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GUEST EDITORIAL
By Matt Johnson of Norway, Mich.
PWTorch.com Reader
Undertaker's WrestleMania winning streak has been a reliable draw for WWE for years. Fans don't want to miss history being made. But once Undertaker loses, his WrestleMania drawing power shrinks drastically. WWE, therefore, must play this hand correctly.
Dream matches seem like a thing of the past. Whether it was Hogan-Flair, Austin-Goldberg, or Hart-Hogan, fans had the "What if?" question on their minds. With WWE and TNA blowing through storylines and so many of the top stars of the past too far removed from putting on a solid match, it seems like the well of "What if?" matches has run dry.
One key element of a dream match is when the paths of two or more historical events pass. In WWE, two of the main historical events yet to take place are:
(1) Undertaker's WrestleMania winning streak coming to an end
(2) John Cena making a heel turn
Both of these ventures are risky, as millions of merchandising and pay-per-view dollars hang in the balance. But, I believe that it is the perfect storm that can generate real heat for the WWE product, and re-charge the company.
In order for a match to seem "must see," both wrestlers must have something on the line. If Undertaker were just to wrestle John Cena at WrestleMania, it would only seem like a big deal if Undertaker lost. Even if a title was on the line, the belts have been de-valued enough that it would not seem like an equal wager.
Therefore, John Cena should put his career on the line against the Undertaker. John Cena's career vs. Undertaker's winning streak guarantees fans that history will be made.
To add a third historic event, the match could combine the WWE and World Heavyweight titles, leaving only one champion. With a strong storyline foundation behind it, this match could generate record revenue for WWE.
Since the strongest storylines have doses of reality in them, John Cena should emerge as the leader of a super-faction of "chosen ones." The members of this faction would be wrestlers who fans recognize as the types of wrestlers preferred by WWE management. Examples include Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase, and Batista. Stephanie McMahon could serve as the group's corporate representative.
Opponents of this superfaction could be the grittier wrestlers who were chosen by the fans to be top acts. Examples include Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Shawn Michaels, and the Undertaker. Shane McMahon would side with them.
A strong mystery angle could be the centerpiece to Raw for several months as to who this superfaction is building around. Subtle clues and red herrings can be given along the way to spark interest. Cena could be revealed as the leader at the Royal Rumble, when the group clears the ring for him and gives him the win.
There are a number of subtleties and complexities that would add layers to the story. One of the major questions would be where Triple H stands. John Cena's relationship with Randy Orton and Batista would also be intriguing. It would be set-up where Cena convinced them that it was in their financial interest to support him.
While the superfaction would be larger than a traditional faction, it would be selective about its membership. Bizarre wrestlers like Kane or disproportionate wrestlers like the Great Khali would not fit in.
Cena could borrow elements of the Hollywood Hogan character to brag about his associations in Hollywood and with celebrities. He could really make fans believe that he has a chance to lose at WrestleMania by stating that he even if he loses, he will go straight to Hollywood and make millions of dollars.
To add interest to the "biggest match in WWE history," Vince McMahon could make his return as the guest referee. Speculation over where Vince McMahon stands would spark even more conversation about the match.
With some fans naturally disliking Cena anyways, those on the fence and most who are currently supportive of him would likely turn based on his actions. WrestleMania would really generate interest, as fans might actually feel passionate about the outcome of a match, and not just feel like spectators at a fun event.
The outcome, of course, would be John Cena getting the win. WWE could continue to put heat on the heels, almost at Kevin Sullivan levels. Cena's title defenses would be few and far between, but the ones he did have on pay-per-view would seem special and drive pay-per-view buys.
WWE may seem like it is in a funk, but they hold all the cards to turn it around in short order. How will WWE play its hand?
Contact Matt Johnson with feedback at mattjohnson62@yahoo.com
You are invited to submit a "Torch Guest Editorial" for possible publishing on this site in future days. For submission guidelines and the current email,click here.
"How will WWE play its hand?"
Hopefully not like this, bro. Good scenario, Matt, but not likely for
several reasons, the most obvious being the one you mentioned early -
money. No way is the E dumping Taker's win streak and Cena's massive
popularity with the family demographic all in one shot. Way, way too risky.
However, you made a great observation on a direction they could take the
Orton/Sons of Legends stable we've been teased with the last few weeks.
Seeing the Rumble come down to Orton's gang and a Super-face(Cena, HBK,
Batista maybe) where they eventually team up and throw the face out despite
a heroic effort, then bail out over the top rope to leave their leader with
a 'Mania title shot would be a great angle to run with.
'Taker's streak must live on!
Edgemark
12 Nov 2008, 13:30
There's a large flaw in the Undertaker-Cena match stipulation. Undertaker's
streak is not an even exchange with John Cena's career. The streak is
bigger than Cena's career, it's one of the defining elements of
Undertaker's legacy. It should be ended for only one of two purposes: to
elevate a talent that has not achieved legendary status, or to solidify the
legacy of another veteran (ie. another Attitude Era wrestler). Either way,
the end of 'Taker's streak should also signify the end of his career.
The other problem with this stipulation is that there is no longer a
suspension of disbelief when it comes to career-staking matches. William
Regal put his career on the line, was beaten, and came back. Chris Jericho
put HIS career on the line, was beaten, and came back. There is a long list
of wrestlers who have staked their career on the loss of a match, and
rarely has it been believable or genuine. It's just like the recurring joke
of Terry Funk's retirement. It keeps happening, but it doesn't mean
anything anymore because nobody believes it. You'll never capture a fan's
interest with a match stipulation like this in today's era, especially when
websites like this are so accessible and there's a better understanding of
why somebody loses a match that their career is on the line (vacation,
leaving for another company, etc.).
Let us also take into account that were this to happen, that John Cena were
to put his career on the line against Undertaker's streak, nobody would
believe that Cena would lose. You can't even pretend that he doesn't mind
leaving because he has "Hollywood endeavors." He doesn't. He's said so time
and again, he is devoted to WWE and nothing else. He even belittled The
Rock for going to Hollywood and trying to brush off his wrestling image.
With all this in consideration, do you think Cena would be booked to lose a
career-ending match? Do you think he would actually lose and NOT be brought
back in some ridiculous loophole fashion?
Note I've only talked about why a career-ending stipulation is both
unbelievable in today's wrestling atmosphere and incapable of drawing
genuine fan interest. I won't even go into detail about the flaw in mass
stable booking. I will say, however, that you just can't gather together
all your main eventers into a "super-faction" and expect them to follow one
leader, especially not when half of them are former world champions.
Champions do not serve under other champions.
Ian K.
12 Nov 2008, 13:33
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ............I'm sure you thought that was a
great, epic storyline when you wrote it, but lets evaluate:
*Another faction storyline wouldnt save the company. It was done to death
in the '90's, which is one of the reasons DX, NWO, Nation of Domination,
The Brood, etc. no longer exists. The concept is played.
*TNA is currently doing almost that exact storyline (which I'm sure is
where you got the idea) and no one is paying attention. Vince would NEVER
put himself in a position to appear like he was stealing ideas from
Jarret.
*What do you mean 'fan chosen'? Thats way too vague for anyone but marks,
and marks aren't where WWE makes its bones. You have to market to the
casual fan.
*Finally, WWE needs less McMahon, not more.
John Kelly
12 Nov 2008, 20:59
I'm with Edgemark. The Career v. Career gimmick is the most obvious of
gimmicks to be disregarded within a few months.
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