>>18788247
Trying to compare ratings from 1999 to 2025 is completely pointless. Merch? Again they sell more than ever, probably largely due to the internet tbf. I'll give you that one.
>>18788248
>No one on the current roster is even on the same levels as the midcarders way back then
This is ridiculous. Jey Uso, an absolute shitter, has main evented sold out PPVs. So has Damian Priest.
Nobody was looking for the Road Dogg or Test to main event a PPV, and if they did, it probably would have bombed. It's not like the WWF didn't have disappointing buyrates or shows. Steve Austin's PPV return in 2000 was disappointing, as was the McMahon and Austin cage match in early 1999.
People remember the storylines because the WWE, up until a few years ago, engaged in AE wank. When they constantly replay shit and talk about how great it is, of course it's memorable. Look at Hogan slamming Andre and the DX tank. Those got talked up so much for years that they became legendary, when they weren't really that big of deals at the time. Especially slamming Andre as it had been done several times before, and, hell Hogan wrestled Andre before.
>>18788255
>Because it its a fact go watch a crowd react to AE and watch a crowd react to any modern wrestling its like going from a hot party to a funeral
I think this has more to do with the changing culture in the US than anything desu. People are much more reserved in general.
>thats ebcause TV right deals retard which didnt exist back then thats where the bulk of what WWE makes comes from also inflattion
And why is that? Because the AE scared away sponsors, and made the reputation of wrestling in the US worse. It didn't matter for a couple years, but it hurt them really hard in the later years. Especially with the double whammy of Benoit in 07.
