The world of professional wrestling has always been dominated by big, powerful, and charismatic superstars, but recently, a new trend has emerged – the rise of the underdogs. And leading this charge is none other than the Friday night show, SmackDown.
In the past, WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) has been known for pushing their top stars, often leaving little room for the lesser-known or less conventionally impressive wrestlers to shine. However, SmackDown has taken a different approach, putting an emphasis on the underdogs and giving them the opportunity to truly change the WWE landscape.
One of the most notable examples of this shift is the rise of Daniel Bryan. Once an afterthought in WWE, Bryan was a smaller wrestler who didn’t fit the traditional mold of a champion. However, with his undeniable talent and connection with fans, he captured the attention of the WWE Universe, becoming one of their most popular superstars. SmackDown recognized Bryan’s potential and gave him the platform to showcase his skills, culminating in his historic WrestleMania main event victory in 2014.
But Bryan is just one example of how SmackDown is changing the game. Another significant underdog story is that of Kofi Kingston. Despite a long and successful career with WWE, Kofi was often seen as a mid-card performer, never quite reaching the main event scene. That all changed when he was given the opportunity to compete for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 35. The fans rallied behind Kofi, and SmackDown once again played a crucial role in elevating an underdog to the top of the industry. Kofi’s championship win was a major milestone, and it showcased the power of giving overlooked talents a chance to shine.
In addition to individual success stories, SmackDown has also been successful in cultivating a competitive and dynamic underdog division. While Raw focuses on larger, more imposing wrestlers, SmackDown has created a space for smaller, high-flying, and technically proficient athletes to thrive. Superstars like Rey Mysterio, Ricochet, and Mustafa Ali have all benefited from this focus, gaining popularity and carving out their own unique niches on SmackDown.
What sets SmackDown apart from its counterpart, Raw, is its willingness to take risks and think outside the box. By presenting compelling underdog storylines and prioritizing talent over size, it has breathed new life into WWE programming. This approach has not only garnered critical acclaim and increased viewership but has also opened doors for diverse and talented performers who might not have otherwise been given the opportunity to shine.
The rise of these underdogs has created a more inclusive and exciting atmosphere within WWE. It has proven that talent and hard work matter more than mere appearances, empowering aspiring wrestlers around the world to believe in their dreams. SmackDown’s success has also forced the company to rethink its traditional formula and consider the potential of untapped talents who may not fit the mold but possess immense potential.
As SmackDown continues to evolve, it’s clear that underdogs are no longer mere supporting characters but are taking center stage and reshaping the WWE landscape. The show’s willingness to invest in and showcase their talents has not only revitalized the careers of these underdogs but has also revitalized interest in WWE itself. And with each new underdog success story, SmackDown reaffirms its position as the driving force behind this exciting shift within professional wrestling.