I write a wrestling column every Monday and Friday for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. It can be found online at TribLIVE.com.
The latest column was reviewing Sunday night's WWE Extreme Rules. The following is an excerpt:
Sunday night was the first of what was formerly known as WWE pay-per-views, now called “Special Events.” Special event — I'm not sure if that's an accurate description. What it was was a first showing in proving my fear correct.
Ever since the concept of WWE Network was announced with the monthly pay-per-views included in the subscription, I've been saying how I fear the decline in relevance of these monthly attractions.
WWE no longer has to sell each of these events, which used to be the point where story lines were meant to culminate and have some type of resolution. Now they are simply Sunday night specials with limited commercial interruption.
WWE is so focused on getting a new television deal signed for a higher amount of money. This makes Monday Night RAW more important in programming quality. These special events are good if you don't like what is on Sunday night cable.
If you missed the show, nothing of storyline note and progression was really missed. Some good matches for sure, but nothing substantial in the plots that you won't be able to gather from the brief video package WWE production edits up.
I will give WWE some credit on a few things.
CLICK HERE for what was done right at Extreme Rules, with who and what the highlight of the night was.
