We just might be in the "Platinum Era" of Pro Wrestling.
Platinum era of Pro Wrestling.
By l0ufromdaBX
Professional wrestling has been a hybrid form of entertainment for many years. From its beginnings in Greco Roman to modern day deathmatches, wrestling has captured the hearts of millions of its fans. And over time the industry has undergone various changes both in terms of the wrestling product itself and the way it’s presented. In my opinion today more than ever we may be living in the “Platinum era” of Pro wrestling and it is a great time to be a pro wrestling fan.
One of the reasons why it is a great time to be a pro wrestling fan is the number of promotions that are available today. Traditionally, professional wrestling was dominated by a few large companies. The 80’s and 90’s saw the rise of WWF/E, WCW and to a lesser extent Impact Wrestling/TNA. However, in recent years, a host of new promotions, such as All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Game Changer Wresting (GCW), the reemergence of Ring of Honor (ROH), Revolver, Warrior Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), and hundreds of other companies have brought a fresh perspective to the industry, with their unique approach to storytelling, presentation, and in-ring action.
Fans of pro wrestling are among some of the most passionate fans of any sport. There are constant arguments on social media and other wise about what era is better and which promotion is best.
The emergence of these new promotions has also brought about a much-needed change in the wrestling landscape. In the past, the industry was controlled by the “big” promotions such as WWF and WCW leading to some of the greatest wrestling angles in the history of the sport but at the same time lead to complacency and a lack of innovation. However, with the rise of new promotions wrestlers and promoters alike have been forced to up their game resulting in an increase in quality and creativity. Another reason why it is a great time to be a pro wrestling fan is the accessibility of content. In the past, fans were limited to watching wrestling on television or attending live events. However, with the rise of streaming services such as Peacock hosting WWE content, NJPW World, and Fite TV, fans can now access wrestling content from around the world at anytime from anywhere.
El Hijo de Vikingo is among one of the new crop of new legends in the wrestling industry. His high octane, daredevil style mesmerizes crowds all over the world and is one of the arguing points of older wrestling fans who say wrestling today is just “a spot fest.”
The accessibility of content has also opened opportunities for wrestlers and promotions to reach new audiences and get themselves “over” with new fans. Social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube have allowed wrestlers to connect with fans on a more personal level, leading to an increase in popularity and exposure. Promotions have also been able to use these platforms to promote their shows and engage with fans, leading to a more significant and engaged fan base.
Finally, this new “Platinum era” of pro wrestling is highlighted by the level of talent now available. The quality of in-ring action has been taken to another level with the current-day athletes. The modern-day wrestlers are moving and performing at a rate that boggles the mind. Ricochet, Io Sky, Will Osprey, Rey Fenix, Ninja Mack, Gringo Loco and El hijo de Vikingo, are just a few who are quickly becoming the new legends of the sport with the level of difficulty their moves have. While Rob Van Dam’s 5 star frog splash and Van-Daminator/Terminator were considered to be the height of athleticism in ECW in the late 90’s Vikingo’s “630 senton” for example is a move that couldn’t be conceived of in those days. Live crowds today are subjected to so many different styles on a pro wrestling show there is literally something for everyone. In the past in-ring storytelling and big attractions were the focus more so than high-flying flashy moves or “spots” which leads to the constant discourse between modern day and older wrestling fans about what pro wrestling actually is.
Professional wrestling has gone through and will continue to go through changes however, with the emergence of these new promotions wrestlers have been given more creative freedom, resulting in high-octane matches that are both entertaining and exciting. The quality of wrestling has also been influenced by the influx of talent from around the world. Promotions such as NJPW and AEW have brought in wrestlers from Japan, Mexico, and Europe, resulting in a diverse and talented roster that can deliver high-quality matches.
In conclusion, today is a great time to be a pro wrestling fan. The industry has seen an unprecedented rise in popularity, thanks to the emergence of new promotions and the accessibility of content to fans worldwide. With a renewed focus on quality and innovation, and a diverse and talented roster of wrestlers from around the world, there has never been a better time to be enjoy this “Platinum era” of professional wrestling.