The WWE, an iconic powerhouse in sports entertainment, has had its fair share of memorable moments. From iconic catchphrases that once echoed through arenas to jaw-dropping stunts that left us breathless, there’s a treasure trove of special moments the WWE should consider resurrecting.
While wrestling has continuously evolved, some of the most awesome practices from yesteryears may have fallen into the shadows. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to revisit some awesome events that WWE should consider bringing back.
Money in the Bank at Wrestlemania
Back in 2005, the WWE had a genius idea to pump up the excitement of WrestleMania with a new event called the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. This thrilling contest had multiple wrestlers battling it out to get their hands on a special briefcase containing a championship contract. It was a massive hit, drawing in countless fans to WWE.
The rise in fans was also registered in another relatable field; WWE betting. Initially, most markets were on choosing the potential winner of a one-on-one match and now fans had a more exciting event to bet on which included 5-10 participants. Some of the top casino sites in the UK which also have a sportsbook section, offered this and several other markets for players to bet on. By introducing Money In The Bank, the WWE made its betting scene even more vibrant.
The event was also influenced by the previous success of TLC matches, making it an instant fan favorite. But what made it even more exciting was the unique twist—the winner could cash in the contract for a title shot anytime within the following year, adding the element of suspense.
Over time, WWE tried different approaches to ensure more wrestlers had a chance to shine at WrestleMania like big tag team matches and the André the Giant Battle Royal. However, none of these alternatives could match the thrill of the original Money in the Bank ladder match on WrestleMania’s grand stage.
King of the Ring
The King of the Ring was a thrilling event featuring intense one-on-one matches among fifteen to sixteen wrestlers in a single elimination bracket. Each victor progresses to face another, leading to the ultimate King of the Ring. This memorable three-hour pay-per-view tradition offered more than just the tournament; it had an exciting lineup with matches that left fans wanting more.
The tournament style allowed for fresh rivalries and captivating storylines, and the unpredictability added excitement, especially with the winner earning a shot at the number one spot in SummerSlam.
Over the years, the King of the Ring has catapulted many WWE wrestlers to superstardom, like Stone Cold, Triple H, Kurt Angle, and Brock Lesnar. Even established stars find winning the King of the Ring rejuvenating, providing an opportunity to reinvent themselves and reach new heights in their careers, all the more reason it should make a comeback in the WWE.
Non-scripted Promos
In today’s WWE, fans are frustrated with the lack of individuality among superstars due to excessive scripting. Gone are the Attitude Era days, when charismatic stars like The Rock and Mick Foley had more creative freedom. Now, performances feel insincere, lacking the authentic connection with the audience that once made them memorable.
In the past, wrestlers engaged with the crowd, adding personality and believability to their acts. It makes one wonder if today’s legends could reach the same heights under such stringent control or if WWE would have emerged victorious in the epic Monday Night Wars against WCW.
A great example is from one of the greatest promo artists of all time—Stone Cold Steve Austin. He understands the value of speaking from the heart and captivating the fans, creating unforgettable moments. Take his iconic “Austin 3:16” promo after winning the King of the Ring in 1996, where he said, “Austin 3:16 says I just whooped your a**,” a catchphrase that still resonates today.
Rare Encounters
It’s well-known that in the world of pro wrestling, rare encounters between wrestlers can make the matches all the more exciting. Vince McMahon, the big boss of WWE, once pointed out that less frequent appearances of certain wrestlers, like Brock Lesnar and Sting, actually make fans want to see them even more.
Remember when The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels, two legendary wrestlers, faced each other at WrestleMania 25? What made this showdown so special was that it had been 11 years since their last singles match back in 1998. Keeping iconic wrestlers like Stone Cold and The Rock apart for long periods also added to the hype. They only had a few one-on-one pay-per-view matches, which turned out to be some of the most epic clashes in WWE history.
Let’s compare this with more recent feuds, like John Cena versus Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose against Bray Wyatt. When these rivalries started in 2014, they faced each other weekly for three months straight! It felt like we saw them every time we turned on the TV, often in regular singles matches and sometimes even in special gimmick matches.
