We do a bit of pro wrestling here. Usually it is confined to watching WWE PPVs and writing up stuff about them but if it’s half-naked dudes going at it, we’re probably aware. If you’re not, I’ll set the scene so we can all jointly enjoy a hearty laugh and praise the one true god in life, BROCK LESNAR.
WWE has needed to make some new stars for a while. They’ve had John Cena on top for what feels like an eternity and he’s stale. This isn’t a new realization, as people inside and out have been saying the company needs a few new fresh faces on top for years. Years. Now, it isn’t as dire as it would’ve once been, because WWE no longer relies on PPV, and instead pushes their network. This is more of them squeezing extra money out of their existing base than growing said base but if the company is making money, good on them. And if they think it’ll be a positive in the long run, double good on them. But: this isn’t then, it’s now.
For most of the past year, Seth Rollins has been WWE Champion. While on tour in not-America the other weekend he destroyed his knee. I think he tore every single ligament in his knee. No, really. ACL, MCL, PCL, just go through the whole alphabet and add “CL” to the end and he tore it. Rollins has been the focal point of the company for much of his reign. Oh, sure, he may not have been booked great, but even if he was nothing more than a glorified boy toy for THE AUTHORITY he was still their conduit for matches and all that. So, he’s gone.
John Cena, also gone. I don’t think he’s taken a break in 50 years and may or may not be shooting a TV show. Beats me. Don’t care. He’s on hiatus for a month or two.
Randy Orton? Ripped his shoulder up as bad as Rollins did his knee and he’s gone for a while.
Daniel Bryan? Out of action since … I don’t even know when. He’s had so many concussions that he doesn’t know either. I’m pretty sure I remember someone saying WWE wouldn’t clear him. When WWE thinks you’re not fit to wrestle, you’re really a mess.
Undertaker? Too old. Too broken. Not a regular. Can’t build even a few months around him really. Even if he was healthy, he’s at that stage where it’s more important for him to show up once or twice a year and disappear.
Kane? Big Show? … Moving on.
And every other person on the roster has basically be neutered. You can look at everyone from Ziggler to Owens to Cesaro and all you find are guys who the company has gone out of its way to tell you are mid-carders. The golden boy they’ve been praying to connect, Roman Reigns, hasn’t yet. He’s gonna get pushed, because they literally have to now, but he’s been rejected by fans every time they try. And it’s not like you can really make a guy a big star overnight. These things usually take time.
Which leaves us with Brock Lesnar. For all you can talk about the lack of depth, they all are lacking compared to Brock. The greatest thing in WWE by far. A certifiable draw. A truly special attraction. He’s the one healthy bona fide main-event talent the company has. But, Brock has a contract. Yes, they all have contracts, in theory, but Brock understands what a contract is. And that is why he is a god.
Brock’s contract is very specific, with a specific number of dates he will do, for specific pay, etc… Whatever it is, that’s what it is. No wiggle room. And no matter what, Brock doesn’t deviate from that contract. He shows up, does what he’s contracted to do, and moves on. Unlike every other wrestler, for the most part, Brock isn’t conned into doing more than he’s supposed to. When other wrestlers are called up by Vince McMahon, they leap. They seemingly forget a contract is a two-way street and give in. And Vince similarly believes contracts aren’t two-ways, only expects others to honor them, and then believes he can whatever he wants.
And mostly Vince is right. Most guys are at the mercy of McMahon because if they don’t ask How High, he’ll stop asking them to Jump. And then he’ll cut them. And then they can … do nothing. There’s nowhere for the majority of WWE wrestlers to go where they can make real money.
Not Brock.
Brock has options. Brock has money. Brock doesn’t need WWE; WWE needs Brock. Maybe it would help the company if Brock showed up more – probably. And it would help “the boys” too. Sure. But a contract is a contract for a reason. And Brock knows all this. Give in now and what’s the point of signing a deal in the first place? And so when McMahon calls and begs and cries Brock will simply smile and point to his contract. He’s the one guy in the entire business than is bigger than the business. For one of the few times in his life, Vince McMahon isn’t in control of someone. That’s gotta bug the hell out of him. And just as how God helps those who help themselves, Brock is telling Vince that Vince has to help himself out of a mess of his own making.
Hallelujah!
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