Hall Of Famer Thinks WWE Policy Will Cause Injuries
WWE’s reduced schedule could cause problems.
Through 2024 and into 2025, WWE has been working a vastly reduced schedule compared to previous years after cutting back on live events. However, the policy change has caused some worries backstage.
During an interview in April, Seth Rollins said the lack of live events was his “biggest concern” looking to the future of WWE. Rollins explained that he and others learned their craft on live events, but that opportunity has been taken away.
He added that the only way to improve in the ring is by wrestling and performing regularly, and this lack of reps is leaving younger stars underprepared.
Raquel Rodriguez echoed these comments ahead of SummerSlam, stating that she missed live events because they gave talent a chance to try new things and again experience.
Could WWE Be Creating Injury Problems?
On the latest episode of his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T gave his thoughts on WWE’s current streamlined schedule. He said that while talent being able to spend more time with their family can only be a good thing, taking time off can result in a lack of in-ring sharpness.
“Yeah, it’s a double-edged sword. It’s good and it’s good and bad in so many different ways. Giving guys and girls a little bit more time off, I think that’s a good thing. Being able to spend a little bit more time with your family, that’s a good thing…
But the boys are gonna have to still be able to balance… that time off. Time off is your worst enemy. That’s what they’re gonna have to balance more than anything.”
Booker went on to reference those comments from Rodriguez, reiterating that working in the ring as much as possible is vital in the long run.
“I was listening to one of the girls just talk just last week… talking about how they need more reps. They need more reps because they’re not… they’re coming out there on television and they’re not prepared to actually go out there and perform at their highest level because they’ve been sitting at home… Preparation is the only look you’re ever gonna have.”
The veteran also expressed concern that this lack of reps could contribute to an increase in injuries.
“For me, I think from that perspective, it may hurt them… the injuries are going to rack up when you don’t have as much time in the ring,”
The comments from Booker T come after Adriana Rizzo revealed that she’s suffered a major knee injury that will require surgery. The NXT star said that while completing a training drill, her knee “exploded,” and she immedaitely knew she was in trouble.
Rizzo is expected to be out of action for around 12 months.
H/t to WrestlingNews.Co