Are Star Ratings Ruining YOUR WWE & AEW Experience?

It's inevitable—star ratings in professional wrestling will always stir up conversations, debates, and sometimes, heated arguments. Today, we're diving into the world of star ratings, specifically those handed out by Dave Meltzer and other prominent figures in the wrestling community. But this isn’t just about Meltzer’s opinions or whether you agree with them—this is about the broader picture, about how we, as fans, perceive and discuss wrestling.

Star Ratings: Just an Opinion

First and foremost, it’s crucial to remember that star ratings are nothing more than opinions. Whether they come from Dave Meltzer, another critic, or even someone named Cotton-Eye Joe, these ratings reflect one person’s perspective on a match. They aren’t universal truths, nor are they definitive assessments of a match’s quality. They are subjective, colored by personal preferences, biases, and emotional states.

One of the best aspects of star ratings is the discourse they generate. Wrestling fans, just like fans of movies, music, or books, love to discuss and debate. Whether it’s arguing over whether a match deserved five stars or lamenting that a favorite wrestler was underrated, these conversations can be fascinating. They can also be divisive, which is where things can get tricky.

The Subjectivity of Wrestling

Professional wrestling is unique in that it offers something for everyone. Some fans love technical mastery, while others are drawn to the storytelling or the larger-than-life characters. Because of this diversity, what might be a five-star match for one person could be a total snooze-fest for another. This diversity of opinion is what makes wrestling so great, but it also means that no one opinion—including Meltzer’s—can be the final word on a match’s quality.

For example, the recent match between Will Ospreay and PAC received a whopping five and a half stars from Meltzer. To some, this might seem excessive, but to others, it’s a validation of their enjoyment of the match. Meltzer has a known preference for Japanese wrestling and the high-flying, fast-paced style that Ospreay excels in. This is just his taste, and it’s reflected in his ratings.

If you’re a WWE fan, you might be frustrated to learn that Ospreay has more five-star matches than the entire WWE roster combined according to Meltzer. But that frustration might stem from the fact that your preferences align more closely with WWE’s style. And that’s okay! It doesn’t mean you’re wrong, nor does it mean Meltzer is wrong—it just means you have different tastes.

Wrestling and Emotional Response

Wrestling, like all entertainment, is deeply tied to our emotions. The way we feel going into a match, our mood at the time, and our personal biases all affect how we perceive a match. If you’re in a bad mood, you might not enjoy a match as much as you would if you were in high spirits. This is why revisiting matches can sometimes change your perspective—what didn’t click with you on first viewing might resonate more on a second watch.

Moreover, our attachment to certain wrestlers can skew our perceptions. If your favorite wrestler has a less-than-stellar match, you might be more forgiving or overlook its flaws. This is natural—we’re human, after all. Every wrestler, in a sense, becomes like a beloved family member, where our love for them makes us more lenient in our judgments.

The Role of Star Ratings in the Wrestling Community

Star ratings are a staple of wrestling discourse, but they should be taken with a grain of salt. They’re just one person’s take, and while they can spark discussion, they shouldn’t dictate your enjoyment of a match. If you find that Meltzer’s ratings no longer align with your tastes, there are plenty of other voices in the wrestling community. The internet is full of content creators, podcasters, and influencers who might better match your preferences.

Remember, the coolest thing about today’s media landscape is that you have options. If one critic’s opinions don’t resonate with you, seek out others who do. The wrestling world is vast, and so are the perspectives within it.

Final Thoughts: Wrestling is What You Make of It

In the end, professional wrestling is what you make of it. There’s no right or wrong way to enjoy it, and there’s no definitive answer to who the greatest wrestler or what the best match is. These are all subjective matters, shaped by our individual tastes and experiences.

So, the next time a star rating sparks outrage or a heated debate, take a step back and remember—it’s just an opinion. Your enjoyment of wrestling is valid, no matter how it lines up with the critics. After all, wrestling is meant to be fun, and that’s something we should all keep in mind as we engage in these discussions.