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So is the WWE Universal Championship even a thing anymore? Roman Reigns held it alongside the WWE World title, then they were both represented by one belt, but even now, both belts are being listed as "active" by WWE. Then take into consideration the OTHER World Heavyweight Championship (which itself was created to compensate for Roman holding onto the other belts), and you technically have three men's world titles on the main roster. Are you of the mind that one company should have one world title--lest others dilute its significance--or no?
I think it was something to help push the prestige of Roman's character. Cody's story was about getting to the belt that his father tried to win and failed to capture - the WWE title. It makes sense that is what is being spotlighted for Cody, as opposed to what was being spotlighted for Roman. I don't care how many titles they have, because what drives WWE is the soap opera storytelling and what makes them the lion's share of their money is the broadcast revenue. I don't believe the "prestige" of the title would draw more money for the company now vs. years past because the prestige of the title was tied to a sizeable percentage of fans believing in legitimate competition or in their champions, such as Bruno Sammartino or Hulk Hogan. Today fans know what the deal is and just want to enjoy the ride.
Yes or no: is professional wrestling a performance art?
Of course it is. It's where theater meets athletics. How could it not be a performance art if every other medium where someone uses their body and talent - singing, painting, acting, dance, etc. is considered an art form? It's designed to elicit an emotional reaction - what could be more artistic than making someone feel what you are doing? Being uplifted by a great match emotionally is not different than sitting through a great performance of Hadestown or another great Broadway musical in my mind.
Where is Spike Dudley?
Matt Hyson aka Spike is retired and living in New England. He appeared last week for an appearance with Bubba Ray and D-Von.
Does WWE get a piece of the acting endeavors of their talents in film and TV? Would they still get a piece of, for example, Batista?
If WWE talents are hired through the company, I am sure WWE takes a percentage of the acting booking. If it's outside their auspices or in the case of Dave Bautista, he's no longer under contract to the company, I don't believe they would get a piece of the pie.
Where is Rob Conway?
Conway is still wrestling on the independents, specificially in the Indiana area.
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