The Resurgence of Storytelling in Pro Wrestling: MLW’s Kross vs. Riddle and the Future of Fandom
The professional wrestling industry is experiencing a fascinating shift. While athletic spectacle remains paramount, the emphasis on compelling narratives – the kind that draw fans in beyond the in-ring action – is rapidly increasing. This isn’t a new phenomenon, but the strategic deployment of pre-existing fan investment, as evidenced by MLW’s announcement of the Killer Kross vs. Matt Riddle match for their Charleston show on November 20th, signals a more sophisticated approach to building anticipation and driving viewership.
From Training Partners to Rivals: The Power of Shared History
The core appeal of Kross vs. Riddle isn’t simply two talented performers colliding; it’s the layered history between them. Once training partners, now positioned as potential rivals, this dynamic immediately provides a pre-built narrative foundation. MLW’s Cesar Duran, the storyline architect, understands this implicitly, framing the match as a test of a former friendship. This taps into a fundamental human fascination: watching relationships evolve, particularly when conflict arises. It’s a technique borrowed from long-form television and increasingly vital in a media landscape saturated with content.
Beyond the Match: Building a Larger Narrative Universe
This match isn’t occurring in a vacuum. The surrounding storylines – Brock Anderson’s challenge to Mads Krule Krugger stemming from a brutal Chamber of Horrors incident, the presence of wrestling legend Arn Anderson, and the scheduled appearance of Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows – all contribute to a broader, interconnected narrative. This is a key trend: promotions are moving away from isolated feuds and towards creating a more immersive “universe” where actions have consequences and characters’ paths intersect. This approach fosters a sense of investment and encourages fans to follow multiple storylines, increasing engagement across all platforms.
The Impact of Multi-Platform Distribution
MLW’s decision to air the Charleston event on both YouTube and BeIN Sports is also significant. This dual-platform strategy maximizes reach, catering to both established wrestling fans and a potentially new audience discovering the promotion through YouTube’s algorithm. The accessibility offered by platforms like YouTube is crucial for growth, particularly for promotions seeking to challenge the dominance of larger companies. This mirrors a broader trend in entertainment, where content is increasingly consumed on-demand and across multiple devices.
Riddle’s Criticism and the Role of Authority Figures
Matt Riddle’s vocal criticism of Duran’s matchmaking, comparing it unfavorably to Brock Lesnar, adds another layer of complexity. This isn’t simply a wrestler complaining; it’s a character actively challenging the authority figure within the storyline. This creates a sense of unpredictability and raises the stakes. The dynamic between wrestlers and authority figures is a classic wrestling trope, but its effective execution relies on believable character motivations and compelling dialogue.
The Bunkhouse Brawl and the Appeal of Extreme Stipulations
The announced Bunkhouse Brawl between Brock Anderson and Krugger further demonstrates MLW’s willingness to embrace more extreme and visually striking match types. These stipulations, while potentially risky, often generate significant buzz and attract viewers seeking a more visceral experience. A study by WrestleNomics (https://wrestlenomics.com/) consistently shows a correlation between unique match types and increased viewership for certain promotions. However, it’s crucial to balance spectacle with compelling storytelling to avoid matches feeling gratuitous.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Wrestling Storytelling
The success of MLW’s strategy, and the broader trend towards more intricate storytelling, hinges on several factors. Maintaining consistency in character development, avoiding convoluted plotlines, and prioritizing compelling in-ring action are all essential. Furthermore, promotions must continue to leverage the power of social media and direct fan interaction to build anticipation and foster a sense of community. The lines between kayfabe (the illusion of reality) and reality are increasingly blurred, and promotions that can effectively navigate this ambiguity will be best positioned to thrive.
What are your predictions for the Kross vs. Riddle match? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
