PDF Summary:There's Just One Problem..., by Brian Gewirtz

Ever wondered about the behind-the-scenes world of professional wrestling? In There's Just One Problem..., Brian Gewirtz pulls back the curtain on the sports entertainment industry to reveal its inner workings. From transitioning from Hollywood to WWE's frenetic environment, to navigating the company's complex hierarchy and gaining the wrestlers' trust, Gewirtz offers an insider's perspective on developing compelling storylines and managing high-stakes projects.

He also shares insights on collaborating with influential figures like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and adapting narratives to audience reactions. Gewirtz's journey showcases the creativity and flexibility needed to thrive in the world of professional wrestling—and keep millions of fans engrossed.

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Practical Tips

• Create a video blog series where you retell historical events with a modern twist. Choose an event like the moon landing and reimagine it as if it happened today, with current technology and media coverage. This will help you practice balancing historical accuracy with modern storytelling techniques and engage viewers with a fresh perspective on well-known events.
• Develop a 'creative control contract' for group projects. Before starting a collaborative effort, draft a simple agreement that outlines how decisions will be made, who has final say in different areas, and how disputes will be resolved. This could be as simple as a shared document where everyone signs off on their roles and the decision-making process, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Create a 'tradition-meets-trend' discussion group with friends or colleagues where each person brings a traditional concept and a new idea to the table, then brainstorm ways to integrate them. This could be as simple as updating a family recipe with modern ingredients or as complex as finding ways to apply new technology to a classic business model.
• Create a social media poll or survey to gather opinions on authenticity in entertainment, specifically asking about the role of writers and producers in shaping the narrative. Share the results with your network and spark a conversation about the balance between storytelling and authenticity, and how this balance affects viewer perception.
• Introduce humor into your presentations or meetings by starting with a light-hearted anecdote related to your topic. This could be a personal story, a joke, or an amusing observation. It helps to break the ice, engage your audience, and make the content more relatable.
• Implement a monthly 'Innovation Day' where you dedicate time to brainstorm improvements for your product, no matter how small. This ensures that your commitment is not just to the product as it is now, but to its continuous evolution and betterment.

Adapting to the demanding leadership style of Vince McMahon.

The chairman of World Wrestling Entertainment is depicted as possessing a commanding aura and a bold, unique style of governance. Gewirtz provides thoughtful observations on his joint efforts with a legendary wrestling personality, showcasing anecdotes that uncover his distinctive traits, high expectations, and unwavering commitment to this competitive field.

Gewirtz sharpened his abilities to manage Vince's dynamic personality, adapting to his sudden mood changes, and learned to maintain a constructive attitude when confronted with his impromptu changes and challenging circumstances. He underscores the necessity of adeptly handling suggestions from Vince, determining when to firmly uphold an idea and when to accept changes, always prioritizing the company's welfare.

Context

• He is reputed for setting very high standards for his employees, expecting them to deliver top-quality entertainment consistently, which can create a high-pressure work environment.
• Decision-making in WWE often involves a top-down approach, with McMahon having the final say, which can lead to frequent revisions and the need for quick adaptation by his team.
• Learning to handle such challenges can significantly contribute to personal and professional growth, enhancing one's ability to manage stress and lead effectively in future roles.
• Given the unpredictable nature of live events, adeptly handling suggestions often includes crisis management skills to address unforeseen challenges swiftly.
• As a writer, Gewirtz would have been responsible for crafting compelling narratives that align with both the creative vision and the commercial goals of WWE.

The author's method for developing stories included working jointly alongside the athletes engaged in the wrestling matches.

This part explores the complex art of weaving engaging stories within the realm of professional wrestling. Gewirtz emphasizes his teamwork-oriented method in crafting scripts, placing emphasis on leveraging the distinct characteristics and abilities of each wrestler to craft unforgettable scenes. He unpacks the challenges of balancing creative control with honoring the performers’ input while adapting storylines to audience reactions and evolving talent dynamics.

Leveraging wrestlers' personalities and talents to create compelling narratives

Gewirtz focused on crafting stories that authentically reflected the wrestlers' unique traits and identities, instead of imposing his own concepts onto them. He worked closely with each performer to understand their distinct strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations, striving to create stories that were simultaneously captivating and authentic.

Striking a balance between honoring wrestlers' input and maintaining creative control

Collaborating with figures like the renowned Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Gewirtz adeptly balanced honoring their input with maintaining his own control over the creative direction. He shares his journey of closely collaborating with the performers, engaging in the generation of creative ideas, valuing their insights, and incorporating their suggestions to guarantee that every storyline aligned with the overarching direction and viewpoints established by the management of WWE.

Context

• Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, being a major star, likely had significant influence, making it crucial for writers to balance his input with the scripted narrative to maintain consistency and appeal.
• Balancing creative input from multiple sources can be challenging, as it requires negotiating different visions and ideas while maintaining a coherent storyline that fits the brand's image and goals.
• Integrating suggestions can also help in resolving potential conflicts between performers and writers, fostering a more harmonious working environment and ensuring that everyone feels heard and valued.
• Storylines often tie into merchandising opportunities, such as action figures, apparel, and video games. Aligning with management's direction ensures these opportunities are maximized.

