“Telling lame stories since 1953”- Michael Cole’s opinion on WWE’s identity sparks negative reaction from fans

Michael Cole believes that WWE has gone through a major identity change, and this is why Netflix wanted them on their platform.

“Telling lame stories since 1953”- Michael Cole’s opinion on WWE’s identity sparks negative reaction from fans

Wrestling fans react to Michael Cole's comments about WWE's identity (via WWE)

During the 2010s, WWE had completely separated itself from the term “professional wrestling.” Instead, they insisted on being known as “sports entertainment.” Many fans detested this change, and express their disdain for it to this day. However, it appears that Michael Cole agrees with what this name change signifies.

During a recent appearance on Impaulsive, Cole said that WWE was no longer a professional wrestling company. Rather, it should be looked at as a storytelling entity first. He believes that Netflix understood this point. This is why the streaming giant wanted WWE on their product and why they signed the $5 billion deal in the first place.

YouTube video

Of course, as some fans may remember, Vince McMahon had several outlandish rules for commentators. One of these stated that the term “professional wrestling,” wrestler, or any such similar terms were completely banned from WWE programming. After his exit from the company, the new regime got rid of this ban, and such terms are used on TV once again.

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In fact, when Cody Rhodes finished his story at WrestleMania XL, Cole could coincidentally clearly be heard saying, “I love professional wrestling.” It appears that the Voice of WWE has changed his mind less than a year later. He might not use that term to describe what he saw anymore.

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The wrestling world goes bonkers after Michael Cole claims WWE is not a professional wrestling company

Wrestling fans were shocked to hear these comments from Michael Cole, and responded quite negatively to them. Some argued that WWE’s in-ring matches had generally been weaker than its competitors anyway, and they were simply using storytelling as a guise. Another fan said that the company only told lame stories even after putting so much emphasis on them.

Michael Cole
Michael Cole (via WWE)

Of course, fans pointed out how WWE had its start in classic professional wrestling. Things like character work, storytelling, and cutting compelling promos weren’t a thing until the 1980s. Things changed when the promotion introduced larger-than-life characters like Hulk Hogan to its programming.

Some netizens also came at this argument from the opposite end. They mentioned how the Raw commentator’s opinion made total sense. Many severely talented in-ring wrestlers came into WWE but never became anything big. It was almost as if this was the least important thing in the Stamford-based promotion.

Related: WWE legend reveals his contract details during appearance on Logan Paul’s podcast