Thank You to All Our Loyal Readers!!

Well, it’s finally here, the last Wrestle Talk column. It’s been an absolute pleasure to have had the opportunity to write for this great newspaper. I will definitely miss you all. Take care and best wishes to everyone!

So, as this is the last column, I will be answering a question that I have received a lot of emails on. What are my thoughts about the current state and the future of pro wrestling?

Currently, I feel the current state of pro wrestling is doing well. There is competition within the major companies, and a choice in which company to watch, such as WWE, AEW, ROH and NJPW. The WWE has long been the leader in sports entertainment, but as the years have passed, we have other companies that we are able to watch and support, and I hope it stays this way. I would also love to see younger companies in the business rise up and become new contenders. I have always felt that the WWE, for long time monopolized the wrestling business, and seeing companies like ROH, TNA AEW shown on national wide television is a breath of fresh air. Wrestling fans should have choices on who to watch, and never again should they be held down to watching just one company. My favorite company to watch has been New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), who has expanded their reach to the United States over the years, even touring in many U.S. cities. They have brought their brand of Strong Style to the states, along with new talent for everyone to watch and enjoy. I feel that NJPW will continue to grow, and all they are currently missing, is a major TV deal. As for smaller companies, there are a few that are touring around the country like Game Changer Wrestling (GCW), and just like NJPW, I feel they will also continue to grow, and hopefully get a national TV deal that will help their product grow.

As for the future of pro wrestling, I feel that the whole business will eventually need to evolve, to keep fans interested in pro wrestling. Now, by evolving, I mean wrestling would have to change from its current way of production, into a new form of storytelling. Would it be that wrestling turns more into movies production? I say YES, that would be the way to go. We have seen it in the past, with the likes of The UnderTaker and Bray Waytt. I feel that wrestling could take their stories onto the big screen, where they can continue the feuds beyond the square circle.

Now, I’m an old school wrestling fan. I still love and believe in the gimmicks (characters) of the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. I believe that’s what made wrestling fun and popular. But the modern day wrestling fans may not want a resurgence of the past. They may want something new and different, and for pro wrestling to remain popular, change is not option but a necessity to keep the fans coming back.

Whatever route pro wrestling takes in the future, just remember this “suspend disbelief and enjoy the show.”

…..Thank you……

My email will remain active for any questions and thoughts. You can reach me at eavil183@yahoo.com