The Counterintuitive Key to Wrestling Success: Why Denying Fans Might Be the Future
For decades, the prevailing wisdom in professional wrestling has been to give the fans what they want. But a surprising argument is gaining traction, fueled by comments from former WWE star Matt Riddle: sometimes, the best way to build long-term engagement isn’t instant gratification. Riddle suggests that Vince McMahon’s often-criticized booking style – prioritizing his own vision over immediate fan approval – held a secret to sustained viewership that today’s leaders, Triple H and Tony Khan, may be overlooking.
Vince McMahon’s “Starvation” Strategy: A Plant Analogy
Riddle, speaking on “TMZ Sports,” articulated a compelling analogy. He likened wrestling fans to plants: “If you give it everything you think it wants…they get slow, they don’t appreciate what they have. But just like a plant, if you let it starve a little bit, then you feed it, it gets stronger, it gets healthier.” The core idea is that a constant stream of desired outcomes – dream matches delivered on demand, predictable storylines – diminishes the anticipation and emotional investment that drives consistent viewership. This isn’t about deliberately frustrating fans, but about pacing and building narratives with genuine stakes.
The Shift in Booking Philosophies: Triple H vs. Tony Khan
Riddle’s assessment isn’t a blanket condemnation of current booking. He acknowledges that Triple H is more willing to incorporate fan desires than McMahon was, and that Tony Khan actively caters to them. While fan service can generate immediate positive reactions – and certainly has a place in the industry – Riddle implies it risks creating a cycle of diminishing returns. The question becomes: how much fan input is beneficial, and at what point does it become detrimental to long-term storytelling?
The All Elite Wrestling (AEW) Model: Responsiveness and its Risks
Tony Khan’s approach with AEW has been lauded for its responsiveness to the fanbase. He’s demonstrably listened to calls for specific matches and storylines, often delivering them quickly. However, this rapid fulfillment can lead to a feeling of predictability. As wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer has noted, (link to Wrestling Observer Newsletter) the constant pursuit of “spots” and immediate gratification can overshadow character development and long-term narrative arcs.
WWE Under Triple H: A Balancing Act
Triple H appears to be attempting a middle ground. While he’s shown a willingness to listen to fan feedback – particularly in restoring certain characters and storylines – he’s also demonstrated a commitment to his own creative vision. The early returns on his tenure suggest a more nuanced approach, but the long-term success of this strategy remains to be seen. The challenge for WWE is to balance fan expectations with the need for compelling, unpredictable storytelling.
The Psychology of Anticipation: Why “Slow Burns” Still Work
The principle at play here is rooted in psychological principles of anticipation and reward. Delayed gratification often leads to a greater sense of satisfaction than immediate fulfillment. Think of the serialized storytelling that dominates television and streaming services. Cliffhangers, character arcs that unfold over seasons, and mysteries that take time to unravel are all examples of this principle in action. Wrestling, at its best, can be just as compelling a narrative medium, but it requires a willingness to resist the urge to deliver everything at once.
Implications for the Future of Pro Wrestling
The debate sparked by Matt Riddle’s comments highlights a crucial crossroads for the wrestling industry. The rise of social media and direct fan interaction has created unprecedented opportunities for responsiveness, but it also presents the risk of becoming overly reliant on immediate gratification. The future of wrestling may well depend on finding a sustainable balance between giving fans what they want and strategically withholding it, building anticipation, and fostering a deeper emotional connection to the product. The most successful promotions will likely be those that master the art of the “slow burn,” understanding that sometimes, the most satisfying stories are the ones that take time to unfold.
What are your predictions for the future of wrestling booking? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
