WWE and professional wrestling as a whole have certainly permeated mainstream culture, but according to Bully Ray, its popularity still doesn’t hold a candle to the celebrated Attitude Era.
In a recent episode of the “Busted Open Radio” podcast, Ray dismissed Dave LaGreca’s contention that wrestling enjoys more mainstream acceptance than ever before. His words were,
“I’m certain a plethora of Bad Bunny fans who had never previously tuned into pro wrestling started doing so because of Bad Bunny’s appearance. The same applies to fans of McAfee, or particularly, Logan Paul, who has amassed a substantial audience that may include non-wrestling fans but who now tune in just for Logan Paul.”
“However, during the Attitude Era, wrestling was viewed as cooler and was naturally integrated into mainstream culture. This is far different from how WWE is bringing mainstream figures into their ring now in order to bolster its ‘cool’ factor.”
The WWE’s current traction and appeal in popular culture cannot be denied, thanks in no small part to high-profile celebrities making appearances as well as the strategic partnership with Netflix fostered by RAW.
In a recent episode of WWE SmackDown filmed in Barcelona, Spain, the show dazzled fans by featuring Lamine Yamal, a prominent figure in professional soccer.
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