Let me propose that Idubbbz wants to go serious, and really doesn't feel like bothering people anymore. The stress that comes from internet bullshit and its creation can get to you.
I feel like this is not the issue though. I think its fucking weird that the drive that seemed to be behind "ye olden days" of the channel is put into stuff like boxing. We went from bad unboxing to bad boxing. I could commend Ian for his bravery. He went in there like a champ and shot for the moon, kid. But why do I care?
I think the problem is that previously, all of the content went against the way the wind was blowing and the new stuff is going in the same direction as whatever's platform friendly. Where before, most of the videos were biting criticism and seemed to be coming from the gut, the new stuff comes off calculated. If I wanted to be empathetic, I feel like when I watched the Sam stuff, and every other interaction Idubbbz has had with people interested in the drama and hype, he has been uncomfortable. Yet before, he was happy laughing at people, dumb ideas, and himself. Maybe he feels that way about squirrels.
Doing weird gross shit, shaving his head, saying whatever edgy shit he thinks of and wanting to be able to say that "its all good, its just comedy", was very entertaining.
I kinda understand because of the times that we live in, everyones afraid of being canceled. But, it sucks to see how many people have put themselves into an uncomfortable, conformist box to make acceptable ad friendly content. It's also weird that this era is defined by Anisa and Idubbbz public relationship, mostly because of Anisa's choices.
They get invited on podcasts and shows together as a team because they have decided to work together as a business...So it's not like I can just watch Idubbbz as an individual making his own content. Anisa is there saying shit that ends up getting clipped.
Like ok he has an only fans girlfriend right? Let's just accept that. But now, that means that if Idubbbz is doing something or is on a show, suddenly he's also "Anisa's Husband" and I'm forced to look at Anisa act a fool, like "hey bro get your girl, she's making decisions here that are antithetical to something that worked in the past or might be helpful right now."
At the very least where's the straight answers? The way that he talked about Sam felt like it was some weird soft PR line. Like just say if Sam pisses you off and why so I can understand. Or alternatively just say that he fucked with you so you don't trust him. Or say you'd give it another shot but Anisa doesn't like it, just give me something real.
Keemstar saw that including Sam in a fight card would increase viewers, and bring a built in audience of whatever size. He took it on instinct that Sam would deliver, and he did. Look at how good Harley's stuff came out with Sam's presence, and influence on the project. It's pretty great work, and literally shows Sam in a light that most of the time we don't see. Isn't that pretty much what the Idubbbz documentary lacked?
There's no way that Idubbbz didn't see that the Sam Hyde saga could be entertaining. So what conclusion could thus be made about why he didn't play into the whole narrative instead of trying to snuff it out every time? Frustrating as hell as someone who liked Idubbbz content, but also funny because it has created a clumsy mess.