Sunday 28 July 2013

The Kings of Wrestling - a solution to WWE's tag division stagnation?

It is clear. WWE's tag team division is not what it used to be. Since the glory days of the Smackdown Six (Benoit & Angle, Los Gurerros and Edge & Mysterio), something has been lacking. Many fans will also recall the days of the Dudleys, Edge & Christian and the Hardys.

Despite reports over the years of WWE refocussing on the division, nothing really came of it. The number of established teams was minimal. An exciting tag division can add real depth to the roster, and provide fans with variety.

There is now an interesting opportunity at hand. The Shield have been dominating the tag division over the last year. Harper and Rowan from the Wyatt family have been introduced. The Usos are getting a push it would seem.

Now could be the time to make the division into something special. Break Chris Hero (Kassius Ohno) out of developmental. Team him up with Antonio Cesaro. Re-kindle the magic that they had as the Kings of Wrestling. Yes, it is probably too much to ask for Vince to pay for Queen's 'We are the Champions'. Regardless, the Kings of Wrestling would be fresh and interesting. Battles with the Shield, the Usos and the Wyatts would make for good matches at least.

Saturday 27 July 2013

WWE needs to trust in Daniel Bryan

Daniel Bryan has seen a meteoric rise to the top of WWE. In a time when WWE is lacking legitimate top tier main-event stars that can draw, it is time for WWE to take a chance on Bryan.

Think back to the Attitude Era - Mick Foley, HHH, The Rock, Steve Austin, The Undertaker, Vince McMahon, Kurt Angle, Kane, Chris Jericho, and others were all a staple part of main-event WWE programming.

The number of current established main-event stars could be described as: Cena, Punk and Orton as the top three, followed by Del Rio , Sheamus, Big Show and Kane. In my opinion, once Orton / Cena / Punk are removed from the picture, the current group really struggles to compare to the previous era. The depth of talent at the top is clearly smaller.

 It is clear. WWE needs to build to the future. How much longer does CM Punk have in the ring? This is man who has one goal left in the business, to main-event Wrestlemania. His frustration dealing with the system is well documented. This is a man that could leave when his contract is up and not look back.

John Cena started wrestling for WWE in 2002. He grew into the company's number one star. Years of carrying that mantle must take a toll on the mind and body. Whilst Cena appears to thrive under the pressure, how much longer will his body hold together? Steve Austin remarked on Twitter recently that Cena should look after his health - perhaps implying the need to slow down to preserve his long-term career.

Randy Orton  is on strike number two of the Wellness Policy. It is indeed surprising that he won Money in the Bank, indicating perhaps that the company is willing to trust him as a firm fixture in the main-event scene. However, how long till strike three?

So, if Cena, Punk and Orton all departed, what would the WWE be left with in the main-event scene? Del Rio vs Big Show for an eternity?

Therefore, the WWE must take a risk with Daniel Bryan. Arguably, he rivals Cena in terms of crowd reactions. Some would say he is already a main-eventer based on reaction alone. It's just that WWE does not seem to fully accept him as a main-eventer. Bryan's road to SummerSlam hopefully allows for complete company and fan acceptance of his main-event status. If WWE are to build for the future, Daniel Bryan needs to win the title. Cena will not lose any momentum. Not only that, Bryan should walk out of SummerSlam still as the champion - i.e. no Orton cash-in.


Let him run with the title for two or three months. See what impact this has on ratings, house show attendance and PPV buys. More importantly, make him look strong. Daniel Bryan presented as a lame duck champion who struggles to win matches convincingly will not help his cause. WWE need to take a chance with Daniel Bryan as a fully fledged main-event star who overcomes John Cena. They have no choice. 

The future will soon be calling, and if WWE are not careful, they will have little  to show for it in the main-event scene.