Promo cutting is a crucial aspect of professional wrestling at all levels, whether it’s in WWE or smaller independent promotions. It allows wrestlers to share their narratives and ultimately boost ticket sales. Promos play a vital role in the industry, helping to develop characters and advance storylines.
However, many wrestlers have fallen into repetitive clichés over time due to common themes in promos. These clichés, often used worldwide, have become tiresome for fans, signaling that wrestlers should avoid them to keep promos fresh.
Blaming Fans for Heel Turns
A common lazy tactic for turning a wrestler into a villain is blaming the fans for their heel turn. Wrestlers accuse fans of not supporting them enough and use this as a reason for a sudden change in behavior. This usually feels forced and disconnects from how fans actually behave.
Mocking Local Sports Teams
Heels often try to get boos by insulting local sports teams. While it can provoke the crowd, it’s an unimaginative approach that doesn’t resonate with everyone, especially those not interested in sports. This alienates televised audiences who lack the same local connection.
"Fight Here and Now!"
Babyfaces frequently use the line challenging opponents to fight immediately, aiming to hype the audience and portray themselves as ready warriors. But heels rarely follow through, making this trope predictable and frustration-inducing for fans.
Swearing
Using harsh language in promos is common to show animosity between wrestlers, but this can be problematic, especially in WWE’s PG-rated product. It may alienate family viewers and feels unnecessary when it doesn’t add to storytelling.
Tired of Being Held Back
Many wrestlers express frustration about being overlooked, claiming they’re "tired of being held back." Although this gets some crowd reaction, it’s obvious since any wrestler not at the top wants greater recognition, making the statement somewhat redundant.
"My Destiny"
Wrestlers often declare it’s their "destiny" to become champions or top stars. This phrase is overused and unrealistic because success in wrestling is never guaranteed, regardless of background or talent.
Promo Interruptions
One of the most aggravating clichés is multiple wrestlers interrupting promos simultaneously, creating chaotic and predictable segments. WWE often overuses this, especially in buildup shows for big multi-competitor matches, resulting in dragged-out promos that bore viewers.
Fan Take:
For WWE fans, these promo clichés highlight a creative stagnation that risks disengaging viewers craving originality and authentic storytelling. Addressing these tired tropes could revitalize character development and elevate the overall wrestling experience.
