The WWE's Mid-Card Crisis: A Tale of Lost Balance and Forgotten Storytelling
There’s something deeply unsettling about the current state of WWE, and it’s not just the over-reliance on high-flying moves or the predictable title storylines. Personally, I think the real issue lies in what’s missing—the mid-card. When Brian James, better known as Road Dogg, pointed this out in a recent interview, it struck a chord. What makes this particularly fascinating is that James isn’t just another critic; he’s someone who’s been in the trenches, both as a wrestler and a producer, for decades. His departure from WWE earlier this year wasn’t just a career move—it was a statement.
The Problem with Everyone Being a 'Top Guy'
James’s observation that ‘everybody seems like a top guy’ in WWE today is spot on. In my opinion, this homogenization of talent is killing the show’s depth. When every match feels like a main event, nothing truly stands out. It’s like serving a five-course meal where every dish is dessert—overwhelming and ultimately unsatisfying. What many people don’t realize is that the mid-card is the backbone of any wrestling promotion. It’s where characters are developed, rivalries are built, and fans find reasons to care beyond the title picture.
If you take a step back and think about it, WWE’s current approach feels like a band playing only their greatest hits. Sure, it’s exciting at first, but after a while, you start craving something new, something unexpected. James’s comparison to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) is particularly insightful. OVW, under Al Snow’s leadership, has managed to create a variety show—comedy, serious wrestling, and a strong women’s division all coexist. This raises a deeper question: Why can’t WWE, with its vast resources, do the same?
The Art of Variety in Wrestling
One thing that immediately stands out from James’s comments is his emphasis on variety. He famously said, ‘I want a bear riding a bicycle and a guy spinning plates.’ While it sounds whimsical, it’s a metaphor for the kind of unpredictability that’s missing from WWE today. Wrestling isn’t just about suplexes and finishers; it’s about storytelling, character, and moments that stick with you. What this really suggests is that WWE has lost sight of the show’s totality.
From my perspective, the obsession with high-octane matches has diluted the product. When every bout is a ‘barn-burner,’ the term loses its meaning. A detail that I find especially interesting is how this approach mirrors a broader trend in entertainment—the chase for instant gratification. But wrestling, at its core, is a slow burn. It’s about building anticipation, not just delivering it in every segment.
The Broader Implications for WWE’s Future
James’s critique isn’t just about the mid-card; it’s about WWE’s identity. What does the promotion stand for if every wrestler is treated as a top star? This lack of hierarchy not only confuses fans but also limits creative possibilities. For instance, mid-card titles like the Intercontinental Championship used to be stepping stones to greatness. Now, they feel like afterthoughts.
A surprising angle here is how this issue ties into WWE’s struggle to retain talent. James left because he felt unappreciated, and his comments suggest he’s not alone. When wrestlers don’t see a clear path to growth or meaningful storylines, they’re more likely to seek opportunities elsewhere. This isn’t just a creative problem—it’s a business one.
Looking Ahead: Can WWE Course-Correct?
The good news is that WWE has the tools to fix this. It’s not about reinventing the wheel but rediscovering what made wrestling great in the first place. Personally, I think the first step is to reinvest in the mid-card. Give wrestlers outside the main event scene meaningful storylines, and let them shine.
What makes this particularly interesting is that WWE’s competitors, like AEW and OVW, are already doing this. They’re not afraid to experiment, to let talent breathe, and to tell stories that don’t revolve around titles. If WWE wants to stay relevant, it needs to take a page from their book.
Final Thoughts
James’s comments aren’t just a critique—they’re a call to action. Wrestling is at its best when it’s balanced, when it offers something for everyone. In my opinion, WWE’s current state is a symptom of a larger issue: the pursuit of spectacle over substance. But there’s hope. If WWE listens to voices like James’s and embraces the art of variety, it can reclaim its throne. After all, wrestling isn’t just about what happens in the ring—it’s about the stories we tell and the moments we remember. And right now, WWE needs to start telling better stories.
