telling a story in the ring?

[The MAC]

This phrase has been bandied around quiet a bit when referring to Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels and guys of that ilk who are great workers.

Bill Watts, on the Ross Report, said that Cena vs Bray wyatt was just " I hit you, then you hit me " no real story telling - what story is there to be told except for the good guy trying to beat the bad guy.

So in your opinion, what is "telling a story in the ring" and what are the best examples of matches doing so?

[Dukelorange]

Selling injuries... You should not be walking much less running after you have been in the ankle lock for a few minutes. Selling the match will make the crowd care. Also before hand, effectively booking a proper build is also important. Every match on the PPV card should of had some sort of build. This is why the secondary title matches don't generate much buzz outside of the tag titles and that's because the Usos have a strong reputation of wrestling excellence not because of building.

[Innovator]

If you look at the way Dusty and Steamboat sold, they would rope the fans in. They would continue to sell on the comeback, which a lot of guys don't do anymore.

[Bobholly138]

The infamous Tully vs Magnum match is a great example of telling a story in the ring.

[JimmyMess]

I think its akin to surfers talking about how to catch a wave. They use a simple phrase but you are left with "whaaaaaaaaaaaaaa?"

[Anybody Thrilla]

I think it just refers to everything in the match making sense. One that stands out to me for whatever reason is HBK v. Batista at No Mercy or whatever the fuck it was. Shawn was trying all of his old tricks, but Batista was just too strong for them to work, so he resorting to faking an injury to get the upper hand. Great story-telling without words. I'd expound upon this, but I'm fucked up currently.

[whiteyford]

The Undertaker HBK mania matches are perfect examples, there was a story going into the match and during it which followed through to the rematch perfectly.