Evaluating The Pandemic Era Of Pro Wrestling

In this edition of The Wrestling Estate roundtable, we’re evaluating the pandemic era of pro wrestling.

Which wrestler was the MVP of the pandemic era?

Juan Bautista: Bayley. It’s a shame that she’ll be out for the return of live crowds.

Chad Gelfand: MVP. At the start of the pandemic wrestling shows, it was largely believed MVP was only back in WWE in a producer role. Now, he’s the manager of the WWE Champion and in the main event of PPVs. Throw in leading a faction in Hurt Business that helped revive Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin’s careers during their tenure together.

Steven Jackson: Jon Moxley. He has performed at an extremely high-level across the industry, providing us a momentary escape from the pandemic.

John Corrigan: Britt Baker. She honed her craft during the pandemic, becoming the number-one woman in AEW and arguably the most captivating performer in all of wrestling.

Which company handled the pandemic the best?

Bautista: AEW. Tony Khan’s company has put itself in a position to capitalize on being able to tour again.

Gelfand: AEW put on the best shows during the pandemic due to having the fortune of having some semblance of a crowd. It also managed to advance storylines and get several new stars over, which is hard to do without a live audience.

Jackson: Game Changer Wrestling handled the pandemic incredibly well, even letting fans attend shows while adhering to guidelines. From speaking to people associated with the promotion, I’m glad independent wrestlers were able to work for GCW during these dark and scary times.

Corrigan: AEW. Although Ring of Honor and MLW are to be commended for taking every safety precaution possible, AEW was able to keep its roster safe while still delivering for the fans.

Which company handled the pandemic the worst?

Bautista: NWA. I would say WWE, but at least I know when it’s having shows and a press conference. While NWA has put together a neat roster, it hasn’t done anything to expand its audience. Its social media presence is laughable, stirring up zero buzz for its weekly show. However, there is potential with the upcoming anniversary show and all-women’s pay-per-view.

Gelfand: WWE. For a company that supposedly prides itself on telling stories, WWE had very few coherent ones during this pandemic era. “Let it play out” is a common phrase used, but during this time period, WWE absolutely didn’t earn that benefit of the doubt with every storyline either being dropped abruptly or being dragged out way past its peak. WWE had more creative freedom than ever to plan the show that fits its vision, but it was more disorganized than ever.

Jackson: You might as well not even ask me that question as the answer is obvious: WWE. From the mass firings to the countless health and safety risks to the nonchalant attitude of higher ups, it was/is a disgrace.

Corrigan: NWA. The resurrected brand had momentum heading into the Crockett Cup in 2020, but once the pandemic hit and creative force David Lagana left due to accusations from #SpeakingOut, the NWA went dark. Since re-emerging, the company made the baffling decision to put its once-free weekly show behind a paywall, while having its roster depleted. Nobody talks about this niche product anymore, and before COVID-19, it was one of the best things going in pro wrestling.

Now that all U.S. promotions are running shows with live crowds, do you currently have any plans to attend a show?

Bautista: Not immediately, but I will be keeping an eye out on dates.

Gelfand: Yes. There’s nothing quite like being at a show and experiencing that atmosphere, especially when a crowd is engaged.

Jackson: I have plans to attend shows all over the world! Once things open up in the U.K. and travel is easier, I’m seeing all the promotions I’ve always wanted to see one country at a time. First stop is the U.S. to meet my pals from The Wrestling Estate!

Corrigan: I’ve been going to shows even during the pandemic, and they’ve all been enjoyable. After MLW’s return to the 2300 Arena, I’m excited for more venues without capacity restrictions and mask mandates.

Should cinematic wrestling be put to rest?

Bautista: Yes. It had a nice run, but now it’s overdone and has gotten a bit ridiculous.

Gelfand: Yes. Very few cinematic matches were actually good, and now with crowds back, unless it’s the main event, they would only serve to take the live crowd out of the show.

Jackson: Cinematic wrestling is pretty cool, but like many things, it needs to be done in moderation. I’d still like to see it, but only when appropriate.

Corrigan: Absolutely. Unless it allows legends one more time to shine, it’s no longer needed now that crowds are back.