#2. WRESTLING MEDIA – SPEAK UP OR SHUT UP?
John Cena’s going through a divorce. It’s out there. The end, right?
No.
Justin LaBar decided he wasn’t going to talk about the John Cena divorce story on this week’s edition of Chair Shot Reality. I understand, and he’s not the only one in wrestling media that feels that’s the proper way to handle it.
I disagree to an extent.
Wrestling media, sites like WZ, shows like VOW and CSR, people like me – I absolutely agree that we shouldn’t be discussing the details of Cena’s marriage, what his wife is or isn’t like, what kind of husband Cena is, etc. We don’t know the truth (never will), we shouldn’t speculate, and it’s none of our business.
Should wrestling media report the latest on his divorce? Sure. John Cena is a high-profiled, very public figure. And it’s news. Plus, regardless of whether some of you will agree to this or not, you WANT to read about it.
It’s the unfortunate truth about our nature as people. We love gossip, we rubberneck as we pass by the scene of a wreck, and we like drama.
Should we, as editorialists and opinionated writers, analyze and discuss John Cena’s divorce? Absolutely, IF and WHEN it relates to pro wrestling. And even now, I think it’s absolutely okay – not to mention our job – to discuss the potential affect this could have on John Cena, his wrestling career, etc.
I’ll give examples of what I feel is acceptable and not acceptable commentary regarding John Cena’s divorce:
Acceptable: “John Cena’s divorce could prolong a potential Cena heel turn even further, as Vince McMahon will want to position Cena in the most positive light possible during this situation.”
Unacceptable: “John Cena’s wife is a gold digger.”
I’m not saying there’s much to this story, yet. I don’t have much to say on the issue, yet. There’s no reason to discuss it any further, yet.
But there could soon be plenty to discuss. And if and when that time comes, some media will shy away completely. Others will talk about it properly. And some will cross lines they shouldn’t. Just don’t tell me to avoid it completely.
There’s a right and a wrong way to present it, but John Cena’s personal life is absolutely newsworthy. Don’t tell me it’s not, and don’t tell me you don’t care.
