Changing of the Guard? My advice to the WWE

After what happened last Sunday and Monday, I have to do a follow-up blog. Anyone who watched the Money in the Bank Pay-Per-View thought that John Cena was going be fired for not beating CM Punk last Sunday. Even if you didn't, NO ONE thought that Cena was really to going to be fired. Who fires your ultimate money-maker? 

Anyways, the ending of ending of Monday Night Raw was totally unexpected. NO ONE expected Triple H to come out, let alone give the announcement that would shock the wrestling world. I don't know what's real or not, but I do know the WWE has issues to fix. The frustrating part is that these problems are not hard to fix. Here are my top 5 things the WWE needs to fix. Hope you enjoy my reasons why. 

1. Do not release John Cena, REBRAND HIM!!! 

Most of you Cena Haters would love to see him get fired last Monday. You didn't get your wish. He's not going anywhere guys. He has an important match with The Rock at WrestleMania 28. 

I do believe he does need some time off from the WWE. I think it would be beneficial to both the fans (older fans) and John Cena himself. During his time off, the WWE can help rebrand Cena. If it worked for Randy Orton (Legend Killer to The Viper), it can work for John Cena. He can still appeal to women and kids, but he needs an edge for the male fans to like him. My guess is a mixture of the current John Cena and the "Doctor of Thuggnamonics" John Cena. Many people forget that John Cena was a heel back in the day. Since he gets booed regardless, I hope he gives us a reason to boo him. 

It can only improve his chances when he becomes WWE Champion again, and faces The Rock at WrestleMania 28. He would not beat The Rock (who hasn't a match since 2004) with the same five moves like he does everyone else.  

After his time off (hopefully), I want to see a new and improved John Cena. New theme music, different wrestling moves, and a new attitude for C-Nation. I personally prefer The Chain Gang, but that's just me. I actually want his match with The Rock to be a classic match. After The Rock owned Cena on the mic before WrestleMania 27, I want to see John Cena make a comeback verbally. He won't beat The Rock on the mic (nobody does), but at least make it more entertaining. 

2. End the PG Era, or limit it to one show 

It's obvious that the story lines need to be better, but the WWE has to end the PG Era. If the WWE still wants to keep it, here's my idea. Make Monday Night Raw TV-14, Smackdown TV-PG, and all Pay-Per-View events either TV-14 or TV-MA. This way there's something for every WWE fan and Pay-Per-View events can be exciting again. This will give all the WWE stars more room to be more edgy, risque, and still be themselves. All the violence and foul language from the Attitude Era will be back. It can even be taken to another event once the event is on Pay-Per-View. Let's hope all the "more-talk-less-wrestling" shows will officially end. 

With this rating in tact, put John Cena back on Smackdown and Randy Orton on Raw. I feel like both wrestlers should are on the wrong shows. It's time for Randy Orton to be the face of Monday Night Raw and/or WWE. Cena can be still be a superstar, but in a smaller role on Smackdown. I feel ratings will go up on BOTH shows once the switch is made. On a side note, limit Michael Cole to Raw and leave him off Smackdown. I like Booker T and Josh Matthew's commentating so keep him to one show only.

3. Bring CM Punk back for WrestleMania 28 

The winner between The Miz vs. Rey Mysterio will the new WWE Champion. Keep in mind Alberto Del Rio can cash in his "Money in the Bank" briefcase and become Champion as well. You might fool some of the WWE fans, but most wrestling fans know who the REAL WWE Champion is. That man is CM Punk. 

I can see him coming back at the Royal Rumble. I don't think he'll win it, but at least he'll be the last 5 or 6 wrestlers in it. From there, he can face Triple H at WrestleMania 28. It won't be the main event, but it will be main event material. All the talk (real or not) he said about the Triple H and the McMahon family can be fuel for a great match adding to main event card. I can only imagine the build-up both of those guys can do for that match. Even if CM Punk is the TRUE WWE Champion then, I still want to match to be a non-title match. Only the Rock/Cena match should be for the WWE Title. He can face both wrestlers in another Pay-Per-View event, but not WrestleMania. 

