Which WWF Era Aged Better: Rock 'n Wrestling or Attitude?

[CMWaters]

The two biggest eras in what is now WWE. One headed by Hulk Hogan and a cast of colorful characters of various shapes and sizes (though a lot of times the bigger the better). The other a more gritty, sleazy, in your face style led by names such as Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock.

Both eras had great moments and wide fan appeal...but both eras looking back had their problems too (the in ring style of RnW being very limited, even compared to its NWA contemporary of the time, Attitude Era's more unpleasant stories).

So, which do you think overall aged better in the long term?

[Limity (BLM)]

As stated, the Attitude era had plenty of negatives to go along with the positives. But what were the negatives of the Rock'n'Wrestling era? Is it just the limited wrestling movesets, which I would argue is only a negative when compared outside of itself, compared to other promotions. Within the bubble of the RnW era, I think it worked just fine.

[dav]

Oct 8, 2022 17:03:15 GMT -5 Limity (BLM) said:

As stated, the Attitude era had plenty of negatives to go along with the positives. But what were the negatives of the Rock'n'Wrestling era?

The odd racist gimmick and moment comes to mind. Granted, the Attitude Era had that in large amounts as well.

[thegatewaydrug]

Various promos from the likes of Roddy Piper and Dr. D were sure 'of the time' (with content that was certainly unsavory back then... but hey, heels and heat, brother).

But almost every catchphrase and promo from The Rock from 1998 onward aged like milk.

["Playboy" Don Douglas]

The Attitude Era has aged like a corpse in the July sun in southern Mississippi.

[David-Arquette was in WCW 2000]

Watching classic stuff back now the mid to late 80s footage is a joy to watch, and a breath of fresh air almost. There's a lot of good stuff from the Attitude Era. Some great PPVs and some truly outstanding matches, particularly from 2000, but the majority is difficult to get into.

I think for all but the most casual fans, who really got into wrestling during the AE - and didn't watch much either side - the Attitude Era has not aged very well at all.

In my opinion, ironically it set wrestling back because of how quickly angles and storylines would get burnt out, and the constant 'top this' mentality.

[XIII]

Attitude era had some legendary and iconic characters, but that stuff is a rough watch in retrospect. Rock and Wrestling is still an easy watch for the most part.

[Lizuka #BLM]

The Attitude Era's probably significantly worse aged but even with its wealth of problems I still find it vastly more watchable.

[smokinvokoun86]

As cartoony as it could be, I vastly enjoy the 1985-1992 era better. Never was the greatest Attitude era fan, even when it was happening. Heck, I contend the Best of Nitro has aged a lot better than the best of Raw in that era.

[Deleted]

Tbh the New Generation has probably aged best, at least at the top of the card.

[Magnus the Magnificent]

I've never felt embarrased watching R&W, at the time or later, so that.

[buckethead]

I love watching 80s wrestling. Pure nostalgia fuel.

There's a certain innocence to that period that is severely lacking in late 90s wrestling.

The only thing that really holds up in the Attitude era is the main event scene...the rest unwatchable. Also the death of kayfabe and the constant winking to the audience gets tiresome.

I can pick a random show from the 80s and be able to watch it beginning to end.

I also prefer the presentation of the product in those days.

[Ozman]

Most of the Attitude Era is unwatchable to me now. Most of the promos are cringe, especially The Rock.

[Kevin Hamilton]

Easily Rock n Wrestling. It was corny fare geared mostly towards kids and would likely still fit that niche today.

[James Fabiano]

I'd say RnW. Yes it was PG but would still have enough edge for adults too.

It's kind of like Classic Sesame Street that way.

The moments that don't age well are still there, but nowhere near as many as the Attitude Era.

[nickcave]

Rock n Wrestling was just a big cartoon. Attitude's treatment of women in general has aged it horrificlly.

[Deleted]

Oct 9, 2022 14:06:34 GMT -5 Magnus the Magnificent said:

I've never felt embarrased watching R&W, at the time or later, so that.

Was Papa Shango making Warrior puke technically during the rock n wrestling era?

[CMWaters]

Oct 9, 2022 14:06:34 GMT -5 Magnus the Magnificent said:

I've never felt embarrased watching R&W, at the time or later, so that.

Spoilering this for reasons...but not even...

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}

[wildojinx]

When was the Rock and Wrestling era anyway? I guess you could put it between 1984 (when Cyndi Lauper got involved) and 1987 (with the 87 slammy awards being the end of it all), but where does that leave 1988-92? At least the New Generation (1993-97) and Attitude (late 97-2001) are easier to pin down.

[CMWaters]

Oct 11, 2022 15:50:44 GMT -5 wildojinx said:

When was the Rock and Wrestling era anyway? I guess you could put it between 1984 (when Cyndi Lauper got involved) and 1987 (with the 87 slammy awards being the end of it all), but where does that leave 1988-92? At least the New Generation (1993-97) and Attitude (late 97-2001) are easier to pin down.

I just used it to describe 84-92 because it sounded better than "The Hogan Era" to me, however true the statement is.