WWE’s Biggest Booking Mistakes of 2020: A Closer Look

Thank you to Ian Isanberg for the request. WWE, the iconic wrestling promotion, often makes headlines for both its triumphs and its gaffes. In 2020, several significant booking missteps occurred that caught the attention of wrestling enthusiasts and fans worldwide. This article delves into the top three booking mistakes of 2020, as well as some other notable incidents that highlighted the inconsistency in WWE's booking strategy.

Retribution: A Case of Lost Direction

First up, let's discuss the Retribution stable, a group often seen as a trigger for various controversies due to their off-brand content and potential conflicts with WWE's brand. Since October, Retribution has faced numerous booking issues that have left many fans frustrated and questioning the logic behind WWE's decisions.

The external motivation for the Retribution stable was built on them hating WWE and considering their contracts as compensation for their dirty deeds. However, their on-brand responsibilities in WWE have often failed to live up to these expectations. In 2020, the following booking mishaps occurred:

No Match Wins: Retribution members have failed to win matches, leading to a lack of progression and fan engagement. Low-Stakes Matches: Competitive matches like The Hurt Business vs. The Fiend's Slapjack against a United States championship reign on PPV were seen as unnecessary and poorly executed. Lack of Depth: The fundamental lack of understanding of the stable's potential and impact led to underwhelming storylines and character development, further tarnishing the Retribution image.

Retribution's issues were so pervasive that even the insiders like Greg T-Bar disagreed with the booking decisions, emphasizing the need for better content that aligns with the stable's storyline.

RAW Underground: A Missed Opportunity

Another significant booking mistake in 2020 was the RAW Underground event, which was designed as a refreshing departure from the usual Monday Night Raw shows. The intent was to introduce new talent and reinvigorate established wrestlers, but the execution fell flat.

RAW Underground was intended to:

Promote New Talent: Figures like Dabba Kato and Arturo Ruas were given a platform to shine, as well as opportunities for other wrestlers like Riddick Moss to stay relevant. Increase Engagement: Matches and storylines would build buzz and excitement for the audience.

Unfortunately, RAW Underground fell into a series of missteps:

Braun Strowman's Match: Dabba Kato was prematurely eliminated by Braun Strowman, a seasoned champion, which seemed to contradict the goal of promoting new talent. Ruas's Loss: Ruas's match against Dolph Ziggler was not well-received, with fans and critics alike finding it uninspired and unmemorable. Titus O'Neil's Insignificant Match: The most notable match for Riddick Moss ended up being a subpar bout with Titus O'Neil, further hampering any potential fan engagement.

These booking decisions suggest that WWE may have lacked clear objectives for RAW Underground, leading to a disjointed and underwhelming event.

The Fiend’s Title Loses: A Strategic Blunder

The Fiend's title losses in 2020 highlight a strategic misstep that undermined the character's narrative and fanbase engagement. The Fiend was packaged as an all-powerful entity who could take down any challenger, making his victories and possessions iconic moments.

Two major title loses stand out:

Loss to Roman Reigns: Roman Reigns beating The Fiend at WrestleMania was a bad idea from the outset. WWE knew this but still chose to go through with it, cementing the notion that The Fiend was not invincible. This decision was further compounded by his loss to Goldberg at the Saudi Arabia PPV. Loss to Seth Rollins: The Fiend's week-long reign as champion was an ill-conceived plan that ultimately backfired, making his title hold even shorter-lived and less impactful.

These losses were poorly executed and disappointed fans, who saw them as direct strikes against the character they had come to love. The strategic blunders surrounding these title changes reflect a lack of foresight in booking the Fiend, leading to a decline in his character's popularity.

Conclusion

While there have been numerous booking mistakes throughout WWE's history, the top three in 2020 stand out due to their impact on the wrestlers, storyline, and overall fan engagement. The Retribution stable, RAW Underground event, and The Fiend's title loses are prime examples of the inconsistencies and missteps in WWE's booking strategy. Improving these aspects can help revitalize WWE's on-screen performances and maintain its relevance in the competitive professional wrestling landscape.