Many people thought that Triple H will face the Undertaker at WrestleMania. Why? I know the match will be good, but we have seen this before.... Twice. Nobody has faced the Undertaker three times at WrestleMania. Kane, HBK, and Triple H faced him twice and they all lost. 

I would give Randy Orton another shot at the Undertaker. He's more popular now than the last time he faced him. For me, the BEST choice is The Big Show. He faced the Undertaker before at WrestleMania, but it wasn't one-on-one. This time, he can get a main-event match with the Undertaker with home-field advantage in Miami. The Big Show lives in South Florida and well-known in the community. I think he's the best fit to end the Undertaker's streak, or the Deadman leaving Miami at 20-0. Ironically, he could leave Miami with a better streak than 72' Miami Dolphins. 

4. Market the DIvas More 

The most frustrating part about the current WWE is the lack-of-interest with the WWE Divas. I'm starting to miss Trish Stratus and Lita more after watching these Diva matches. 

The problems is not the looks, it's the in-ring ability. Even when some of these Divas can wrestler, the match is just not fun to watch. They have Divas like Beth Phoenix, Eve, Melina, Natalya, and others who I actually like to see in and out the ring. With some of them, well, I'm still holding judgement. I would love to see better story lines for them as well. It wouldn't hurt to see them a Pay-Per-View event every now and then. Leaving most, if not all, the WWE Divas out of Pay-Per-View events is just plain disrespectful. 

We all know the WWE Divas are the most beautiful women in the world. I would love to see them marketed that way. I remember when the WWE had a Divas magazine back in 2001 with Lita on the front cover. One of the best purchases I ever bought as a 14 year old kid. Why can't the WWE do that today? Don't bring the "it's the PG Era" excuse because I was a kid when that magazine came out. I knew 8 year-olds who bought that magazine and no one complained about it. 

Let's bring back the WWE Divas being on Playboy again. If not Playboy, then let's say Maxim. Anyway to showcase the Divas in a tasteful manner, I'm all for it. I love to see a Bikini Contest around SummerSlam. It likely won't happen, but it's fitting with the whole SummerSlam theme. I would also like to see a Bra & Panties match again. Sounds like this match fits the Extreme Rules Pay-Per-View event. 

5. Listen to the Fans (At least the smart ones)

You'll be surprised how smart the WWE fans can be at times. Not all of us are stupid kids or dumb adults. I would to have the younger generation see the excitement that was the Attitude Era. This PG Era was watered down what the WWE used to be. It doesn't have to be The Attitude Era of years past, but please bring some edge to these shows. I tune in to watch a wresting event, not a Disney show. 

I agree with most of the WWE is doing with giving certain wrestlers the push they deserve like John Morrison, The Miz, and Alberto Del Rio. They're not big-time starts yet, but at least give them the chance to be one. The WWE is starting to do that now. Most of the WWE fans just want to see good entertainment overall. We're here to help the product and not hurt it. To the older WWE fans, the PG Era has hurt it enough. 

The Rock vs. Cena: More than a Wrestling Match

On April 1st, 2012, two of the biggest names in a pro wrestling will collide at WrestleMania 28. It's gonna be The Rock challenging John Cena for the WWE Title in The Rock's hometown of Miami, Florida. John Cena has the belt right now, but the WWE will give him the title back in time before WrestleMania. It will be a battle between the two biggest stars in the WWE representing two different generations. In order to understand the title (More than a wrestling match), you need to understand the two wrestlers and the era they represent. Not to mention the current state of the WWE. 

The Rock & The Attitude Era 

Before there was a John Cena, there was The Rock. A third generation superstar who debuted in the WWF (old name) in 1996. He left in 2004 to make movies. During his eight-year career, he became one of the biggest stars in WWF history. He was up there wrestling legends like Hulk Hogan, Andre The Giant, and his rival, Stone Cold Steve Austin. His matches and unique charisma build the company into the Attitude Era in the WWF. His style transcended into pop culture. Winning the WWF Title has harder back then because was only one belt at the time. He became a 7-time WWF champion as a heel. The Rock had too many rivalries to count. His most famous rivalries were between Stone Cold, Triple H, and Mankind. The Rock's success in movies payed the way for other WWE superstars (like John Cena) to be in movies. I believe that WWE Films wouldn't exist without The Rock's success in movies. 

