The WWE’s flagship show is on the cusp of change. Ever since the one-time World Wrestling Federation got the “F” out and became a PG-friendly blabberfest, it has lost spine and direction. What is being played out as a TV storyline reflects a real truth. Young talents like CM Punk (pictured) are ready to tear the canvas up and build a new empire based on heart and grappling skills. Meanwhile, company-pushed company men are escalated without merit to main-event contention. Is this the birth of the new Attitude era or another shot for the Old Guard to drag the show back into history?

Mon. Oct. 24, 7:15pm. Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River. $15-60. www.wwe.com.

This article appears in October 21 • 2011.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.