The Strategic Undercurrents Behind WWEs Braun Strowman and The Referees Son Tag Team at WrestleMania 34

Introduction

The annual WrestleMania event is a spectacle marred by countless storylines, twists, and team formations. One such formation that garnered significant attention was the partnership of Braun Strowman with The Referee's son for a tag team match at WrestleMania 34. This decision was not merely a creative choice but a strategic move to tap into multiple revenue streams and audience demographics.

The Strategic Decision

Originating from a possible panic decision due to the unavailability of a star player, the partnership of Braun Strowman with The Referee's son Nicholas had an underlying strategic motive. Vince McMahon, the man behind these large-scale events, always had an eye for an opportunity to milk his organization. This storyline not only provided a birds-eye view of behind-the-scenes planning but also served a commercial purpose to boost live event attendance and merchandise sales.

The angle was revolves around the idea that Nicholas could be the next Strowman, which served as an emotional manipulation tactic. By framing it in this way, WWE could directly impact the behavior of young fans and their parents. Through this storyline, WWE aimed to drive kids to ask their parents to purchase tickets, leading to increased viewership and, ultimately, more pay-per-view (PPV) sales.

An Emotional Manipulation Tactics

The storyline was not just a creative impulse but a carefully choreographed emotional manipulation. It revolved around the possibility that 'Who knows, kids maybe you could be Nicholas next time. But you’ll never know unless you buy a ticket…'

This line of dialogue was more than a mere piece of media content. It was a call to action, subtly directing young fans to seek validation from their parents. The emotional triggers created by the storyline ensured that the intensity of the match would resonate with the target demographic. This resulted in a mix of primary and secondary marketing strategies, with the primary goal of boosting live attendance.

The Multi-Faceted Purpose

From a broader perspective, the partnership also served to diversify the talent pool and create relatable storylines that could attract diverse audiences. Tag teaming with a younger, more innocent character could appeal to both seasoned wrestlers and their families who sought quality content. This diversity in act would ensure that the event was more than a simple display of strength, but an engaging and thought-provoking experience for all.

The storyline also aimed to fulfill a latent desire for niche storytelling within the larger WWE narrative. By creating a storyline centered around a young, up-and-coming talent, WWE could tap into the inexhaustible well of drama that new wrestlers often bring to the ring. This storyline was not just about the match but about capturing the hearts of wrestling fans through an emotional journey.

Conclusion

Vince McMahon's strategic decisions are often scrutinized and sometimes criticized. The Braun Strowman and Nicholas storyline at WrestleMania 34 is a prime example of a storyline that serves both creative and commercial purposes. While the choice to pair Strowman with a younger wrestler may have been initially conceived as a last-minute plan, it was ultimately executed as a masterful blend of emotional storytelling and market segmentation. This highlights the multifaceted nature of WWE's operations, where every decision, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on the overall performance of the corporation.

The blend of creativity and business acumen in the formation of the tag team at WrestleMania 34 serves as a testament to WWE's ability to engage both die-hard fans and the broader audience, driving higher attendance and ticket sales. This strategic decision showcases the intricate balance between entertaining the target demographic and maximizing commercial gains.