Adapting storylines to shifting audience reactions and evolving talent dynamics

Creating narratives for WWE was a challenging endeavor, necessitating frequent modifications to align with the evolving preferences of the audience and the progression of the athletes' skills. Gewirtz provides an understanding of the ways in which narratives had to be modified or discarded as a result of the crowd's response or unforeseen events, such as when performers got hurt or when a marketing segment suddenly fell apart.

He recounts instances where unexpected reactions from the audience, injuries to wrestlers, or developing rivalries required changes to the scripted narratives, showcasing the narrative flexibility of the sports entertainment industry and the significance of on-the-fly adjustments in a setting that lacks a fixed script. The author emphasizes the continuous struggle to create stories that are fresh, engaging, and filled with unexpected twists to keep the viewers' attention firmly held.

Other Perspectives

• Relying heavily on audience feedback for storyline adjustments can marginalize niche audiences whose preferences might not align with the majority, potentially reducing the diversity of the storytelling.
• While on-the-fly adjustments are a hallmark of the sports entertainment industry, they can sometimes be at odds with the creative vision, leading to a product that feels disjointed or hastily put together.
• Injuries might lead to changes in narratives, but they can also be used as part of the storyline to build sympathy for the injured performer or to create a narrative around their comeback, rather than changing the narrative direction entirely.
• The need for immediate adjustments might put undue pressure on performers, potentially leading to burnout or performance issues as they struggle to keep up with the frequent changes.
• There's a risk that the twists may not always align with the established canon or character motivations, potentially breaking the suspension of disbelief for viewers.

Innovative approaches to injecting humor and entertainment value into wrestling storylines

Despite cautions that comedy might not yield financial success, Gewirtz was convinced that infusing WWE storylines with humor and theatrical flair was crucial, acknowledging the challenges and potential pitfalls within the realm of professional wrestling spectacles.

Collaborating with charismatic figures like Rock, Kurt Angle, and Edge

Gewirtz shares tales of his time collaborating with the charismatic Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and various prominent personalities in the realm of pro wrestling. He underscores the importance of humor as a tool for amplifying their skills, which showcases their quick wit, their ability to think on their feet, and their capacity to captivate the audience.

Context

• Known as the "Rated-R Superstar," Edge was a key figure in WWE, celebrated for his storytelling ability and dramatic flair in the ring, which made him a fan favorite.
• Known for his electrifying presence and catchphrases, The Rock's charisma helped him transition from wrestling to a successful acting career, making him one of the most recognizable figures in entertainment.

Incorporating humor into the intense, high-stakes world of professional wrestling came with a unique set of challenges.

Gewirtz delves into the challenges of infusing comedy into the often serious and high-pressure realm of premier professional wrestling organizations. In his exploration of the intricate differences between comedy and humor, he also examines the world of professional wrestling. He recounts his path to becoming adept at crafting comedic moments that enthralled viewers, all the while maintaining reverence for the athletes' commitment to the physical demands of their craft. He recounts his journey of pushing the boundaries of comedy, facing criticism from experienced industry figures and audiences, and ultimately modifying his style of humor to be in harmony with the tastes of Vince McMahon, aiming for a balance of comedy that appealed to a wide audience.

Context

• Comedy often refers to the genre or form of entertainment that aims to provoke laughter, while humor is more about the quality that makes something amusing or funny. Humor can be subtle and situational, whereas comedy might involve structured routines or performances.
• Wrestlers often face a high risk of injuries such as concussions, sprains, and fractures due to the physical nature of their performances.
• Professional wrestling storylines often involve dramatic, intense narratives that can include rivalries, betrayals, and high-stakes matches. Introducing humor into these storylines can be challenging as it risks undermining the seriousness or intensity that fans expect.
• Comedy must be crafted to avoid offending diverse audience groups, requiring awareness of cultural sensitivities and current social norms.

The author's involvement in extensive company-wide projects and complex or difficult storylines

This section of the narrative delves into the author's involvement with broader WWE initiatives, including the ill-fated XFL venture and the contentious time characterized by the presence of celebrity guest hosts, while chronicling the creative and logistical challenges he faced while striving to make these ventures successful.

Managing the fallout from high-profile, polarizing storylines

Gewirtz explores the complexities of managing the outcomes of major storylines that provoked substantial reactions from the audience. He emphasizes the necessity for those who craft narratives to approach delicate subjects with thoughtfulness, remembering instances when the potential for significant public response was not completely foreseen.

Addressing the dissatisfaction among audiences and wrestlers concerning the infamous Katie Vick narrative.