The Attitude Era was between 1997-2001. It was known as the WWF (World Wrestling Federation) back then. I'll give to 2002 since it went from the WWF to the the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) in 2002. It was supposed to be for older teens and adult males, but kids were watching it to. I know because I was one of those young kids watching the WWF at that time. I know I'm not the only one. This era of wrestling was that kids/adults loved and the parents/most women hated. There was chair shots, people bleeding, numerous foul language (the worst was bleeped out), and violent matches. In the midst of all that, they were wrestlers who can promote themselves on the microphone and back it up in the ring. I saw a lot of innovative wrestling moves during this time period. An added bonus was seeing women in less clothing. The WWE Divas (Female wrestlers) back then had "Bra & Panties" match. First one stripped to there bra & panties loses. A little example of what the Attitude Era was like back then. There were other example I could use, but fans of the Attitude Era know what I'm talking about. 

John Cena & The Current PG Era 

John Cena has been in the WWE since 2002. He really didn't become a rising superstar until 2004. Ironically, this was the time that The Rock left to do movies. His reign as the United States Champion gave him more attention to WWE fans. His custom-made US Title gave Cena more attention as a rising star. Since winning the WWE title at WrestleMania 21, he never looked back. The custom-made WWE Title was made to cater to the style of John Cena. It officially became the new look for anyone who becomes the WWE Champion from that day on. He's been a good guy ever since he won the title. Many fans started to rebel against Cena by booing him, even when he's supposed to be cheered. 

My only issue with John Cena is that he didn't have legit rivals in his career. He had Brock Lesnar as a heel, Edge back in 2006, and Bastista before he left. My favorite rivalry was when Cena faced Randy Orton in 2009. 

The WWE officially went into the current PG Era sometime in 2008. The move would appeal to women and kids who make up 40% of their television viewers. This era has little to no cussing, little blood, little use of steel chairs, and no "adult-themed" events. Everything that the Attitude Era was, the PG Era is the opposite. I didn't have a problem with it because the show was still entertaining and still appealed to other 60% (myself included) who was a long-time male viewers. Ever since John Cena's finishing move changed from the "F.U." to the "Attitude Adjustment", I really noticed multiple changes in the WWE. I knew then that sometime was up, but wasn't prepared for the era that came after it. 

Issues with the Current PG Era 

It pains me to see the WWE today from what it used to be. I grew up in the Attitude Era, but those days are long gone. The problem with the WWE is not that it's fake, it's not entertaining. Even from the name change (2002) to when I was in college from 2005-2008, the WWE was still entertaining. I can barely watch Monday Night Raw anymore. The anonymous GM, Michael Cole's bad jokes, and Cena doing the same act every week, is frustrating to watch. I see a whole lot of talking and never enough wrestling. Instead of complaining about the show, I just stopped watching all together. All the violence and "attitude" the WWE had back then was quickly erased. Many WWE suerstars didn't like the direction the company was going. Many of those superstars (like Bastista) has left the WWE. No word on if any of those former stars will come back. 

I'll give Smackdown a chance because it's at least entertaining. I like Booker T as a commentator and lots of young talent around Randy Orton. He should be the face Monday Night Raw and/or WWE, but at least his versatility (face or heel) can open the door for other stars like Shameus and Christian. 

I haven't watched a Pay-Per-View event since Bragging Rights 2009, but I hear people getting ripped off when their entertainment. $45 to watch an extended Monday Night Raw? In this current economy? NO Thanks!!! I've hear that Smackdown portion at least tries, so that's saying something. 

To many of the older male fans like myself, The Rock is our last hope of restoring the WWE to what is was back then. He speaks for us who have been tired of the same, rehashed material the WWE puts out every Monday and sometimes Friday (aired on Tuesday). Were all tired of John Cena's stale mic skills and lack of in-ring performance. I feel like he's getting worse every time I watch his matches. I actually like John Cena, but he's boring me right now. Where was the Chain Gang attitude from a few years ago? Even the "Doctor of Thugganomics" was better than the current John Cena. CM Punk had his moment. Hopefully the Rock finishes it by becoming the the new WWE at WrestleMania. We all want this PG Era to end badly, but will it end?

