On a recent edition of the “Busted Open Radio” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray explained why WWE booking storylines backward is the ideal strategy for long-term storytelling.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On booking a storyline backwards: “Which is the correct way to book pro wrestling. Meaning, they might know right this very moment our main event for WrestleMania 41 is Cody versus the Rock, or Cody versus, let’s just say Randy Orton, and we’re doing Rock and Roman for Bloodline stuff, they probably have an idea where they want to go. Now, they’ll book backwards.”
On why this is the best way to book wrestling: “When wrestling is booked backwards, that’s when we get the beauty of the storytelling and the character development. I’d be willing to bet a dollar they know where they want to go. Obviously, injuries withstanding or Rock’s schedule or stuff like that.”
In the world of professional wrestling, storytelling is a crucial element that keeps fans engaged and invested in the product. One strategy that has been gaining popularity in recent years is booking storylines backward, and WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray believes it is the ideal approach for long-term storytelling.
During a recent episode of the “Busted Open Radio” podcast, Bully Ray shared his insights on why booking storylines backward is the best way to create compelling narratives in professional wrestling. He explained that while the exact details may change due to various factors such as injuries or scheduling conflicts, the overall direction of the story is planned in advance.
According to Bully Ray, WWE likely knows the main event for WrestleMania 41, even though it is still several months away. For example, he mentioned a hypothetical match between Cody Rhodes and either The Rock or Randy Orton. By having a clear destination in mind, the creative team can work backward to build up the story and develop the characters involved.
The beauty of booking storylines backward lies in the opportunity it provides for storytelling and character development. When the creative team knows where they want to go, they can carefully craft each step along the way to create a cohesive and engaging narrative. This approach allows for long-term planning and ensures that each twist and turn in the story serves a purpose.
While injuries and other unforeseen circumstances may alter the original plans, having a roadmap in place helps maintain consistency and keeps the audience invested. It allows for adjustments to be made without derailing the overall story arc.
Bully Ray’s perspective sheds light on the behind-the-scenes process of creating storylines in professional wrestling. It reveals that there is a method to the madness and that careful planning and foresight play a significant role in delivering captivating narratives.
Booking storylines backward not only benefits the creative team but also enhances the viewing experience for fans. It allows them to witness the gradual development of characters and storylines, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement for future events.
In conclusion, Bully Ray’s explanation of why booking storylines backward is the ideal strategy for long-term storytelling in professional wrestling provides valuable insights into the creative process. By starting with a clear destination and working backward, the creative team can craft compelling narratives that captivate audiences and keep them invested in the product.