What Is PG Era in WWE?By Coder| September 28, 2023 Wrestling Blogs The PG Era in WWE refers to a specific time period in the company’s history when they shifted towards a more family-friendly and advertiser-friendly product. This era began in 2008 and is still ongoing today. Let’s take a closer look at what this era entails, and how it has impacted the world of professional wrestling. What Does PG Stand For? PG stands for “Parental Guidance,” which indicates that some material may not be suitable for children. In the context of WWE, it means that the content is intended to be appropriate for all audiences, including children. The Shift Towards PG In the late 1990s and early 2000s, WWE (then known as WWF) experienced a boom period known as the “Attitude Era.” This was characterized by edgy and controversial storylines, adult-oriented content, and a more mature presentation overall. However, due to concerns from advertisers and sponsors about the explicit nature of the programming, WWE decided to transition towards a more family-friendly product. The Impact on Content The shift towards PG meant that WWE had to tone down its content significantly. Some of the changes included: Cleaner Language: The use of profanity was greatly reduced, with wrestlers being encouraged to limit their language to be more suitable for all audiences. Reduced Violence: While wrestling is inherently physical, WWE made an effort to minimize bloodshed and extreme violence in their matches. Censorship: Storylines and characters were adjusted to remove or minimize sexual innuendos, controversial themes, and anything that might be deemed inappropriate for younger viewers. Era of Superstars The PG Era also saw the rise of many new and exciting superstars who became the face of WWE. John Cena, for example, rose to prominence during this era and became a worldwide phenomenon with his charismatic personality and strong work ethic. Positive Aspects While some long-time fans may have initially been skeptical about the move towards a more family-friendly product, the PG Era has brought several positive changes: Inclusivity: The shift towards PG made WWE more accessible to a wider audience, including families and younger viewers. Expanded Reach: By presenting a product that is suitable for all ages, WWE was able to secure more lucrative partnerships with family-oriented brands and expand its global reach. Safety: The reduced emphasis on extreme violence has contributed to a safer working environment for the wrestlers. Criticism The PG Era has not been without its critics. Some long-time fans argue that the shift towards a more family-friendly product has resulted in a lack of edginess and excitement that was present during the Attitude Era. They feel that certain storylines and characters have become watered down, leading to a less compelling product overall. In Conclusion The PG Era in WWE represents a significant change in the company’s approach towards content. While it may have divided opinions among fans, it has undoubtedly allowed WWE to become more accessible to a wider audience while securing valuable partnerships. Whether you prefer the Attitude Era or enjoy the current family-friendly product, there’s no denying that the PG Era has had a lasting impact on professional wrestling as we know it today.
