From time to time, The Teacher is absent, the lab is empty, and a substitute takes center stage. Today, Kyle (@RasslinWithLife) discusses the main event scene.
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"The more things change, the more they stay the same."
Thats how the old cliche goes and within WWE, it couldn't be more apparent. My hope is to shed light on what is vital to success going forward. One hot-button issue in the company is their inability or flat-out ignorance to build around their top star, John Cena.
It wasn't that long ago at one of their biggest pay per-views, SummerSlam, we saw resident conqueror and the Cenation patriarch go 1-on-1. Or at least that is what it was advertised as. What we all got at the biggest "Blockbuster of the Summer" was anything but a battle. I think to some degree we all expected a back and forth battle. Instead we witnessed an absolute mauling from the former UFC champ to the walking, talking merchandise king. Now, please don't mistake my playful banter for disrespect. John Cena is a 15-time world champion and has earned his stripes. Sadly for the champion his credentials meant zilch when the bell rang at 'Slam.
So what is next for the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion? With an immiediate rematch set for Night of Champions, that's the simple answer. With no plans of playing "hot potato" with the title, it's of high belief that Lesnar is set to hold the title for quite some time. With no planned feuds in the cards, after NOC it looks like the title along with Lesnar will be sauntering off into the sunset. This different approach to the title picture just maybe a blessing in disguise. While our part-time champ is away, the rest of the roster will finally be giving a little more of the spotlight. This means a much-needed elevation to the overcrowded, potential-oozing midcard. We can finally see some of the guys we've been begging to see on a far greater scale.
What I personally would like to see is a focus on some of their other champions. I remember a time when the Intercontinental championship was viewed as a launching pad for some of the biggest names in the business. It feels like anything but that in today's product. A lack of depth to the feuds surrounding the titles seem to be a big factor. It takes more than, "this guy has a title and I want it" to build up to a successful, well-received match. This is where the creative teams need to dig in and give us something to look forward to. One thing I wouldn't mind seeing is a unification match with the U.S. Title. The U.S. championship hasn't been defended as it should be and unifying it has been the talk lately.
Another division that has fallen from grace in time is the tag-team. The tag champs, The Uso's have had a few memorable matches since capturing the titles a few months back. For me, the problem is the challengers never seem to click. The writers need to work on putting teams together that make sense. Can you truly see a team like Heath Slater and Titus O'Neil taking the titles? nah, we didn't think so either. I think the team of Rowan and Harper should be in contention to bring that spotlight back. The biggest team I've seen trying to gain some momentum is the gigantic pairing of Mark Henry and Big Show. I'm not too keen on the idea but they have shown a little promise. With time and some "outside the box" thinking, the division can prosper as it did in the days of Hardyz VS Dudleys.
The final piece to the ever-changing puzzle of the WWE will also be the longest to discuss. Who they elevate from the lower-midcard level to main event status will be what sets the tone for the next decade. There are countless superstars I would like to see called up. The number one prospect and the hand-picked guy to carry the company on his shoulders is the powerhouse of the group formerly known as The Shield, Roman Reigns. While the proverbial rocket has been strapped to his back, he has a ways to go before getting the gold. Adding more moves to his arsenal and finding his voice are two things that must improve by 'Mania next year. Otherwise, "Roman's Empire" could come crumbling down.
Who else might we see pulled up to the championship tier? Cesaro is easily one of the best, most dedicated workers they have. After winning the inaugural "Andre the Giant Memorial" battle royal, he seemed destined for great things. Then suddenly the powers that be at WWE started writing him as the jobber. I hate to use that term but in this case it was very evident they didn't want to give the "Swiss Strongman" a push. With some retuning they can turn his character around and point him in the right direction. The sky's the limit for this former "Paul Heyman Guy".
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the wildcard of the roster, Seth Rollins. He is Mr. Money in the Bank and an automatic contender to the WWE World Heavyweight championship after all. I think he has all the cards in this hand. For all we know Cena could somehow beat Lesnar at NOC and Rollins could cash in on a wounded champion. That's what makes the MITB situation so intriguing, that for a whole year we have to hold our breath. Knowing that his music could hit at anytime, surely with a referee surely following. I especially can see Seth trying to cash in while his former friend turned foe, Dean Ambrose is out for a short while. Could we possibly see the high-flying "Benedict Arnold" that destroyed his own creation to get ahead as the leader of the pack?
One person I want to see succeed for the simple reason of just digging the character and knowing his potential is Bray Wyatt. The self-proclaimed "Eater of Worlds" has had an up and down career. Even in defeat he's shown great promise. That's not too shabby considering he entered a feud early this year that did anything but push his career forward. Another reason I believe he could step up to that top echelon of guys is his recent pulling away from his cohort of bearded, backwoods family. I see Bray being able to not only impress in the ring but do more on the microphone then anyone on the roster. No one has been able to cut promos like him since the early days of Mankind and the Undertaker. What more do you need from a champion?
I hope in reading this article I can show the naysayers that the talent is there, all they have to do is...BO-lieve. If they give credit where it's due, and expand their expectations of others, they can rest easy knowing the company will continue to thrive. The presence or absence of one man shouldn't shut down the show. Otherwise the company maybe at a standstill when Cena can no longer perform in the squared circle. With reports recently swirling of chronic pain in his neck and shoulders, could we be nearing the end of the storied career of the resident "Doctor of Thuganomics?"
Will Vince adapt or perish if and when he's isn't able to lace up his sneakers anymore? Only Father Time can answer that, we're just along for the ride.
Now that I've had your undivided attention.. Hey, I'm talking to you! Yes, you... Here's where I give my fingers a rest and let you all have the 'Talking Stick'. If you have anything to share on my thoughts or wrestling in general, #FollowTheBuzzards.. Or just follow me, I don't speak in tongues, like that guy. I'm always on twitter. Come Layeth the verbal Smacketh-Down on me: @RasslinWithLife
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