Attitude Era down, I'm just putting it into perspective. Going that route would just be a quick fix. Like you said, that isn't sustainable. We'll just be right back where we are now in time. The real fans are still watching. Many of the people who were fans during the Attitude Era weren't real wrestling fans. Those were casual fans. They are gone now.
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pocket
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10/29/2009 4:38:00 AM
you know which time was my favourite in history? its a toss up between the nWo who were amazing to watch.... the pre attitude D-Generation X and the whole war with the Harts, back and fourth in Canada...... and the 2 or 3 years from the start of the invasion to the Lesnar v Angle WrestleMania classic... The attitude was great fun, butit was too outragious with Hands being born on primetime tv!
The two periods before and after the attitude era were much more consistant... but I'd probably say that the nWo angle was the most exciting time in pro wrestling history, and then along came Goldberg and WOW was he hot as hell!
Quote: Cool guys don't look at explosions!!!
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10/29/2009 10:22:00 AM
Guys guys guys.
You forget that the Attitude era was not all about R-rated storylines. The NWO and WCW at the time when it was kicking the WWF's tail was a PG-rated show. Yeah it had blood in matches at times but the cursing was minimal, not much flesh-showing women, and the storylines were not really racy at all. WWE's went all R-rated to combat WCW. ECW was the truly R-rated show.
Anyway WWE needs to follow the blueprint of WCW 1996-2000 to actually get ratings without showing off nudity and over the top violence to make fans happy.
BTW...Hogan is wrestling. Bashing him is ignorant to say the least. He's part of both of the great era's of wrestling and you criticize him?At 6-8( sometimes listed 6-10) he's a big man and big man aren't suppose to "wrestle". Some of the biggest cards of all time are because of the hated slow big men like Hogan, Andre, Warrior, Kane, Taker and Nash. Wrestling looks weird now cause there aren't enough big men to balance out all the skin little boy wrestlers out there...lol
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10/29/2009 10:47:00 AM
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Originally Posted by kateria
Guys guys guys.
You forget that the Attitude era was not all about R-rated storylines. The NWO and WCW at the time when it was kicking the WWF's tail was a PG-rated show. Yeah it had blood in matches at times but the cursing was minimal, not much flesh-showing women, and the storylines were not really racy at all. WWE's went all R-rated to combat WCW. ECW was the truly R-rated show.
Anyway WWE needs to follow the blueprint of WCW 1996-2000 to actually get ratings without showing off nudity and over the top violence to make fans happy.
BTW...Hogan is wrestling. Bashing him is ignorant to say the least. He's part of both of the great era's of wrestling and you criticize him?At 6-8( sometimes listed 6-10) he's a big man and big man aren't suppose to "wrestle". Some of the biggest cards of all time are because of the hated slow big men like Hogan, Andre, Warrior, Kane, Taker and Nash. Wrestling looks weird now cause there aren't enough big men to balance out all the skin little boy wrestlers out there...lol
Hence the Attitude Era was R-rated. The Attitude Era is the description of WWE, not WCW. You can say the Monday Nights Wars weren't all R-rated but the Attitude Era was about being R-rated.
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