Alright, so today I wanna talk about something that’s been bugging me for a while: WWE and those awesome elevated stages they used to have. I mean, remember those days? Attitude Era, Ruthless Aggression Era… man, those were the times! Big, elaborate sets, wrestlers coming down from way up high – it just added to the whole spectacle.
So, I started digging around, trying to figure out why did WWE get rid of elevated stages? It wasn’t like a single moment, a sudden decision. It was more of a gradual thing, a slow shift over the years. Here’s what I pieced together from watching old shows, reading interviews, and just plain old internet sleuthing.
The Cost Factor
First things first, let’s talk money. Those massive stages weren’t cheap. I mean, you’re talking about tons of steel, lighting rigs, pyrotechnics… the whole shebang. Transporting it from city to city had to be a nightmare. I remember reading somewhere that some of the older WrestleMania sets cost millions just to build and move. Nowadays, WWE is all about maximizing profits, and those elaborate stages just didn’t fit the bill anymore.
The Logistics Nightmare
Okay, so even if they were willing to spend the money, think about the logistics involved. You need a massive crew to set up those stages. We are talking about complex structures and intricate designs that need to be assembled quickly and efficiently. Travel time is another huge factor as well because WWE has to travel every single week to different venues all over the world. If the production crew is spending more time building the stage than they are resting and preparing for the next show, it can really take a toll on performance.
Safety Concerns
This is a big one. Those elevated stages looked cool, but they also presented a serious risk to the performers. I mean, you’ve got guys taking bumps and dives off those things. A single misstep could lead to a career-ending injury. I recall seeing a few near misses back in the day, and I’m sure WWE brass was constantly sweating bullets about someone getting seriously hurt. The risk probably outweighed the spectacle in their eyes.
The Focus Shift
Over time, I noticed WWE’s focus started to shift away from the elaborate stage designs and more towards the in-ring action and the wrestlers themselves. They started investing more in the talent, the storylines, and the overall presentation of the show. The stage became more of a backdrop, a simple frame for the action in the ring. To me, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The characters and the wrestling matter most.
The TV Deal
I think their new deal with TV also changed a lot of the production quality. I remember the older stages being much better and the sets were much more elaborate. I don’t know if they were cutting costs due to the pandemic or other constraints, but the TV deal really changed the game.
The Final Verdict
So, yeah, that’s my take on why WWE got rid of the elevated stages. It’s a combination of cost, logistics, safety, and a shift in focus. Do I miss them? Absolutely! But I also understand why they made the change. The wrestling industry is constantly evolving, and WWE is always looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve. I’m sure they will continue to make adjustments as time goes on, and one day they may decide to start using elevated stages again.
