In the world of professional wrestling, the road to WrestleMania is often a journey filled with creative decisions that can make or break the grandest stage of them all. As we approach WrestleMania 42, some of WWE's recent choices have left fans questioning the direction of the company and its top stars. Let's dive into these decisions and explore why they might age poorly.
Devaluing Drew McIntyre's Championship Reign
Drew McIntyre, once hailed as the "next big thing" by The Rock himself, has seen his star power diminish due to lackluster booking. His WWE Championship reign, a result of the company's need to boost star power, felt like a mere stopgap. McIntyre was never truly treated as an elite competitor during his two-month reign, and his matches lacked the intensity and prestige one would expect from a champion. The decision to have him drop the title to Cody Rhodes and slip back into the midcard feels like a missed opportunity, especially considering the lack of marquee stars in other matches at WrestleMania.
Personal Take: McIntyre's potential has been squandered, and his recent booking does little to change that perception. WWE seems to be struggling to find a consistent role for him, and it's a shame to see such a talented performer relegated to the sidelines.
Gunther's Unclear Direction
Gunther, a true wrestling talent and one of the best in the business, has achieved remarkable feats in his relatively short time with WWE. From retiring legends like John Cena and AJ Styles to becoming the heel the WWE Universe loves to hate, he's left an indelible mark. However, as we approach WrestleMania, his path is unclear.
Despite his clean victory over Dragon Lee, a top-tier superstar, Gunther finds himself on the outskirts of the marquee matches. With CM Punk and Roman Reigns, and Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton in the spotlight, Gunther's absence from these main events is a decision that might age poorly. WWE has an opportunity to showcase his talent on a grand stage, and failing to do so could be a missed chance to elevate him further.
My Perspective: Gunther's potential is immense, and keeping him out of the spotlight at WrestleMania feels like a disservice to his abilities. He deserves a prominent role, and the fans would undoubtedly embrace a true wrestling showcase with him at the center.
Rhea Ripley vs. Jade Cargill: A Match Lacking Depth
The WWE Women's Championship Match between Rhea Ripley and Jade Cargill has all the makings of a great contest on paper. Both women are dominant forces in the division, and a fresh matchup is always exciting. However, the lack of history and chemistry between them is a concern.
While their social media banter is a start, it doesn't translate to the kind of intense rivalry that fans invest in. The match, though potentially impressive, might fall flat without a deeper backstory and more organic conflict. WWE has a chance to create an epic encounter, but the current build-up feels rushed and manufactured.
Analysis: WWE often excels at building long-term rivalries, and this match feels like a missed opportunity to do so. With a bit more foresight and effort, this could have been a truly epic showdown, but as it stands, it might leave fans wanting more.
As we reflect on these decisions, it's evident that WWE's creative team has some work to do. The potential is there, but the execution has been lacking. Here's hoping that by WrestleMania 42, these issues are addressed, and we see the stars shine in their true light.
