The Biggest Threat to Pro Wrestling Today — And How History Warns Us About It

 By Joe Clark

Pro wrestling has survived wars, television booms, pay-per-view revolutions, and the streaming era. It has thrived in small-town armories and sold out stadiums. But for all its resilience, the biggest threat to the business today isn’t a single company, wrestler, or promoter—it’s the slow erosion of what made wrestling matter in the first place.

This threat is a combination of oversaturation, loss of storytelling, short-term thinking, and a lack of respect for kayfabe—the very same mistakes that helped kill the territory system decades ago.

Let’s talk about it.

1. Oversaturation — Too Much of a Good Thing

Back in the territory days, fans got one weekly TV program and one live card in their hometown every week or two. The anticipation was part of the magic. Then came national syndication, pay-per-view, and eventually cable wrestling shows every single night. Suddenly, fans could see the top stars for free without leaving the house—and local gates suffered.

Fast forward to today, and wrestling is everywhere—WWE, AEW, NJPW, TNA, NWA, MLW, plus countless indies on streaming services. While that might seem great, it’s also made wrestling feel disposable. The more accessible it becomes, the harder it is to make it feel special.

2. Workrate Over Storytelling

Don’t get me wrong—today’s wrestlers are some of the most athletic performers in history. But the best matches of all time weren’t great just because of moves; they were great because of the story leading up to them.

In the territories, Jerry Lawler vs. Andy Kaufman wasn’t about suplexes—it was about emotion. Florida and Mid-South built their reputations on hot angles that drew fans in week after week. When you focus only on “dream matches” or “five-star workrate” without giving fans a reason to care, the match is forgotten the moment it’s over.

3. Short-Term Booking — The “Hot-Shot” Problem

When territories felt competition breathing down their necks, many blew through their biggest matches too fast. They’d turn a heel face, switch titles, and run main events with no buildup—just to pop a quick house. It worked in the short term but destroyed long-term business.

We see it now with surprise debuts, dream matches, and shock title changes that happen out of nowhere. Yes, the buzz is fun—but when everything’s “big,” nothing’s special.

4. Killing Kayfabe

Territory wrestlers lived their gimmicks 24/7. Feuds carried over into airports, restaurants, and autograph signings. Fans believed because wrestlers gave them no reason not to.

Today, social media has all but erased that wall. Rivals post selfies together. Contract disputes play out in public. Even wrestlers themselves “wink” at fans about what’s real and what’s not. That kind of exposure may amuse hardcore fans, but it’s poison for casual fans who want to believe.

5. Promoter Ego Over Business

Some territories died because promoters booked themselves—or their friends—on top long after the fans stopped caring. Others refused to work with outside talent due to grudges, killing fresh matchups and new story possibilities.

In the modern indie scene, the same mistake happens when promoters book for themselves instead of the audience. The goal should always be to fill the seats, not the promoter’s ego.

The Lesson for Today’s Promoters

History isn’t just a story—it’s a warning sign. Protect the mystique. Build long-term stories. Make the audience want to buy a ticket, not just stream a replay. And most importantly, think like a promoter, not a front-row fan.

For my own promotion, Classic Wrestling Alliance, I’m committed to running shows the way the great territories did:

• Limited big matches to keep them special.

• Strong, ongoing feuds that last months, not weeks.

• Protecting the illusion for the paying fan.

• Listening to the audience above my own preferences.

If wrestling remembers these lessons, it can not only survive—it can thrive again.