In the world of professional wrestling, where larger-than-life characters and dramatic narratives reign supreme, the art of storytelling is paramount. But what happens when the focus shifts too much towards the top stars, leaving little room for the mid-carders to shine? This is a question that former WWE producer and wrestler Brian 'Road Dogg' James is asking, and it's one that resonates with many fans and industry insiders alike. In an exclusive interview with 'Busted Open Radio', James offered a scathing critique of WWE's current roster utilization, arguing that the promotion is missing a crucial element: a diverse range of stories and characters.
James, who has been a part of WWE for decades, leaving earlier this year, believes that the company's current approach is limiting its potential. He points out that WWE needs to balance its top-tier talent with a strong mid-card scene, much like Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), a developmental territory run by former WWE star Al Snow. According to James, OVW's success lies in its ability to tell multiple engaging stories simultaneously, offering a mix of comedy, serious wrestling, and title battles.
'You can't just have a top guy and tell his title story, or a girl and tell their title story,' James said. 'You've got to have some underneath stuff. That's what I believe is kind of hurting WWE right now. Everybody seems like a top guy. There's no mid-card entertainment.'
In my opinion, James' critique hits the nail on the head. WWE has long been criticized for its top-heavy roster, where the focus is primarily on the main eventers and their respective title reigns. While this approach can be effective in generating buzz and creating stars, it can also lead to a lack of depth and variety in the storytelling. The result is a show that, while exciting, may feel a bit one-dimensional, with little room for the mid-carders to develop and capture the audience's imagination.
What makes James' perspective particularly fascinating is his emphasis on the importance of a diverse roster. In my view, WWE's current situation is a classic case of too much of a good thing. The promotion has an abundance of top talent, but the lack of a strong mid-card scene means that these stars are often underutilized. This, in turn, can lead to a sense of stagnation, where the show feels predictable and lacking in fresh ideas.
From my perspective, WWE needs to take a page out of OVW's book. By embracing a more varied approach to storytelling, the promotion can create a more dynamic and engaging product. This doesn't necessarily mean diluting the focus on the top stars, but rather finding a balance between the main event and the mid-card. After all, the mid-carders are the backbone of any successful wrestling promotion, providing the foundation for the top stars to shine even brighter.
One thing that immediately stands out is the importance of character development. WWE needs to invest more time and effort into building compelling characters, both on the main roster and in developmental territories like OVW. This means creating distinct personalities, backstories, and motivations that resonate with the audience. By doing so, the promotion can create a more engaging and immersive experience, where fans are invested in the journeys of a wider range of characters.
What many people don't realize is that the mid-card scene is not just about filling time or providing a break for the main eventers. It's about creating a sense of community and investment among the fans. When the mid-carders are given the opportunity to shine, they become more than just supporting characters; they become fan favorites, creating a sense of loyalty and engagement that can extend beyond the ring.
If you take a step back and think about it, the current state of WWE's roster utilization is a missed opportunity. The promotion has the talent and the resources to create a truly exceptional product, but it needs to find the right balance between the top stars and the mid-carders. By embracing a more diverse approach to storytelling, WWE can create a show that is both exciting and engaging, capturing the imagination of fans around the world.
In conclusion, Brian James' critique of WWE's current roster utilization is a call to action for the promotion to reevaluate its approach. By embracing the philosophy of OVW, WWE can create a more dynamic and engaging product, one that celebrates the diversity of its talent and captures the imagination of its fans. It's time for WWE to find the right balance between the top stars and the mid-carders, and in doing so, create a show that is truly exceptional.
