WWE Giving Talents Time Off To Recharge?

[nadimmania]

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The idea of giving WWE talents time off to recharge and heal up has been talked about as a strategy down the line. The feeling right now is that may be a good thing but the weak roster depth doesn't allow it. There is concern right now about the idea of consistently running shows without either John Cena or Daniel Bryan as the advertised headliner.[/quote]

 

[KD Jackson.]

Back in the 80's when WWF ran three separate tours, generally with Hogan/ IC Champ Santana then Savage/ Tag champs Bulldogs and Hart Foundation that worked just fine. From my personal experience the two Hogan shows I went to (I started boycotting Hogan by late '84) only drew a slightly bigger crowd, maybe a 1,000 people. One section was closed off for the B and C team that was open for the A team (and not good seats, so the money loss wasn't that much).
WWF ran that way for years because the entire roster was a draw. They have been very poor at developing a comprehensive talent hierarchy. After the top level talent, who is where in the pecking order? If they were doing what they had done for decades and had a clear position for all the talent they wouldn't have the problem of who's gonna sell tickets. They are in huge trouble if Cena and Bryan both get hurt. Not a smart position to have yourself in considering the physically taxing nature of the job.

The lack of a competitor has really sapped VKM of all the basic promoter's sense he had in spades for his entire professional life until he had nobody around to make him use it. Santana and Savage drew good money, The Bulldogs and Hart Foundation drew good money (from my experience where I lived). He has access to all the talent in the world and there is no reason why he can't build a B and C roster that draws money, and protect him if an A player goes down.