I think the belief within WWE is that the characters are more complex today than they have been in years past. Just take a look at how Daniel Bryan answered the question in a recent Q&A with Grantland.com:

"If you look back at the history of the top stars in the WWE, Hulk Hogan was a hero and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin was an antihero. What kind of hero is Daniel Bryan?

Wrestling’s so much more complex than that now, but if I had to describe myself in those terms, I’d say I’m a reluctant hero. If it were up to me, I’d be happy just to go out and do my job. My passion is the wrestling. I never pictured myself in the role I’m in now, but that’s the position I’ve been put in."

Bryan answered the question with the exact philosophy that’s in WWE, which isn’t a new revelation.

It's kind of true. Back then, characters like Hulk Hogan who were "heroes" could really be over. Now we have a hero character in Cena that takes so much shit for no reason. It's not the product, it's the fans.

time for a rant ^ I mean really razor...no