The Untapped Potential of Wrestling’s “Reality” Era: Could Being the Elite’s Return Reshape Fan Engagement?
Nine months of silence. That’s how long it’s been since a new episode of Being the Elite graced YouTube, leaving a dedicated fanbase wondering about the future of the groundbreaking series. But the conversation isn’t over. Recent comments from Matt Jackson suggest a potential revival – and a much larger exploration of the format – is brewing within All Elite Wrestling (AEW). This isn’t just about bringing back a popular show; it’s a potential blueprint for how wrestling promotions can leverage unscripted content to build deeper connections with fans and unlock new revenue streams.
The BTE Revival: More Than Just a YouTube Show
During a Q&A session with his wife, Dana, on their travel YouTube channel, Jackson revealed he’s been contacted by “someone high up in AEW” regarding a Being the Elite return. While he expressed uncertainty, the discussion extended beyond simply rebooting the series. A full-fledged movie adaptation was floated, though Jackson seemed skeptical about the feasibility of such a project. More intriguing, however, was the idea of a documentary crafted from the vast archive of unused footage – “hours and hours and hours” – accumulated over the years.
This archive represents a goldmine. Jackson highlighted footage of everything from match construction to behind-the-scenes moments typically kept private, like wrestlers without masks. This willingness to document the unglamorous, the “taboo,” is precisely what set Being the Elite apart and fostered a sense of authenticity that resonated with viewers. It’s a stark contrast to the heavily produced, carefully curated narratives often presented by wrestling promotions.
Why the Pause? The Shifting Landscape of Wrestling Content
Being the Elite’s hiatus coincided with the launch of Being the Dark Order, a spin-off focusing on another AEW faction. While a logical move to expand the format, it arguably diluted the unique appeal of the original. The success of Being the Elite wasn’t solely about the wrestling; it was about the personalities of The Young Bucks and their unfiltered access. This shift highlights a key challenge for wrestling promotions: how to replicate that organic connection when extending the format to other groups.
The pause also occurred during a period of rapid evolution in wrestling’s content strategy. Promotions are increasingly experimenting with streaming services, exclusive behind-the-scenes content on platforms like Patreon, and short-form video on TikTok and Instagram. The market is becoming saturated, making it harder to stand out. A revived Being the Elite, particularly a documentary format, could cut through the noise by offering a deeper, more compelling narrative.
The Documentary Angle: A Potential Game-Changer
The documentary concept is arguably the most exciting element of Jackson’s comments. A well-produced documentary could appeal to a broader audience than the core wrestling fanbase. It could explore the journey of The Young Bucks, from their independent wrestling roots to their pivotal role in founding AEW, offering insights into the business side of professional wrestling and the challenges of building a new promotion.
This approach aligns with the growing popularity of sports documentaries like Drive to Survive (Formula 1) and Last Dance (Michael Jordan/Chicago Bulls). These series demonstrate that fans are hungry for authentic, behind-the-scenes access to the worlds they love. A Being the Elite documentary could tap into that same demand, potentially attracting new viewers to AEW and solidifying the loyalty of existing fans. According to a recent report by Nielsen, documentary viewership has increased by 22% in the last five years, demonstrating a clear appetite for this type of content. [Nielsen Report on Documentary Viewership]
Beyond AEW: The Broader Implications for Wrestling
The potential return of Being the Elite, and particularly the documentary idea, has implications beyond AEW. It could encourage other wrestling promotions to embrace a more transparent and unscripted approach to storytelling. WWE, for example, has experimented with behind-the-scenes content, but often maintains a tighter control over the narrative. A more authentic approach, similar to Being the Elite, could help WWE connect with a younger, more discerning audience.
Furthermore, the success of a Being the Elite documentary could pave the way for similar projects focusing on other wrestlers and promotions. The history of professional wrestling is filled with compelling stories, and a documentary format offers a powerful way to share those stories with a wider audience. This could lead to a renaissance in wrestling-related content, attracting new investment and expanding the reach of the sport.
What are your predictions for the future of Being the Elite and the role of unscripted content in professional wrestling? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
