Before the premiere of Monday Night Raw on Netflix (generally well-received), there was much discussion, debate, and curiosity among fans regarding how mature the program would become. Over the years, WWE’s target audience has fluctuated, and with changing societal norms, this shift has impacted the show’s tone, themes, style, and even TV rating. Some fans anticipated that the move to Netflix might lead to more violence, stronger language, and potentially explicit content. On the other hand, others hoped the transition wouldn’t alter the series, enabling it to remain a suitable choice for families. Now, with the first episode complete, the outcome is mixed.
For enthusiasts eager for WWE to break new ground, there were several moments to get pumped about. The Rock let slip an “unsuitable” term during his segment which was left uncensored, as well as crowd chants containing profanities being aired without any editing. Additionally, Travis Scott, who accompanied Jey Uso to the ring, openly smoked marijuana while walking among the audience, and the camera didn’t seem to avoid capturing him taking puffs. Frankly, such events would be quite uncommon on USA Network.
If you’re a fan of WWE, you might have found yourself torn between wanting to support them and having reasons to be enthusiastic. A surprise moment occurred when The Rock seemed to use an expletive during a brief interaction with Pat McAfee, which was swiftly censored. In the match between Seth Rollins and CM Punk, there was a bit of blood, but it didn’t result in a heavily graphic scene. Overall, the events of the show, except for the instances I mentioned earlier, seemed like they could have taken place at any point over the past few years on WWE TV. In essence, the program was remarkably similar to what we’ve been accustomed to watching, with only minor variations.
Moving forward, I anticipate that we’ll continue to hear unmuted crowd chants, even those with explicit language, as this aligns with the sentiments expressed by WWE’s key personnel before the change. Triple H, the Chief Content Officer, has been vocal about his discontent when network censors bleep out audience swearing. The crowd plays a significant role in the show, and their reactions and opinions are crucial to consider. Consequently, it’s not unexpected that neither the chants nor the boos for Hulk Hogan were muted. Moreover, Triple H has also expressed his belief that WWE doesn’t need explicit content to be a quality product, and that withholding edgy elements like blood and swearing makes them more impactful when they are used.
In Kevin Owens’ ongoing storyline involving the piledriver, you can observe an instance of this phenomenon. This move is frequently used in AEW without any response, but due to its longtime prohibition in WWE, when Owens executed one on Randy Orton and later on Cody Rhodes, it elicited audible gasps from the astonished audience. I anticipate similar reactions to increased usage of strong language and graphic violence in future plots, as they will occasionally surface in surprising circumstances, creating a significant impact.
The middle approach seems unlikely to fully satisfy either party involved. A sizable group of wrestling enthusiasts yearn for WWE to become more daring and mature, emulating the Attitude Era of the late 90s and early 2000s when the company was more boundary-pushing. They reminisce about this time fondly and desire a show that caters to adults, incorporating stronger language and adult themes in conflicts, as well as more intense or extreme matches. Some even admire AEW’s use of blood and riskier moves, finding it appealing. However, I don’t think they’ll consistently get this kind of content here, even with the shift to Netflix.
Some viewers prefer that wrestling shows be family-friendly, as they wish to watch these programs alongside their children or create a safe viewing environment for them. They view wrestling as an entertainment option suitable for all ages and do not want their young ones exposed to explicit language, such as frequent F-bombs, or graphic scenes like people being hit with barbed wire and severely injured. If they perceive the content as inappropriate, these viewers may cease watching and direct their children’s attention elsewhere, making it challenging to cultivate future generations of fans. I believe that for the most part, they will be satisfied with WWE programming going forward; however, there may occasionally be more mature elements that slip through.
I prefer a well-balanced approach for WWE, one that is both entertaining and suitable for all audiences. I believe compelling storylines don’t necessarily require explicit content or edgy language. Instead, I envision WWE as a diverse platform, showcasing various wrestling styles that cater to everyone’s tastes. However, occasionally, I would like to see the company push boundaries with unpredictable moments, such as graphic injuries during matches and heated exchanges with strong language, which adds depth to those scenes. This balance ensures that these occasional intense moments maintain their impact without alienating parents or making WWE inappropriate for younger viewers.
A mixed strategy like this won’t please everyone entirely. However, I believe a significant number of supporters will find the compromise satisfactory, making it a suitable choice for moving ahead.
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2025-01-10 19:07