WWE is known for its evolving landscape of rules and storytelling, but some aspects of the sport remain stubbornly outdated. Certain rules have been around for decades and often make little logical sense, while others are tropes that create more continuity errors than they solve. Let's dive into 10 of these outdated rules and tropes in WWE that might just make you question their validity.
1. The Closed Fist Rule
In WWE, it’s an established rule that wrestlers cannot use a closed fist to punch their opponents. The idea is that if closed fists were allowed, matches would turn into quick knockouts, resembling UFC more than professional wrestling. Over time, this rule has become increasingly relaxed, with moves like Roman Reigns' Superman Punch often ignored by commentators despite being technically illegal. The rationale behind this rule seems increasingly outdated as WWE continues to blur the lines between real and scripted combat.
2. The Weak Referee Trope
A common trope in WWE is the referee taking an exaggerated bump, which often leaves them incapacitated for several minutes. This dramatic effect allows wrestlers to cheat or for interference to occur, but it also makes referees look unusually weak. The trope, while creating suspense, has become predictable and somewhat stale, making it a prime candidate for a modern refresh.
3. Automatic Rematch Clause
The automatic rematch clause is a so-called unwritten rule where a champion gets a guaranteed rematch after losing their title. However, WWE often ignores this rule based on the storyline at hand. For instance, when Kofi Kingston lost the WWE Title to Brock Lesnar in 2019, there was no mention of a rematch clause, leaving fans frustrated with the lack of consistency and transparency in title reigns.
4. The Five-Second Grace Period
In tag team matches, there is a five-second grace period for a partner to exit the ring after a tag. While referees occasionally enforce this rule, it’s often overlooked, leading to multiple wrestlers being in the ring simultaneously without consequence. This rule seems outdated and overly lenient, contributing to a lack of clarity in tag team match dynamics.
5. Chokes Are Illegal
Chokes are officially illegal in WWE matches, yet wrestlers like Samoa Joe use chokeholds as submission moves without much explanation. This oddity is partly due to WWE’s PG guidelines and a desire to avoid excessive violence. The inconsistency in enforcing the no-choke rule, especially during fan interactions, highlights a policy that doesn’t fully align with its practical application in matches.
6. WWE’s Formal Dress Code
In 2004, Vince McMahon introduced a formal dress code for WWE personnel, requiring smart business attire upon arrival at WWE events. While this rule aimed to present a polished image, it was met with resistance from wrestlers like Randy Orton. Given that McMahon is no longer in charge, it might be time for WWE to reconsider or even remove this dress code, especially if it no longer aligns with the company’s current culture.
7. Rope Breaks in No-DQ Matches
In no-disqualification matches like the Elimination Chamber, rope breaks are still enforced, which can seem illogical. For example, in the 2019 Elimination Chamber match, Daniel Bryan let go of his hold on Kofi Kingston when Kingston reached the ropes, despite being in a no-DQ match. This rule appears contradictory and outdated, especially when it contradicts the match’s no-DQ stipulation.
8. 30-Day Title Defense Rule
The 30-day rule requires champions to defend their titles within a month or be stripped of them. This rule is selectively enforced, as seen with Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns, who have both gone months without defending their titles without consequence. This inconsistency can be frustrating for fans and undermines the credibility of the rule.
9. The Five Count
The five-count rule mandates that a wrestler must break a hold by the count of five or face disqualification. In practice, this rule is rarely enforced, making it seem irrelevant. The occasional enforcement of the rule without consistency can make referees appear ineffective and the rule itself seem pointless.
10. Royal Rumble Elimination Rules
The Royal Rumble Match allows competitors to be eliminated by individuals not legally in the match. This flaw has led to numerous instances where wrestlers re-enter the match after elimination or are eliminated by someone who isn’t officially in the match. While it serves as a storytelling device, it undermines the match’s integrity and is a rule that could use re-evaluation.
WWE’s world is full of quirks and peculiarities, and while some outdated rules and tropes add to the drama, others simply confuse or frustrate fans. What outdated WWE rules or tropes have you noticed? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more wrestling content!
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