Often we adults become ego-centric and think the world is controlled by us. We believe it revolves around us and our needs and wishes. These untruths could not be more evident than in the world of the WWE and its adult fans. The kids control this business. In the early 80's, the genesis of the WWE empire began with a face (Hulk Hogan) who took on Super-Hero proportions with his weekly pontifications of "saying your prayers and taking your vitamins". Who do you suppose he was talking to" The youngsters were driving the business then and they are driving it now. Oh sure, I could go on about how the WWF degenerated into a classless, sexist exercise in vulgarity. But that was due more to the competition for ratings and Vince fell into the old tried and true formula of sex sells. It worked for a time, but the fabric of the product was suffering and the reputation of the business was being destroyed. The fan base was becoming one dimensional with a demographic starting at age 15 or 16. Where were the kids" They were in bed or told they weren't allowed to watch.

It is no coincidence that with this sex-fueled product came an attitude that most parents would not let their children watch wrestling. Adults had become an even larger % of the fan base, and Vince knew that something had to be done. In the last few years the storylines are a wee bit tamer and there seems to be a better balance. The product has become more family friendly and still has maintained an edge. Parents of 10 year olds can now let their kids watch and I would encourage them to watch with them as there is still some pretty "raw" storylines that may require some explanation.

When I take my 11 year old son to a PPV the theater is packed with kids. They cheer when John Cena appears, talks, and wins - while most of the adults groan and roll their eyes. Which audience member does Vince care more about" I think your answer to that is the fact that Cena still holds the belt.

When I watched wrestling as a kid, I was 8 years old and it was Saturday morning. I loved watching Eduoard Carpentier surprise opponents with his Mule kicks. I loved seeing Mad Dog Vachon take a chair to Abdullah the Butchers head and seeing the blood flow. The only thing missing for me back then was a scantily clad Diva. Today the WWE provides the wrestling prowess; the blood lust and a nice sprinkling of sexuality without going over the top. There is a nice balance right now and I guarantee you its all for the kids. We as adults should be happy that the kids can watch because they are the future adult fans that will later pay for their sons, daughters, nieces and nephews to carry on the passion for the squared circle.

I understand the adult fans that criticize today's product. I understand that they are tired of performers like John Cena who are obviously catering to the kids. I also understand that today's brand of wrestling is committed to a fan base that will buy action figures because those same young fans are their future; they are money in the bank. I'm ok with it because I love seeing the look on my son's face when he watches. I love seeing the same look I must have had on those Saturday mornings. Like it or not, the kids have control.

by Gord Baker ..