What if the 'Attitude Era' had begun 10 years earlier?  Any thoughts on who would be in what role, etc.?

Quote from Parallax8672 on Jun 29^th, 2008, 11:09am:
Interesting "What If?" scenario, but the whole "Attitude" era never would have worked in the late 80's. I realize certain aspects of wrestling were heading in that direction back then, but wrestling fans in general would not have put up with it. Late 80's were a more innocent time in wrestling, and WWF/E would have crashed and burned.

If you're asking what role Superstars of the '90s would have had in the 1980s, then the answer is that 95% would have gained popularity until they were built as Hulk Hogan's trusted partner, but then they would double-cross Hulk and he would defeat them.
 
If you're asking which notable '80s wrestlers would have been more successful in the high-risk Attitude era, then I think Tito Santana would be one since he seemed willing and able to do all the high risk spots but still stay grounded on the mats, like Chris Jericho, Eddie Guerrero, and Chris Benoit were in the Attitude era.
 
Also, Greg The Hammer Valentine could have had caused the most bloodlettings per match, so he would likely be another star in either era.
 
Ricky The Dragon Steamboat would be an "Internet darling," where most fans online would have loved his matches, but he could have lacked the other dimensions to make him a constant headliner.
 
Of course, the most marketable guy would have likely been Superstar Billy Graham.  His reputation of "20 Years Too Soon" is truly deserved.
 
Otherwise, it is hard to say because the in-ring styles were so different that the guys who were overlooked back then could have adapted quicker.  I will say based on work ethic, both HHH and John Cena would have been champions in any era (assuming their passion remained the same).  Neither one is "the right guy in the right place at the right time," but simply "the right guy in the right place."
 
But I think a WWE-to-Hollywood transition would have been easier for both Rowdy Roddy Piper and Hulk Hogan than the WWF-to-Hollywood, although that has more to do with the entertainment industry respecting pro wrestling more in the '90s than they did in the '80s.

Quote from ARIZONA on Sep 9^th, 2008, 1:47am:
Steamboat was never fully utilized by either company. He had 'star power' written all over him, but neither company was willing to go all the way with him. Mcmahon obviously saw his potential, hence the Steamboat-Savage match, but even if he would have stayed, Hulkamania was running wild and its doubtful Mcmahon would have messed with that formula.
 
Even with Steamboat going back to NWA and the classic matches with Flair, he was squandered there. His title reign was simply 'blah'.
 
Steamboat was one of those rare types who had broad appeal. He pulled in the wrestling "purists" and casual fans, while also having women drooling all over him. My mom hated wrestling, but she came in the room when Steamboat hit the screen. Both organizations knew this but were unwilling to pull the trigger properly.
 
Magnum T.A. suffered from this as well. We'll obviously never know his true potential because of the crash, but when it was obvious he was a star just waiting for the big push, Crockett should have immediately put the world title around his waist, Flair or no Flair.