One of the things we've discovered through the years with professional wrestling, and what makes it so intriguing to us, is iconic rivalries. Today, I want to take a look at the elements involved in making an iconic rivalry and what special components ensure that the rivalry reaches out and captures our imagination and attention, making sure it lives on in memory forever.
Conflict: The Heart of Every Great Storyline
At the heart of every great storyline is some form of conflict. Whether it's a personal vendetta, a battle for supremacy, or a quest for championship gold, there needs to be a clear and compelling reason for the competitors to face off against each other. A great example would be the feud between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Vince McMahon in the late 1990s. This showcased intense conflict between the rebellious Austin and the tyrannical Mr. McMahon, leading to numerous memorable moments, like Austin's defiance of authority and McMahon's attempts to hinder him at every turn.
Compelling Characters: The Lifeblood of Professional Wrestling
Characters are the lifeblood of professional wrestling, and a great storyline hinges on the strength of its characters. From heroic babyfaces to villainous heels, each competitor should have a distinct personality, motivations, and some kind of backstory that resonates with the audience. The rivalry between The Rock and Triple H during the Attitude Era is a perfect example, featuring two larger-than-life characters with distinct personalities. The Rock's charisma and cocky demeanor clashed with Triple H's ruthlessness, creating a compelling dynamic between the two rivals.
Emotional Investment: Evoking Strong Emotions
The best storylines evoke strong emotions from the audience, whether it's excitement, anger, sympathy, or joy. By creating relatable characters and high-stakes conflicts, wrestling promotions can extract emotional responses that keep fans engaged and eager to see how the story unfolds. A prime example is the storyline leading up to WrestleMania 20 involving Chris Benoit, Triple H, and Shawn Michaels. This story evoked strong emotions as Benoit's quest for redemption and pursuit of the World Heavyweight Championship resonated with audiences following his years of dedication and perseverance in the industry.
Drama and Suspense: Keeping Viewers on the Edge
A great wrestling storyline is full of twists, turns, and unexpected developments that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Whether it's a shocking betrayal, a surprise return, or a dramatic plot twist, well-timed moments of drama and suspense can elevate a storyline to new heights of excitement. The build-up to Wrestlemania 28, where the simmering tension between The Rock and John Cena reached a boiling point, is a case in point. The anticipation and uncertainty surrounding their match kept fans eagerly awaiting the showdown between these two icons.
Long-Term Planning: Crafting Satisfying Arcs
Successful storylines often involve careful long-term planning, with writers and bookers laying down the groundwork for future twists and turns well in advance. By planting seeds early and paying off storylines over time, wrestling promotions can create satisfying arcs that reward us patient viewers. The rivalry between Bret "The Hitman" Hart and Shawn Michaels, which spanned several years and culminated in the infamous Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series 1997, is a great example. The real-life tension between the two superstars was used to it's advantage by the writers, leading to a shocking and controversial conclusion that lives with us to this day.
High-Quality Matches: Essential to a Compelling Rivalry
While storytelling is paramount in professional wrestling, great matches are also essential to a compelling rivalry. Whether it's a technical masterpiece, a brutal brawl, or a high-flying spectacle, the in-ring action should complement and enhance the narrative being told. A classic example is the series of matches between Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat in the late 1980s. Their matches were technical masterpieces that captivated audiences and elevated both competitors to legendary status.
Authenticity and Realism: Resonating with Audiences
Although professional wrestling is scripted, the best storylines contain an element of authenticity that resonates with audiences. By drawing from real-life rivalries, incorporating elements of current events, or tapping into universal themes, authenticity helps ground the storyline and make it more relatable. The Attitude Era of the late 1990s, which saw WWE incorporate elements of real-life controversies and social issues into its storylines, is a fine example. The feud between The Undertaker and Kane, portrayed as estranged brothers, tapped into themes of family conflict and personal vendettas, adding an element of authenticity to their rivalry.
Payoff and Resolution: Delivering on Promises
A great wrestling storyline builds to a satisfying payoff and resolution, with the final showdown between rivals delivering on the promises made throughout the narrative. Whether it's a climactic championship match, a dramatic showdown inside a steel cage, or a shocking plot twist, the payoff should leave fans feeling satisfied and eager for more. The rivalry between Hulk Hogan and "Macho Man" Randy Savage, leading up to WrestleMania 5, is an excellent example. Their match delivered on the promises made throughout the storyline, providing a satisfying conclusion to their epic feud and solidifying WrestleMania 5 as a memorable event in wrestling history.
A great storyline or rivalry in professional wrestling is a delicate balance of interesting characters, high-stakes conflicts, emotional investment, and thrilling in-ring action. When executed effectively, these elements come together to create unforgettable moments that keep fans coming back for more. So, what about you guys? What do you think makes for a great rivalry? And what are the best examples you can think of? Feel free to share.
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