Wrestling section, what exactly is it that marks an "end of an era"?

Question

What I mean is, what was it that ended the Golden Era, and started the New Generation Era? And then what ended the NG Era, and then started the Attitude Era, then onto the Ruthless Aggression Era, and then onto the Universe Era?

I hope I'm making sense. I just started thinking about this earlier and now I'm curious. What exactly has to happen to end an "era" and then start a new one? And what happened that ended and started the eras I mentioned above?

Answer 1

The company recognises it needs to go in a new direction to best push the strengths off it's top star.



The WWE pushes a new top star/combined with the old star stepping down(moving on).

The new top star's different characteristics require the company to restructure it's style.

(Bearing in mind, that even when different wrestlers hold the title, WWE still sees that one guy as the true headliner).



Hulk Hogan leaves WWF (classic era).

Larger-than-life, charismatic big man, (virtually) undefeatable babyface.



Bret Hart becomes the face of the company (New Generation). Bringing an athletic/realistic wrestling style. Often plays the brains over brawn outwitting an opponent.



Steve Austin headlines the WWF, and leads to the Attitude Era. As defined by Austin's character.

Brawling, violent, edgy, controversial, large promo segments.



Brock Lesnar moving to John Cena, gives us Ruthless Aggression era.

Strongman, hard-hitting wrestling with less flair.



PG Era due to Linda McMahon running for the Senate election in Connecticut. She began campaigning properly in 2009, so the groundwork started in 2008 when WWE became PG.

A very bland product, where very little changes, week-by-week/month-by-month, 50/50 booking, jeering by the crowd to entertain themselves.

Answer 2

There aren't exact dates. It's more of a gradual shift from one era to the next.

Answer 3

Change in superstars and a change in the style of programming produced. Each era has its in noticable differences and top stars.

Answer 4

when company is sold or somebody takes over of the booking duties.