WWE's AI Experiment: A Step Forward or a Misstep?

WWE has recently hired Cyrus Kowsari to integrate AI into their storytelling, sparking debates among fans and wrestlers.

Past Attempts and Challenges

• Early AI Experiments: WWE previously tried using AI to craft storylines, but it struggled with the complexities of wrestling narratives.
• Kayfabe Confusion: AI had difficulty understanding "kayfabe," the portrayal of staged events as real. One odd suggestion was for Bobby Lashley to return as a wrestler obsessed with Japanese culture, despite not being with the company at the time.

Recent AI Use in WWE NXT

• Matt and Jeff Hardy's Promo: WWE NXT recently featured a promo for Matt and Jeff Hardy's tag title match against DarkState, where AI was clearly used.
• Matt Hardy's Perspective: Matt Hardy discussed this on his podcast, The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy. He found the AI's use interesting, especially its visualization of transformations under water. However, he prefers to write his own promos and isn't interested in using AI tools like ChatGPT.

Current AI Applications

• Background Tasks: WWE has been using AI software for years, primarily for tasks like reducing background noise in camera shots and organizing files.
• No Replacement Plans: There's no plan to replace the writing team with AI, but the long-term goals remain uncertain.

WWE's Innovative Approach

WWE is known for its innovative approaches, from merging with UFC to forming TKO, to its recent deals with Netflix and ESPN. While AI might not be ready to take over storytelling just yet, WWE is likely to keep exploring its potential.

Future of Creative Roles

• Human Touch Irreplaceable: One WWE talent shared their thoughts with Fightful, emphasizing that experienced writers like Michael Hayes, Ed Koskey, and Paul Heyman can't be replaced by AI. For now, the human touch remains irreplaceable in WWE's creative process.

Conclusion

Will AI eventually replace human writers in WWE? Only time will tell.