The speaker is reflecting on a time when professional wrestling had limited pay-per-view events each year. Wrestlers who were involved in ongoing storylines, which resembled soap operas with weekly build-up and development, could create sustained interest among fans due to this scarcity of major events. The continuity and the gradual unfolding of narratives allowed wrestlers to maintain their presence in the minds of viewers over a longer period.
The deeper meaning behind this quote lies in understanding how frequency affects memory and impact. With fewer high-stakes moments throughout the year, each event becomes more significant and memorable. This scarcity creates a stronger emotional connection between fans and the wrestlers because there are limited opportunities for interaction or major developments. The gradual build-up of storylines and character arcs allows viewers to invest emotionally in the characters over time, making those eventual pay-per-view events more impactful when they do occur. In today's media landscape with constant content being released, it can be challenging to replicate this sense of anticipation and emotional investment that comes from fewer, but highly anticipated, events.
Ricky Steamboat is a former professional wrestler who had an illustrious career in the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) during the 1980s. Known as "The Macho Machine," he was celebrated for his technical wrestling style and engaging storytelling abilities both inside and outside the ring. His insights into the business of professional wrestling provide valuable perspectives on how the industry has evolved over time, reflecting on changes in promotion styles and fan engagement strategies.
