World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has consistently evolved through distinct eras that capture the spirit of the times. Each era is marked by a unique philosophy and the rise of specific wrestling stars who defined those years. Notable phases include the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Era, the New Generation, and more recently, the Attitude Era, which played a pivotal role during the competitive Monday Night Wars of the 1990s.
Following this intense rivalry, WWE transitioned into the Ruthless Aggression Era, spanning from 2002 to 2008. While it struggled to replicate the same explosive success as the Attitude Era, the Ruthless Aggression phase marked a crucial evolution for the company. This period saw the emergence of the Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) Class of 2002, featuring future icons such as John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, and others, each of whom left a significant imprint on WWE history.
9 The Brand Split
Suddenly, the Red and Blue Brands Were Separate
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One landmark decision made during this era was the splitting of WWE’s main shows, RAW and Smackdown, into distinct entities known as the red brand and the blue brand. This move, while contentious among purists, eventually solidified WWE’s talent pool by allowing more wrestlers to gain airtime and facilitated a rotating roster through mechanisms like the WWE Lottery.
Although at first glance the brand split appeared to create division, it ultimately became a strategic advantage. By maximizing programming hours, WWE cultivated two successful rosters that engaged audiences simultaneously.
8 The In-Ring Action Improved
WWE Superstars Focused on Wrestling Over Gimmicks
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WWE’s in-ring action saw remarkable enhancements during the Ruthless Aggression Era, showcasing a new generation of athletes who prioritized athleticism over elaborate gimmicks. Wrestlers like Brock Lesnar, Kurt Angle, and Eddie Guerrero brought a fresh, dynamic style that contrasted starkly with the slower-paced wrestlers of earlier decades.
The notable Angle-Lesnar feud highlighted this shift, demonstrating the evolution of wrestling as a high-caliber sport. The era produced stars who set new benchmarks with their incredible athletic ability and high-stakes performances.
7 The Oversaturation of Premium Programming
The Chinks in WWE’s Armor Were Beginning to Show
As WWE expanded, introducing ECW as a third brand and churning out more content, criticisms grew regarding an oversaturated product. This strategy diluted the overall quality and strained fan finances, as depicted by the unsuccessful re-launch of the Great American Bash as a pay-per-view event.
The drive to consistently outperform itself began to backfire, leading to a period where WWE faced dwindling audience enthusiasm, as fans became more selective about their wrestling commitments.
6 John Cena Carried the Banner, For Better or Worse
Big Match John Was Over-Exposed During the Era
No figure embodies the Ruthless Aggression Era quite like John Cena, who famously confronted Kurt Angle with a challenge representing ‘ruthless aggression.’ Cena quickly became the face of WWE, receiving a monumental push akin to Hulk Hogan in the 1980s. However, this overwhelming endorsement eventually led to fan fatigue as Cena’s consistent presence began to evoke mixed reactions.
Once cheered as a hero, Cena eventually attracted significant backlash, which continued even as fans begrudgingly acknowledged his contributions later.
5 The ECW Re-Boot Was Extremely Awful
It Never Captured the Magic of Its Namesake
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While the revival of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) aimed to recapture the spirit of the original promotion, it ultimately failed spectacularly. Launched in 2006 in hopes of capitalizing on the nostalgia of past One-Night Stand events, WWE’s ECW could not replicate the ground-breaking essence of its predecessor, leading to its cancellation by 2010.
4 A Little Too Much Triple H
The Game Dominated WWE Television at the Time
During the Ruthless Aggression Era, Triple H became an omnipresent force in WWE, often monopolizing television time with lengthy promos and matches. This phenomenon alienated some fans, especially with the public knowledge of his marriage to Stephanie McMahon, which fueled speculation about his privileged status.
Despite the criticism, Triple H crafted an exemplary villain during this phase, emulating the legacy of wrestling icons like Ric Flair and contributing significant storytelling to the narrative landscape of WWE during this time.
3 The Spinner Belt Was Pretty Silly-Looking
The Cartoonish Look Tarnished the Title
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Introduced to align with John Cena’s unique character, the spinner belt became a point of contention among fans. While intended to elevate Cena’s persona, its garish design overshadowed the rich history of the championship. The declaration of it as a prestigious title clashed with its cartoonish aesthetic, making it less relatable to fans who cherished the legacy of wrestling gold.
2 The Women’s Division Was Better Than It Is Remembered
Groundbreaking Performers Emerged During The Era
The early 2000s marked a pivotal shift for WWE’s Women’s Division, distancing itself from traditional wrestling toward a more performance-oriented style. Despite this, several groundbreaking figures emerged, such as Mickie James, Gail Kim, and Victoria, who played vital roles in reshaping female wrestling.
Alongside Attitude Era veterans Lita and Trish Stratus, these women proved that the division was capable of delivering compelling performances, diverging from the stereotype of ‘Divas’ and demonstrating genuine athletic prowess.
1 The Class of 2002
There Will Never Be a Crop of Young Stars Like It Again
The Class of 2002 from Ohio Valley Wrestling represents a transformative moment in WWE history, producing an unparalleled lineage of talent. Stars like Cena, Lesnar, Bautista, and Orton have dominated the wrestling landscape for decades.
As they continue to influence the industry, their legacy solidifies their potential enshrinement in the WWE Hall of Fame, celebrating a generation that revolutionized professional wrestling in the 21st century.