Okay, I know there have been some rough times in WWE Land. Ratings have dipped to record-low numbers and fans have voiced their opinion on how the product isn't up to their standards. The wrestlers have taken to social media or in interviews to fight back at the fans or "WWE Universe". Superstars like Xavier Woods, Seth Rollins, Paige and Alexa Bliss chime in on the fans' negativity. Hell, even backstage reporter Kayla Braxton was in on the action.
Does the WWE Universe have the right to bash the company? Absolutely. The WWE itself, gives the fans many avenues for them to voice their opinion and to listen to complaints so the company can do what they can to improve the product.
Do the superstars have the right to bash the fans? And before anyone goes and does the whole " We pay their salary, so they can't complain about anything" argument, remember this. The superstars are also human beings who trained and sacrificed their lives to get an opportunity to be a part of the biggest wrestling (yes, I said wrestling) promotion in the world. And some are frustrated, because they are probably doing the best that they can with what they have. Unfortunately, a lot of the WWE Universe can see through the facade. So, I think that the superstars are allowed to voice their frustrations with fans since deep down inside, they know that WWE has seen better days.
The solution to all this is simple: Improve the product in WWE. Having Paul Heyman and Eric Bischoff run creative for Raw and Smackdown Live! is a start. Not have Baron Corbin and Lacey Evans be in the main event since they're not, you know, main-eventers. Kofi needs to lose the WWE title since the run has reached its peak. I mean, these are some suggestions that the WWE can do to improve. This is all my opinion, of course. The "Universe" will have a laundry list of complaints that the WWE should see to help them since they did air an episode of Monday Night Raw about how they weren't listening to their audience.
But to answer the question, are the superstars becoming desperate criticizing their fanbase? I think it's a 50/50 situation. Half of it is the part where the talent is frustrated to where they have to answer back to the critics, because in their behalf, some are giving the best effort available to entertain the audience. Half of it is not really desperation, but more loyalty. The five mentioned at the beginning of this blog are prominent figures in WWE. All four are probably paid handsomely by the company and four are probably paid handsomely from merchandise sales. One superstar (Paige) had a movie made based on her life by the company's film department, which received rave reviews. Also all five receive sufficent TV time on Monday and Tuesday nights. If you think about it, these are the superstars that are the "voice" of the promotion that many fans will recognize due to their exposure. It comes off as desperation, because with everything being at an all-time low, they are defending the brand due to loyalty. I believe all five know that things aren't well, but try to be positive about it as much as they can.
The WWE could improve everything for the loyal fans to praise the company, but as we all know, you can't please every wrestling fan. Some will always complain. (Same with some of the the wrestlers).
(For more content, check out our Facebook page and our website @www.realsportsaz.com)