The book provides an in-depth exploration of a particularly infamous era in WWE's chronicles, focusing on the Katie Vick storyline, as recounted by the author Brian Gewirtz. He acknowledges that the plot was not without its issues, remembering his early skepticism and the increasing discomfort that the narrative team felt as the story unfolded. He narrates the development of creative decisions leading to the controversial funeral home scene, acknowledging the importance of following instructions from the company's leadership, even when they sometimes clashed with his personal judgment. He openly considers the repercussions that both the viewers and performers endure, emphasizing the significant insights gained from these errors and the critical nature of maintaining honor and sincerity in narrative craft.

Context

• The storyline is often cited as an example of WWE pushing boundaries in ways that many felt were in poor taste, leading to discussions about the limits of storytelling in wrestling.
• The incident serves as a case study in the importance of ethical storytelling and the potential fallout from prioritizing shock value over substance in entertainment narratives.
• The Katie Vick storyline was a controversial plot in WWE that aired in 2002, involving characters Kane and Triple H. It was widely criticized for its tastelessness and insensitivity.
• Following leadership instructions can sometimes lead to controversial or unpopular storylines, as the primary goal is to maintain viewer engagement and ratings, which can sometimes overshadow individual creative preferences.
• The situation illustrated the complexities of leadership and decision-making in a corporate environment, where creative teams must sometimes execute directives that conflict with their own judgment.
• Stories told with sincerity often have a more profound emotional impact, resonating with audiences on a deeper level and fostering a lasting connection.

Insights gained from the challenges faced in enhancing the character depth of top figures like Goldberg.

Gewirtz reflects on the potential for unforeseen outcomes when attempts to render prominent figures like Goldberg more approachable conflict with the established persona of the wrestler or the expectations of the audience.

He underscores the difficulties of integrating renowned wrestlers like Goldberg, who rose to fame in rival promotions, into the domain of WWE. He recounts stories of their attempts to add depth to Goldberg's character, such as the notorious toupee incident that led to a negative reaction from fans, underscoring the significance of preserving the core characteristics of a professional wrestler.

Context

• Unlike traditional acting, where character depth is often explored, wrestling relies on larger-than-life personas that may not lend themselves easily to nuanced development without losing their essence.
• Wrestlers who gain fame in rival promotions often have a dedicated fan base with specific expectations. When they transition to WWE, there can be a clash between the established persona and the new narrative WWE wants to create, leading to potential fan backlash.
• Goldberg, known for his intense and dominant in-ring style, was a major star in WCW before joining WWE. His character was built around being a powerhouse with a no-nonsense attitude, which resonated with fans who appreciated his straightforward, aggressive approach.

The period characterized by the involvement of many celebrities posed difficulties regarding their incorporation.

Gewirtz provides an in-depth look at the intricacies involved in integrating celebrity guest appearances with regular WWE programming, emphasizing the importance of both innovative thinking and careful preparation.

Balancing the needs of talent, production, and audience engagement

Gewirtz details the complexities of balancing the expectations of the actors, the crew, and maintaining audience engagement during the era that showcased a rotation of guest hosts. He recounts how they integrated celebrities into roles that were both genuine and humorous, while preserving the authenticity of the professional wrestlers' storylines and the WWE's offerings.

He recalls instances when celebrity guest spots, such as Bob Barker's, elevated the show, while also acknowledging moments when these collaborations fell short, underscoring the sporadic discord between show business and professional wrestling that sometimes resulted in lackluster television.

Context

• The production crew plays a vital role in managing the technical aspects of the show, such as lighting, sound, and camera work, which must adapt to accommodate the presence and performance style of guest hosts.
• Balancing the celebrity's involvement with the ongoing storylines requires careful scripting to ensure that their presence enhances rather than detracts from the narrative flow of the show.
• Bob Barker, known for hosting "The Price Is Right," appeared on WWE's "Monday Night Raw" in 2009. His involvement was memorable due to his charismatic personality and ability to engage both the live audience and viewers at home, blending his game show persona with the wrestling environment.
• The use of guest hosts was part of a broader strategy to boost ratings and appeal to mainstream audiences, reflecting the WWE's efforts to expand its brand beyond traditional wrestling fans.

Grasping the complexities and limitations linked to the concept of a notable individual taking on a role of leadership.

Gewirtz ultimately acknowledges the challenges and limitations involved in incorporating famous guest presenters. The original plan aimed to avoid the cliché of an evil mastermind, yet the decision to let famous guests influence the narratives and decide the winners in WWE bouts resulted in diminished viewer interest.

He recounts instances where celebrities clashed over the creative direction of the content with Vince McMahon, addressed the stipulations set by agents and publicists, and recognized that although the concept initially showed promise, it ultimately met its conclusion.

Context

• Coordinating appearances with celebrities involves logistical challenges, such as aligning schedules, negotiating contracts, and managing public relations, which can add complexity to event planning.
• WWE, known for its dramatic and theatrical storylines, often uses larger-than-life characters and narratives, making the avoidance of clichés like the "evil mastermind" a creative challenge.
• Conflicts can arise if the stipulations interfere with the planned storyline or if the celebrity's demands are too restrictive, leading to creative disagreements.
• The entertainment industry is highly competitive, and strategies that initially seem innovative can quickly become outdated if they fail to adapt to changing audience preferences.