All new story possibilities were about to open up. The stories of group dynamics felt as new and fresh as the attitude that went with them. That was then, this is now. Professional wrestling needs to build on its successes without becoming enslaved to them. We find a vicarious thrill in identifying with badboys.
Wrestling can play to big kids as well as little ones.
Insulting people we don't like is really funny when it is done well. These themes need to continue to be utilized, but many practices which have become commonplace need to be curbed severely. Then take a look again when the next match actually starts. The bookers feel that if we are to understand and be interested in their card for the evening, we need to have all the rivalries and characters explained to us, again. While the acting in the backstage sketches doesn't usually match up to the standards of excellence set by the in-ring performances, it is at least one way to advance a storyline through action, not words.