The word is that John Cena beat Brock Lesnar at Extreme Rules because “everybody knew” Lesnar was going to win, and WWE wanted to double-cross the Internet.
That reminds me SO MUCH of WCW Live, the WCW.com Internet real audio show I co-hosted after PPVs and Nitros. Eric Bischoff and especially Vince Russo would listen in, hanging on every caller’s every word.
In public, each would denounce Internet fans. But you could clearly see the whims of the Internet reflected in WCW’s product. For better, or (usually) for worse.
“Everybody knew” is not a proper reason for switching a result that properly delivers on booking, and that would further the storyline moving ahead.
In 1990, “everybody knew” Sting was going to beat Ric Flair for the NWA title at the Great American Bash. That actually made it BIGGER. I’ve never heard such a pop.
People popped, even though “everybody knew,” because it was the RIGHT RESULT.
As usual, the comments below my last column furthered the concept and cause of brain damage. I particularly enjoyed those who said Lesnar should not be pushed ahead of those who “bust their ass” full-time.
That’s true, except for one small variable: Those who “bust their ass” full-time DON’T DRAW MONEY. Brock can.
When was the last time fake wrestling embraced the notion of being fair? It’s about one thing: MONEY. To be, uh, fair, I can understand why fans lose sight of that. WWE and Impact do, too.
After a quick second viewing of Cena-Lesnar from Extreme Rules, that would have been the perfect match had Lesnar won. Lesnar CRUSHED HIM, but Cena WOULDN’T DIE. Nobody loses.
Lance Storm, who knows more about this than you or me, wouldn’t have beat Lesnar, either.
But Lance points out, accurately, that WWE can mirror Lesnar’s UFC feud with Frank Mir to build a Lesnar-Cena rematch. “You had a horseshoe up your ass last time, Cena. But this time, I’m gonna KILL YOU.”
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
