Before the internet, newsletters were physical publications mailed to subscribers. Two publications stand at the center of this movement:
Tracking TV ratings, pay-per-view buyrates, and attendance figures as a measure of a promotion’s success. Pro Wrestling Newsletters
Founded by Dave Meltzer in 1982. It became the gold standard for reporting on backstage politics, contract negotiations, and international wrestling. Meltzer’s "Star Rating" system for matches remains one of the most influential (and debated) metrics in the industry. It became the gold standard for reporting on
Many newsletter editors (like Meltzer and Keller) have moved into the audio space, offering daily commentary that drives the online wrestling conversation. V. Impact and Legacy Before the internet
As technology evolved, the physical newsletter transformed into the modern "dirt sheet" website. Today, the landscape is dominated by multiple major outlets that provide 24/7 coverage:
Providing real updates on wrestlers, often contradicting the "storyline" reasons given on television. IV. The Evolution: From Paper to Digital
Understanding who was being "pushed" (given a winning streak) and why.