I'm not sure I agree with that, because nostalgia can be a very marketable thing. If they were to suddenly bring back swearing, bra & panties, the old RAW song, blood, J.R. and heel Lawler, I'm almost certain that a huge number of Attitude Era fans would suddenly tune in - for at least a few shows - to see if they like wrestling again.
Granted, in reality it wouldn't be feasible because 1. the majority of shocked parents would suddenly tune out and stop attending shows; 2. the aforementioned Attitude Era fans may not stick with it once the nostalgia wears off (especially from the absence of Austin and Rock); 3. sponsors and investors would pull out in droves.
What I'm saying is that whilst a return to TV14 isn't feasible, the ratings would still spike again as a result of all the old fans tuning back in to see what's going on. Since none of the above are realistic options, we can only perservere and see how the next 'boom' takes shape. Right now, however, I really can't see how they intend to boost ratings long-term.
There's no revolutionary change in sight that is on the level of Hogan in the '80s and Austin in the '90s. The kiddies who are growing up idolising Cena will eventually get bored of the Superman act just like what happened with Hogan nearly 20 years ago. Then what? Besides him, there aren't currently any other Hogan/Austin/Rock-esque names who transcend the business and are household names. None are in sight, either.
And obviously they can't rely on another star to emerge who harks back to the Attitude Era by being a badass or delivering killer promos, because it's all been done before. Austin pioneered the role of a rebellious thug, whilst Rock was the athletic wiseguy with such cool things to say that every kiddie and adult worldwide were repeating his promos verbatim. What else new and fresh is there left to do?
