By Jon Cudo, PWTorch Specialist

TRUE: The WWE needs to follow Punk's advice

In a recent back and forth with Kevin Nash, Punk shot back to Nash "Watch the Show" when Nash didn't seem to recognize the core of Punk's character.

I think of that line often, since it too often seems that the rest of the WWE storylines seem to forget that advice. Watch the show.

As the Cena/Rock potential partnership unfolded, I was reminded of a great partner surprise from 1992. Macho Man was looking for a partner to replace Ulitmate Warrior to face Ric Flair and Razor Ramon. Over the course of a couple weeks he teased various partners before finally offering that he knew the "perfect" partner... "Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig. The story then turned to a then-retired Perfect deciding if he'd come back to tag with Macho. It was a great story told over time, including the dual surprise that Perfect would wrestle again and if he would do it along side rival "Macho Man" Savage.

In the case of Cena this week on Raw, the story was unnecessarily flat because Rock was already announced as returning to the ring. Contrary to almost any announced wrestler, Rock was announced without a match. Anyone who is fan enough to visit WWE.com also knew that Rock and Cena were partnering at Survivor Series. In the end, Cena seemed not to watch the show or certainly ever visit WWE.com (but I bet he follows them on Twitter).

These details are making major angles seem clunky and half-baked. While there seem to be some broad issues with long-term planning, you don't have to fix those to correct many of these oversights. You just have to watch the show and react to what everyone else is seeing.

Watch the show and Cena can mention, "Rock you said you want to compete, why not along side me?" Or have Hunter or Laurinitis make part of the announcement that Rock will pick his opponent next week on Raw. Let the WWE Universe speculate (on Twitter even!) whom he will face. Then you add a layer of intrigue to the Cena offer, since Rock has clearly more interesting possible alternatives (perhaps a title match against Del Rio, a old grudge match against Hunter, or to set up a feud with a new loudmouth like Miz). People would even speculate on Cena's motives for asking Rock, since the match teased most often on Raw would probably be a Cena vs. Rock match.

Instead, Cena clumsily arrived at the idea that Rock could pair with him... even thought that is now a foregone conclusion to anyone who is engaged with the show or follows WWE online. As the quintessential company man you would think he would know as much as any fan, yet he seems a little slow on the draw. Something that could be fixed if he watched the show.

FALSE: Zach Ryder is on the Way to Drawing Money

Zach might be able to sketch money, but he's still not a draw. While the WWE is looking to capitalize on pillowcase and sweatband sales with the now copyrighted "Broski" phrase, Zach Ryder remains a lower-mid card novelty comedy act. Fluke wins and goofy comedy are the shortest route to Santinoland, not the main event, and that's the path Zach continues to pursue.

This is not to say that Zach Ryder isn't helping his cause and isn't a part of a winning wrestling show format. His spiked hair just isn't getting flattened by bumping the main event glass ceiling. I am still unmoved by his self-push and YouTube superstar-dom, and while he has found a place on television, the calls for a higher level push for Ryder remain unwarranted.

TBD: Randy Orton has peaked

Randy Orton started 2011 at the top of many people's Draft List. A perennial top star in wrestling's no. 1 company and perhaps the best hand in the business, he has headlined or co-headlined nearly every PPV in the last two years. He is routinely in the best match or second best match of the night and always gets the superstar reaction when his music hits. He was also the quick choice to become the centerpiece babyface on Smackdown once Edge retired. But is something happening on the way to a Top Star of 2011 trophy?

When positioned at the centerpiece of Smackdown, ratings slipped. Now that he's been pushed down the card to feud with Cody Rhodes, ratings are surging. As always there are a lot of factors: New blood on top, fresher story lines and main eventers, better promotion of Smackdown on Raw, along with the regular ebb and flow of ratings. However, it is hard to argue that Randy Orton is as hot of an act as he was a year ago. His time on top of Smackdown failed to move the needle, and now he's struggling in the feud with Rhodes to elevate Cody... and the feud may be having the effect of pulling Randy down.

Like most, I believe that Randy is a better as a heel. I also believe he's better as a number two on a brand than he is as a top star. His stoic personality and hesitant happiness makes his babyface act seem put on. I believe this makes him wear thin over time and never capture a true connection with the audience. He is a major star, no question. A top five worker in the business today. However, he's also the perfect example of putting talent in the best position to succeed. Orton as a centerpiece babyface may not be the best use of his unique talent.

As he is currently positioned, Orton may have peaked. Seeing if the WWE can tweak his character and highlight what Orton does well to elevate him back to the top is to be determined.

Jon Cudo is the newest PWTorch Specialist, presenting the "True-False-TBD" format. Jon has worked in the sports entertainment industry for over 20 years, including major league sports teams and Nike. He has been a life-long pro wrestling fan and has attended WWE, WCW, and ROH events in person, including backstage access at multiple events. He grew up in Minnesota and now lives in Cleveland. He runs his own business, www.GameOps.com, a web site designed to connect sports teams and event producers with ideas and tools that will enhance the entertainment value for fans attending their events.

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