Wrestling promotions are known for pushing boundaries and trying out new ideas, but not every experiment becomes a hit. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and explore ten concepts that wrestling companies introduced, only to quickly abandon them.
**10. The Raw Robot**
In 2021, WWE unveiled the “Raw Robot” – a 3D creation meant to add flair to the show’s graphics. However, the muscular robot’s appearance left fans scratching their heads, and its brief stint on screens was soon forgotten.
**9. Referee Cameras**
WCW once experimented with referee cameras in the early ’90s, giving viewers a unique perspective of the action. While innovative, the concept fizzled out due to the awkward appearance of referees with cameras strapped to their heads.
**8. The WWE App**
WWE heavily promoted its official app from 2012 to 2014, offering exclusive content and interactive features. Despite initial hype, the app failed to deliver a seamless user experience and gradually lost its appeal.
**7. Tout**
Tout was touted as the next big social media platform, with WWE investing heavily in the venture. However, fan interest waned quickly, leading to WWE distancing itself from the platform and eventually abandoning it altogether.
**6. Questionable Graphics**
Between 2017 and 2018, WWE experimented with eye-catching graphics for wrestlers like Shinsuke Nakamura and The Usos. While intended to enhance their personas, these graphics often fell flat and were mocked by fans for their literal nature.
**5. The Two out of Three Falls Era**
In an effort to spice up TV matches, WWE leaned heavily on the “two out of three falls” stipulation. Unfortunately, the concept became overused, leading to viewer fatigue and a decline in its effectiveness.
**4. The TNA Ranking System**
TNA introduced a weekly ranking system in 2010, hoping to add a sports-like element to their programming. However, fan manipulation and creative frustrations led to the demise of the concept, proving difficult to sustain.
**3. The Electric Chair**
A segment featuring Sami Zayn in an electric chair, taking fan questions, seemed promising. Yet, after Zayn’s infamous name drop, WWE quickly abandoned the concept due to fan backlash.
**2. Post-Match Interviews**
For a brief period, WWE introduced post-match interviews to add depth to character development. Despite initial success, the concept was abruptly dropped, leaving fans puzzled.
**1. Tuesday Pay-Per-Views**
WWE’s attempt to shift pay-per-view events to Tuesdays in the early ’90s and 2000s met with disappointment. Low buy rates and attendance led to a swift return to Sunday events, proving that tradition sometimes reigns supreme.
There you have it – ten concepts that wrestling companies tried, but ultimately abandoned. Which experiment do you wish had stuck around? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and stay tuned for more wrestling content from WrestleAmia!
