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CYNICAL VIEW: CENA TEARS A PATH FOR CHRIS JERICHO

The Cynical View

Cena Tears a Path for Jericho

Looking at the Cena injury and it’s ramifications

Welcome back to “Cynical View”, and thanks to those who read my previous column. Apologies for the delay in this one. However, despite the fact that I was working on stuff to throw together in some sort of column/rant/shambles, it was ram shacked by the WWE when a couple of days ago, I heard the news that has fans up and down the country rejoicing.

John Cena is gone for anywhere between 6 months to a year.

ake no mistake, this is a monumental loss for the WWE. Yes I know. You hate John Cena. He can’t work. His matches are dull and predictable, his promos retarded, and his character the silliest thing this side of Bastian Booger. However, he is the biggest star in the promotion, and the company would have been in absolute dire straits if this happened a couple of months ago. And even now, it’s a horrific blow to the WWE (just look at Vince McMahon’s expression during the announcement on ECW of the injury when the fans cheered the loss of Cena.). Whether most of us “smart” fans like him or not, his role in the company over the past year has been unmatched. He’s been the outright star, drawing in a huge sector of the audience that arguably no-one else (besides perhaps Mysterio, and maybe Undertaker at a stretch) appeals to a great deal. His merchandise has made enough bazongas to fund a small country, and his matches have been a highlight of the PPV’s. This is where I have a lot of problems with people slagging Cena off. Yes, he isn’t Chris Benoit, or Dean Malenko, or Bret Hart, or anything remotely approaching those guys when it comes to in-ring ability. But that is not to say that he doesn’t know how to work a top-drawer WWE main event.

Summerslam was a great example of this stubborn criticism. This was my take…

I thought it was forgettable, because in the overall context of the feud, there was little content in the match that was new, or different, or advanced the story. It just happened, then ended. What was there however, was solid, and it was especially well-executed in the final few minutes. I felt that overall, in the scheme of the overall feud, it was just fine.. And I was probably slightly harsh in not being slightly more excitable about the closing moments of it. After all, many of those bouts we fondly remember from the early 90’s, featuring the likes of Savage, Bret Hart, and Curt Hennig, are similarly paced outings. This wasn’t to the same standard, but it was a noble effort, and was just enough to create a sense of anticipation for the rematch.

Many other internet critics liked it too, with some going so far as to say it was a “great” match (although I don’t think anyone went so far as to term it “One of the most scintillating title matches I’ve seen in years.” as JR did, in a completely laughable line). But a lot of feedback from readers, echoed what I heard from people I talked to. They hated it. Thought it was awful. But they did so because Cena retained. They (for the most part), were unable to be objective, and disliked the match because the end result was not to their liking (okay though… I do admit… Orton needs to vary those mind-numbing headlocks a little more). And this is a trend that has at times affected me too (Wrestlemania… which would have been terrible if Michaels have taken the belt from the champ). But now, I think it’s time to actually reflect on the fact that Cena had a title reign that is easily comparable with long-term baby face reigns over the past couple of decades. He grew into a role in which he didn’t seem out of his depth, and was able to benefit those who performed alongside him. No? Well Khali was bearable during their series, in comparison to usual. Umaga had an early entry in the Match of the Year ballot, with their thrilling encounter. Michaels of course, had some fine battles with Cena, but it was far from all HBK. Cena held up his end in creating fantastic bouts. I thought hell would freeze over before I’d have said I’d enjoy a Lashley main event, but at the Great American Bash, I swallowed hard. It all adds up to an impressive title reign, that which, while no means perfect, was easily on par with those of Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin, Chris Benoit, and Rey Mysterio, in terms of match quality. Is Cena as good a wrestler as any of those guys? No, certainly not, be to say he doesn’t deserve to be on top, is absurd.

But if he had to be injured, that it’s now, must be some sort of blessing. The suspended stars are returning. Rey, Undertaker, and Triple H are all back from long-term absences. Maybe Shawn Michaels will be convinced to get back in the ring by his buddy Hunter as well. And of course, most importantly. On the horizon, we have the return of Chris Jericho.

As big a loss as Cena is right now, the return of Jericho would be just as big. And it seems entirely likely that this is about to happen. Is that going to be on Sunday, at the NO Mercy PPV? Jericho hasn’t wrestled in a long time. It’s been over two years, and for him to come in, and work the PPV, and win the belt, would seem like a long shot, especially for someone whom the WWE always felt was a great utility player in the first place, rather than a draw in their own right. But even if Y2J doesn’t appear on the show… the certain crowning of a new champion should be good enough for business. And the promotion is not compelled to rush Jericho straight into a big-match situation, as right now, no promises have been made… it’s all just speculation.