My WrestleMania 28 Prediction

The build up for this match will probably be the biggest thing to hit the WWE in a long time. The match will be bigger than the Rock vs. Hogan ten years ago. We have the Rock, who's a WWE Legend/Current Movie Star. We have John Cena, the face of the WWE in the prime of his career. John Cena has had rivals in the past, but this rivalry with the Rock will stick for years to come. This match will be a fair one-on-one match given the magnitude of this event. I'm guessing it's going to be a No Disqualification Match or a No Holds Barred Match to make sure there's a winner in Miami. 

My prediction is on the People's Champion The Rock. I think the WWE will FINALLY do something right and let him win in his hometown of Miami. That would mean that the The Rock (Attitude Era) will be 2-0 against Hulk Hogan (Face of the 80's Era) & John Cena (Face of current PG Era). John Cena stared this whole thing by bashing him the newspaper back in 2008. He challenged him to a match at WrestleMania 26 the following year. Although I agree with most of Cena's statements, He ran his mouth first. That's why I think Cena will FINALLY get his in the Rock's hometown of Miami. Hopefully Cena shows class after the match. If he doesn't, the fans could hate him more than Cleveland fans do Lebron James. 

It will be interesting to see what the Rock will do as the new WWE Champion. Most of the older male fans who abandon the new WWE will be back if he wins at WrestleMania. Do I expect him to come back full-time? NO!! He's a movie star now. What I would like to see him do is help the upcoming stars (Del Rio, Miz, R-Truth, Kofi, etc) bring the WWE to a brand new Era. My prediction being a mix of the PG Era & Attitude Era. Something for every WWE viewer. The old Attitude Era will NEVER be to what it used to back then. Everybody (most older male fans) are tired of the current PG Era and ready for a change of direction. Hopefully The Rock does this in his short time with the WWE. Maybe John Cena can finally be a heel again. Now that would be fun to watch. 

As much as I'm pulling for The Rock at WrestleMania, I can also see John Cena retaining the WWE Title. All I got to say is this. I hope Sun Life Stadium has extra security because that loss could cause a riot in Miami. Don't think Miami fans can do it? They can. Remember when Cena faced RVD at One Night Stand? Remember the lack of respect Cena got at that event? Remember the sign "If Cena wins, we RIOT"? I assume it's going to be something like that in Miami, only not as bad as ECW fans. Miami HATES everything Boston. They hate The Celtics, Patriots, and at WrestleMania in Miami, will HATE Boston-native John Cena. 

To me, it's not if John Cena wins, but HOW he wins. If he improves his skills in the ring, has a classic match, and beats the Rock, I can live with that. The older fans will be 50-50 on returning, but can live with the results myself. If he beats The Rock like he did Triple H at WrestleMania 22, than I'm DONE with the WWE. Hate to see innocent people injured at a wrestling event (like WM24 in Orlando), but it could happen if John Cena walks out of Miami with the WWE Title. 

The Build Up to WrestleMania 

I don't see John Cena holding the belt for the rest of 2011. He will lose to someone (Likely CM Punk or Alberto Del Rio) and have a leave of absence via injury or time off. I hope he does this because I want both wrestlers at 100% heading to WrestleMania 28. I like Cena, but we ALL (older male fans) need a little break from his signature moves. That would mean WWE Management will have to find a new face to fill in for Cena. They have guys like Del Rio, John Morrison, and the Miz to do that. The question is this. Will the WWE give them a shot? Until that time, let's make Smackdown the flagship show in the WWE. At least that show has potential. Hopefully this feud can bring the WWE back to life. If the build up is anything like the build-up for WrestleMania 27 this year, I can only imagine the build up for next year. In words of Bart Scott, Can't Wait!!  

Refrences (Photos)

http://horiwood.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/the-rock-for-kalani-jones-samoan-kiwis-in-hollywood-and-entertainment-texts-that-are-relevant-2010-part-2s.jpg

http://slamzilla.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/johncena.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KswFp7afOxI/TaE3jTBXhyI/AAAAAAAABVI/9ahwj6fJo6Y/s1600/versus-the-rock-vs-john-cena.jpg

Other References

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/article849554.ece

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1607906/john-cena-challenges-rock.jhtml