I think the 80's was the best time to be a fan.
Probably why WWF has released so much “classic” merchandise over the last few years - 80’s superstar compilation DVD’s, championship belt replicas (‘84-‘90’s styles), classic Jakk’s figures, etc.
20 years ago I would have done anything
(before I knew what anything could encompass) for an ’86 “Hogan” belt, or the Randy Savage I.C. title.
I’m sure lots of kids from that generation would as well.
And now, 20 years later, that generation is still near and dear in our hearts and we can afford to plop down $300 for a stiff, imitation leather belt that doesn’t fit a single pair of pants in our closet and really doesn’t “go” with anything unless you also happened to buy a pair of Macho Man’s ring worn trunks off ebay.
My point is that when ratings and profits are down, Vince can still milk his glory years because:
a.) that era will always be golden, and
b.) the younger fans he had then are now older fans with jobs/money who
will always love the glory years and are willing to buy pieces of it today.