I think the fans being different is a part of the difference, and it a lot of ways makes things harder for wrestlers today.
Back in the day, to my recollection at least (and admittedly I might be wearing rose colored glasses to some degree), fans would cheer every face and boo every heel. That's part of the reason WWE could get away with so much enhancement talent matches on their TV programming. Now there's a 50/50 chance you'll bet boring chants for any match that goes over 15 minutes if there's not enough star power and storyline build up. The talent and bookers seem to need to work harder to keep the fans invested now.