WWE: The slow decline into mediocrity

Recent ratings for Monday Night Raw has been poor. The show has also been receiving very low viewership figures. These are worrying times for brand WWE. The recent Wrestlemania may have broken attendance records, but fans were left aggrieved by the action that unfolded in the ring. The repercussions of which was clearly seen on the Monday Night Raw episode the following day when fans aired their frustration and took the show hostage with their vociferous chanting throughout the show.

Furthermore, one of the company’s greatest assets – John Cena – has become a figure of hate amongst older WWE fans. He is the face of the much-reviled PG era and is often blamed, albeit unfairly, for the insipid product on offer.

How does WWE combat this sudden air of negativity around its product? For one, the storylines need to improve, the booking needs to improve and, of course, some wrestlers need a character facelift. John Cena, who has been the eternal babyface of the company for years now, desperately needs a makeover. Could a heel turn be what is needed?

Recently, a trend that has been noticed is the audiences warming up to the heels and anti-heroes of the company. CM Punk got a massive break with his infamous pipebomb in 2011, which endeared him to the fans. In the recent Wrestlemania as well, the fans were seen cheering for the heels.

Years ago, when Hulk Hogan had defected to WCW, his goody-two-shoes character was dumped for the leader of an organization called the NWO that became the most infamous wrestling stable of all time. Not only did this heel turn benefit his stagnated character, but it also boosted the ratings of WCW, making them the premier wrestling company at the time.

Technically gifted wrestlers like Daniel Bryan need to get bigger matches and better bookings than the current midcard slot he has been relegated to. His 18-second loss of the World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestlemania 27 was roundly criticized by fans and critics alike. Complete waste of talent really.

Chris Jericho, the first undisputed champion in the history of the WWE, is now made to battle a superstar who happens to be a Latin dancer. Yes, you read that correctly, a Latin ballroom dancer who goes by the name of Fandango.

The WWE Divas division is as good as useless. Vince McMahon has given it the least priority in his billing. This has led to the exodus of some talented divas like Gail Kim to TNA, whose Knockout division has been praised by the likes of Bret Hart for offering good quality matches.

The Shield have shown great promise

Among all the negatives, one shining factor has been the emergence of The Shield. The first time I saw them in action, I was surprised by how well-oiled a machine they were. Their movements in the ring are so quick and slick, it is like a whirl of black masses (referring to their in ring attire) descending on their prey. If handled properly, and with good storylines, they could become a wrestling stable that could rival some of their bigger and more famous yesteryear counterparts (read, NWO and Degeneration X).