WrestleMania 28 looms as the perfect storm. The WWE Network launch has been delayed, making WM’s priorities self-contained as opposed to part promo, part PPV. All three main-event matches feature participants who know what they’re doing. Sad to say, but that’s the “dying breed” they keep referencing: QUALITY PERFORMERS.
The Rock vs. John Cena is still the wild card. The level of disrespect they have for each other is doubtless being exaggerated on-screen, but it’s there. That disrespect has produced some SIZZLING promos, but will it hinder cooperation at match time?
The guess here is no. These are two legit pros who understand the BUSINESS part of the wrestling business. Again, sad to say, but few do.
Some feel it’s NOT FAIR for The Rock to stumble back from Hollywood occasionally and get a ‘Mania main event. IT’S NOT FAIR, IT’S NOT FAIR, IT’S NOT FAIR!
OK, but so what? IT’S GOING TO DRAW A HOUSE. Pathetic, juvenile thinking like that is why John Hennigan and his hoeski work indie shows these days.
Cena legit discombobulated The Rock with his promo last Monday, especially when he called him out for having notes written on his arm – something The Rock has done for years, BTW. Cena didn’t totally turn the crowd, but he cooled The Rock’s babyface buzz, both in the arena and at home. Is that good, or bad?
Dunno, but come Miami, IT WILL BE ABSOLUTELY FUTILE. Not sure if having ‘Mania in The Rock’s hometown was a condition of his return, but there’s no turning THAT CROWD on THAT NIGHT. For the sake of this feud, ‘Mania should be elsewhere.
Rumor holds that WWE booking called for Cena to win Monday’s promo, and for The Rock to be flustered, by way of building ‘Mania.
If that’s true, congrats. But I don’t buy it. I don’t think WWE creative knows the meaning of the word SUBTLETY. This past Monday was more likely the result of two QUALITY PERFORMERS sensing and pursuing the right direction.
I go back and forth between who’s babyface, and who SHOULD be babyface.
Everything Cena says about The Rock is true, but SO WHAT? The marks still perceive The Rock as the REAL STAR, especially given the love-hate relationship with Cena. The marks want to cheer The Rock. Wrestling is about giving the marks what they want.
Problem is, The Rock leaves after WrestleMania. Cena doesn’t. Given their heroic effort to keep Cena babyface, WWE seems to want to move ahead with Cena as their No. 1 good guy after ‘Mania. The Rock cost Cena the WWE title at last year’s WM, so it’s Cena’s turn to win. Logic points to Cena beating The Rock at Miami.
Unless you embrace the idea of giving the marks what they want. No one – and certainly no one that’s going to be at the live show – wants to see Cena beat The Rock. If Cena wins, a large faction of WWE Universe is going to HATE HIM MORE THAN EVER. That’s not good when Cena’s your No. 1 baby moving forward.
But I would still book Cena to win, in a fashion that has The Rock cede him grudging respect after. Cena’s going to be there after. That counts for something.
Unless The Rock disagrees. I’ve never heard of The Rock refusing to job. But if that’s ever going to be the case, it’s going to be in front of friends and family at ‘Mania.
BTW, being in your hometown means nothing to Vince McMahon. If anything, it makes him turn up the humiliation quotient. Witness Jim Ross whenever WWE visits Oklahoma.
I’ve been very outspoken when I say divas don’t draw money. Eve Torres may be an exception. I think she could draw BIG MONEY at Sapphire Gentleman’s Club in Las Vegas. WHAT A BODY. The Rock should have written his crib notes on her jugs. But that promo Eve did Monday had NO POINT WHATSOEVER.
Mark Madden hosts a radio show 3-6 p.m. weekdays on WXDX-FM,Pittsburgh, PA (105.9) . Check out his web page at WXDX.com. Contact Mark by emailing [email protected] . FOLLOW MARK ON TWITTER: @MARKMADDENX.
