My Monday column for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review focuses on Luke Harper and WWE needing to capitalize on him. It starts with Bray Wyatt. The follow is an excerpt:
Time is a precious commodity. WWE needs to stop wasting time with not utilizing Luke Harper.
Prior to Harper’s main roster debut, I had to explain all of the versatility the big man had at 6-foot-7, which includes his ability of having any style match and the things he could physically do for a man of his size. Luckily, he’s gotten some great exposure on WWE’s main roster over the past few years and anybody paying attention doesn’t need me to hype him.
Of course, it’s entertainment, and bell-to-bell performance is only part of the winning formula. His look is memorable. His facial expressions are descriptive and fitting to his character.
As far as his character goes, it was great when in the right place. I believe Harper can be successful on his own, but that takes the right scenario and time given. WWE hasn’t shown much interest in that.
WWE tried to pair Harper and former Wyatt Family brother Erick Rowan back together as a dominant tag team. That’s been derailed as Rowan legitimately injured himself at a non-televised event and is going to be out several months.
It’s all a sign. Harper needs to be back with Bray Wyatt.
Walking behind the lantern once again immediately increases Harper’s significance and exposure. Having Harper again as a follower enhances Wyatt’s character. I’ve always felt characters like Wyatt’s thrive off having people manipulated around them.
Right now, Harper easily could be inserted into what’s becoming an entertaining personal story between Wyatt and Roman Reigns.
CLICK HERE for the conclusion with a creative way to use Harper in the Wyatt/Reigns feud that’s getting personal.
