WWE OVER THE LIMIT: A TALE OF TWO TITLE MATCH BUILDS
By Mike Brown on 5/23/2011 2:01 PM
From the Mind of the Maniac: A Tale of Two Builds
Over the last few weeks, we've seen builds to two title matches which took place at WWE Over the Limit. This will take a look at the two title programs… which one was done well… and which one involved John Cena.
World Heavyweight Championship
Edge's retirement obviously caught the company by surprise. To the point that they moved the annual draft ahead by several weeks. The initial impact was that many of the matches at the Extreme Rules pay per view were neutered by predictable outcomes. On the upside, Christian was placed into the main event picture (even if it was by default). I believe that he has risen to the occasion, despite not having the company behind him.
Christian's too short title reign came to an abrupt end at the SmackDown taping just two days after he'd won the Extreme Rules ladder match versus Alberto del Rio. A match which was one of the highlights of that show.
At the 5/3 SmackDown taping, a "vote" was held to determine the new number one contender. This was won by Randy Orton, who recently decided to mimic the facial hair of Giant Gonzalez for no apparent reason. Since the voting was between Great Khali, Mark Henry and Orton the outcome was never really in doubt.
It was the subtleties during and after the match that made the difference here. Orton treated Christian like an equal. Several times giving a look of frustration and surprise at not being able to get the pin. And a look of respect as he walked up the ramp with the title, knowing he'd been pushed to the limit and that the match could have easily gone the other way.
Christian proved himself to be a ring general here as well. Orton has never been known as a big match competitor. So it was up to Captain Charisma to pull a good match out. Because he succeeded, they succeeded.
The verbal sparring leading up to their rematch was filled with the usual bluster, but kept serious and (more importantly) even. While everyone expected Orton to retain the title, they left a shadow of doubt that maybe the company might get behind Christian.
At Over the Limit, Orton and Christian once again stole the show. And, were given the time to do so. And again, the little things were done right. While many would have liked to see a different outcome, the fact is that both men came out of this feud a step above where they had previously stood.
WWE Championship
John Cena and The Miz have been going back and forth since before WrestleMania. While The Miz has been solid in his roll, Cena has fluctuated between better than average and way below average.
After capturing the title in the Extreme Rules triple threat cage match, Cena proclaimed that he'd carry the title to his match with The Rock at WrestleMania 28 and beyond. The really frightening thing is that we all believe that to be a conceivable (if regrettable) possibility. For the company, it basically means the WWE Championship matches between now and next April mean very little.
After being made to look like a star leading into WrestleMania, The Miz has been relegated to annoyance of the month for Cena. After The Miz cuts an impassioned promo about how he's confident he'll make Cena say "I quit". The response is Cena's usual snarky comments, usually including his weekly ode to poopy pants and gay innuendo. In other words… I don't take this guy seriously so why should you?
The go home Raw before Over the Limit gave The Miz power to book Cena's match for the night. Rather than having every heel come out and beat him down in a gauntlet match, he decides on perennial also-ran Jack Swagger. After Cena dispatched Swagger, The Miz and Alex Riley attack Cena with a steel pipe. Followed by Cena popping up and no-selling the beating only to get one up on Miz and Riley… again.
Their "I Quit" handicap match at Over the Limit, poorly booked as it was, held no suspense as the outcome was a foregone conclusion. There is no beating so bad that Cena cannot bounce back from. And, as long as he's there, make snarky comments when asked if he wants to quit.
In the anti-climatic climax of the match, Cena bounced up yet again… quickly dispensed of Alex Riley, locked in the STF and The Miz gave in within seconds. Afterward, Cena stood tall on the stage. Title belt in hand. Big grin on his face. Showing no signs of the near half hour beating he'd just taken from two men.
The Tale They Told
Orton and Christian brought the best out in each other. Their in-ring chemistry has been obvious in their encounters. Orton helped Christian jump to the next level. And Christian showed the kind of match Orton is capable of with the right opponent. There would be worse things for SmackDown than for this program to continue for another month.
Conversely, if I'm The Miz I'd likely be spending the day talking with creative about getting as far away from Cena as is humanly possible. A feud with Santino Marella would do more for him at this point. Let Alberto del Rio be dragged down to the midcard by No-Sell Cena for a few months. It's been said that Cena doesn't need the title, which is true. In fact, I believe the title is actually devalued by being with Cena
