My Monday column for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review looks at the changes in WWE. Here’s some highlights:
WWE is entering a new era of talent and format.
If you talk talent, you can’t talk unless including John Cena. The 15-time WWE Champion has been Mr. Reliable, which says to me it’s finally time to stir it up.
If ever a time, it’s now for Cena to be the bad guy to the WWE audience. The guy who’s heel turn has been compared to that of Hulk Hogan in 1996 has been the shining light of a fog that’s been WWE storytelling.
Cena has graduated past a normal WWE Superstar. No longer does the normal rules and critiques apply.
“Big match John?” You should be so lucky.
Every big show that comes, Cena arrives and delivers. There’s no talk of injury hindering his ability. No talk of a surprise competitor ousting the incumbent. Cena not only has delivered, he’s caused chatter and debate for his performances.
The talk of him not being able to wrestle or presumed selfishness is Internet message-board chatter that has as much weight to it as the fancy font its written in. There’s no reliable source to back any rumors of his personal stature with peers nor credibility of what he does physically in the specially trained art that is pro wrestling.
I’ve talked to many in WWE who might view Cena as the high school quarterback in rank but have praised his professionalism to help if they are going to be working with him on television. The appreciation of wanting to learn and deliver has also been valued to the top draw.
Physically, any serious doubt of Cena’s abilities and commitment is pure pre-determined negative reputation being fed.
Tell me the last television WWE match John Cena hasn’t delivered on?
Don’t worry, I’ll wait.
There isn’t. It’s this fact which enrages his fan base of hatred that he operators with a repetitive set of moves that are branded “WWE safe” and to some as “the five moves of doom.” Cena does has a repetitive repertoire he taps into, but that’s become more of his gimmick to elicit severe cheers or boos. Reality is, Cena has shown a range of abilities from a physical or ring psychology stance that outshines the redundant cycle of moves. Put him in the ring with anyone of any size and style — the result is another big match in the history books for one of the most decorated stars ever.
When his entrance music starts playing, it’s becoming more normal to hear chants of “John Cena sucks” to the melody of the horns in his song. This isn’t a call of hate, but rather the sincerest form of respect from the audience. It’s the adage of the most jokes told on you equals appreciation. The chorus of “John Cena sucks” has graduated into a vocal appreciation. It says we love to hate you because you’ve provided us reliable talent to hate on that is enjoyable, yet undeniable in its true ability.
Bottom line, love him or hate him while expressing it via a chant, Cena has forced his critics to take part in unison in their dislike with a tone of humility.
CLICK HERE for more changes including Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank expanding in time.
