Thinking about NXT (WWE's best wrestling show) and Lucha Underground (this planet's best wrestling show) and whether or not being an hour makes it easier to produce high quality viewing.
I would argue it is actually more of a challenge and I'll explain why.
Think for a moment about how the 3 hours of RAW could be used. This is an opportunity to really build stories, develop characters and carefully introduce talent. It could also be used to spotlight NXT performers and make their transitions smoother.
Rather than this it feels bloated, repetitive and large portions are easily fast forwardable.
Impact suffers from this to a degree although a less restrained roster holds the interest better. Both WWE and Impact are hampered by constant recaps which really break the flow in my view.
SMACKDOWN isn't viewable in any way sadly, important moments are few and far between and available on RAW anyway. 2 wasted hours.
These longer formats are ideal vehicles for development and should be essential but they're not.
NXT develops characters and plots, uses "bigger" stars sparingly which makes their appearance feel special. Matches are allowed to ebb and flow better than in the main event, especially the Divas, and the special events feel just that as a result - special. Hats off to all concerned.
Lucha Underground manages all of the above but is cutting edge in other ways too.
Highly intelligent use of recaps drives multiple storylines along with well scripted vignettes in show. The viewer is neither saturated or confused at any time, perfect execution in only an hour.
I would also contend that to have multiple masked wrestlers with unique identities is not easy to deliver. Yet this is done perfectly in a 60 minute show. Would anyone confuse Fenix for King Cuerno for instance? No. But Sin Cara and Kalisto? Interchangeable "characters."
Add to that the finest wrestling anywhere and one really marvels at what is being achieved on the El Rey network and makes the rumoured "Ultima Lucha" an absolutely mouthwatering prospect.
60 minute shows should be harder to make work over time and yet the argument outlined above shows this is not the case.
Until next time...at ease.
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