Smackdown
Behind the Curtain: The Complexities of WWE SmackDown Introduction Since its debut in 1999, has been a cornerstone of professional wrestling, evolving from a secondary program to a global entertainment phenomenon.
However, beneath the scripted spectacle lies a web of creative, financial, and ethical complexities.
This investigative report critically examines ’s role in WWE’s business model, its impact on wrestlers’ careers, and the ethical dilemmas posed by its production.
Thesis Statement: While remains a lucrative product for WWE, its reliance on scripted drama, corporate control, and physical risks raises questions about its long-term sustainability and the welfare of its performers.
The Business of SmackDown was initially conceived as WWE’s secondary show to, but its 2019 move to Fox with a $1 billion, five-year deal cemented its financial importance (Barnes,, 2019).
The show’s transition from UPN to Fox Sports exemplifies WWE’s shift toward mainstream sports entertainment, blending athleticism with soap-opera storytelling.
However, this shift has drawn criticism.
Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer (, 2022) argues that WWE prioritizes shareholder value over creative risks, leading to formulaic storytelling.
For instance, ’s reliance on part-time stars like Brock Lesnar and The Rock while profitable stifles new talent development.
The Wrestlers’ Dilemma: Opportunity vs.
Exploitation has launched careers (e.
g., Eddie Guerrero, Becky Lynch), but its grueling schedule 52 weeks a year, with minimal off-season takes a toll.
A 2020 study found WWE performers face injury rates comparable to NFL players, yet lack union protections.
Interviews with former wrestlers reveal mixed perspectives: - Daniel Bryan (2021 memoir) praised ’s creative freedom under certain writers.
- Jon Moxley (fka Dean Ambrose) ( podcast, 2019) criticized WWE’s restrictive scripts, calling them detached from reality.
WWE’s classification of wrestlers as independent contractors (despite controlling their schedules) has sparked legal debates.
Harvard labor law professor Sharon Block (, 2021) argues this model denies wrestlers healthcare and bargaining power.
Ethical Concerns: Scripted Violence and Fan Perception While WWE markets itself as sports entertainment, critics like Dr.
Travis Heath (, 2020) warn that blurring reality and fiction can mislead younger audiences.
Controversial angles such as 2021’s Bloodline saga, which framed Roman Reigns as a mob boss walk a fine line between storytelling and glorifying toxic behavior.
Conversely, defenders argue that ’s narratives reflect societal tensions.
Dr.
Sam Ford (MIT,, 2018) notes that wrestling historically mirrors cultural conflicts, from Cold War allegories to LGBTQ+ representation (e.
g., Sonya Deville’s openly gay storyline).
Conclusion: A Double-Edged Sword is a microcosm of WWE’s broader tensions: a profit-driven machine that entertains millions while grappling with labor issues and creative stagnation.
Its future hinges on balancing corporate demands with performer welfare and audience expectations.
As streaming and AEW competition intensify, WWE must decide whether will evolve or remain shackled to an outdated model.
The stakes extend beyond ratings; they redefine what professional wrestling can and should be.
Sources - Barnes, B.
(2019).
The Hollywood Reporter.
- Meltzer, D.
(2022).
- Block, S.
(2021).
.
On Labor.
- Heath, T.
(2020).
Psychology Today.