Anyway.. On Sunday, WWE has promised us a new main event to crown a new WWE champion. I fail to see how that won’t be Umaga vs. Triple H vs. Randy Orton. Perhaps Kennedy could be thrown into that mixture too… although if that were down to me, I wouldn’t have Kennedy anywhere near the main event until his pant-wittingly embarrassing media appearances can be forgotten. But if on PPV, a certain Canadian appears, I don’t think he’ll compete for the belt on this show.

If the title goes to Umaga, it would be a hell of a shock, and quite the novelty. However his aura has greatly diminished since the Cena feud that earned him credibility as a legit monster. And to follow up Khali’s abominable run, it would be too similar to have another far-fetched stereotype cartoon character wearing the top belt in the company. The options would be limited in how they would the guy as champion, and right now, with the roster depth not at it’s all-time greatest, it would be a mistake to book another heel champion. It just reeks of having Hunter as challenger.

It can’t go to Triple H. It just can’t. He’s already deposited his load all over the tag division, and has no need to with the WWE title right this moment. If they go with the Triple threat on the PPV, Hunter is an essential component, because he’s now the most over baby face on Raw, and his experience, and main event level ability is always a valuable addition to a bout that will be thrown together, with little preparation. As if Triple threats weren’t tricky enough. Wrestling two heels will both earn him the default sympathy, and save face somewhat, in defeat. He isn’t going to lose his spot, and if anything, this is the one opportunity for them to play off his title winning history, because a wide majority of viewers will expect him to raise the title. After the show, he can continue his promising feud with Umaga, which thus far, has shown potential, but been largely mishandled, until the most recent Raw. Afterwards, then, he can pursue the title, which is just swell. Another possibility though, is that they will run with Hunter vs. Orton, in a singles match (maybe further the McMahon angle, by having Hunter have to face Umaga to qualify for the main event title match? That could be very interesting…) Either way, I don’t think HHH winning is on the cards.

Randy Orton was undoubtedly scheduled to win the belt, at either this show, or the Cyber Sunday card. Thus, it isn’t too far of a stretch for him to pick it up here. I would stick with that notion. Putting it on anyone else is simply rushing a title reign, and if it’s a baby face, it’ll be pretty depressing following a years worth of baby face title defences. This is entering fantasy booking territory, and actually is pretty presumptuous. But what I would suggest, would be have Orton pick up the win, which allows “the Game” to continue to feud with Umaga. Kennedy meanwhile, can go elsewhere for the time being, as he has been hurt by bizarrely negative booking, and needs rebuilt somewhat before there would be any value in having him near the main event. And either beginning at the show, presuming Jericho will appear, or as soon as possible, have Y2J be the one to confront Orton, immediately going after the belt, and win it, in their first encounter.

Although that may seem like hot-shotting the feud, I don’t think it is. Right now, the more valuable thing to do would be to establish the role of Jericho, who I still feel has huge crossover potential, and could be a big draw, largely down to his personality, if booked strongly. The feuds done the line that would be of greater interest, I feel, are with Kennedy, Umaga, Edge, King Booker (if he returns), and at some point, CM Punk. He can defend against Orton for the time being. But the crucial part of this, wouldn’t be the individual match-ups it creates, but rather the implication of a new era, of a widely embraced performer taking advantage of the roster issues, and actually having some backing from the WWE.

Of course, that’s if the WWE do back Chris Jericho. After all he’s a “small” guy, and a “good worker”… two terrible negatives up there in Stamford. I guess we will have to wait and see. I for one, am excited by the possibility of Jericho taking up a top spot on Raw. Providing a Mr. Helmsley doesn’t insert his snout in that path.

Cena however, will be back next year, and although he will miss Wrestlemania, in my book that’s a good thing. There’s no need for a Triple H vs. Cena II to headline ‘Mania again. In fact, I think the notion is ridiculous. Hunter no longer has a place in the main event of the super show, unless it’s possible in a dream match of some sort (none of which spring to mind honestly). He’ll have a hard time placing himself against any of the rest of the current crop on top of the bill either. Cena will miss a possibly negative ‘Mania appearance, and instead return refreshed, rejuvenated, and I suspect, a little less hugely built than he is now. He’s far from my favourite performer, but when he does step back into the limelight, I for one, look forward to cheering his pursuit of the big gold belt.

Thanks for taking the time to read this wacky rant. If you have any comments, I welcome and encourage all feedback. please get in touch at bazilalfonso@hotmail.com Until bell-time, thanks again.