The WWE has long been criticized for its booking decisions, but a recent trend is starting to raise eyebrows among fans and insiders alike. According to sources close to the company, WWE is failing to elevate its champions after they win titles, leaving many to wonder why the company invests so much time and energy into setting up big title matches only to neglect the champions that follow.
A Pattern of Neglect
On the latest episode of WWE SmackDown, we saw the culmination of weeks of build towards a title match between Cody Rhodes and LA Knight. In the end, Rhodes emerged victorious, but as he stood in the ring celebrating his victory, it was hard not to notice the lack of momentum and purpose behind his character going forward. With no clear direction or storyline in sight, it’s as if the company forgot that Rhodes is now the champion.
This is not an isolated incident. We’ve seen it time and time again with WWE’s top champions: they win the title, they have a brief moment in the spotlight, and then they’re left to collect dust on the sidelines. Whether it’s Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, or even someone like Bianca Belair, the pattern is the same. The company invests so much time and energy into building up to the title win, only to forget about the champion once they’re in possession of the gold.
The Problem with this Approach
So why is WWE neglecting its champions? According to a WWE insider, the problem lies in the company’s desire to constantly create new stars and push fresh talent. While this approach can be successful in the short-term, it can also lead to a lack of depth and a sense of stagnation in the long-term.
“Vince McMahon is always looking for the next big thing,” said the insider. “He wants to create a new star every six months, and that’s why you see so many champions coming and going. But in the process, he forgets about the people who are already on top. They’re not given the opportunity to grow and develop as characters, and that’s a shame.”
Consequences of this Approach
The consequences of WWE’s neglect are far-reaching. For one, it can lead to a lack of investment from fans. If fans feel like their champion is being ignored or underutilized, they’re less likely to care about the character going forward. This can lead to a decline in viewership and merchandise sales, not to mention a decrease in overall interest in the company.
Furthermore, neglecting champions can also lead to a lack of credibility within the locker room. If the company is not willing to invest in its top talents, why should they expect their superstars to take the company seriously? It’s a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break.
A Call to Action
So what can WWE do to change its ways? According to Vince Russo, a longtime critic of the company’s booking, the solution is simple: give the champions a voice and a direction.
“WWE needs to start taking care of its champions,” said Russo. “They need to give them a clear direction and a storyline that’s going to take them to the next level. They can’t just win the title and then forget about them. That’s not how you build a star.”
A Call to Action for the WWE Universe
As fans, we have the power to demand change. We can make our voices heard by calling out the company on social media and at live events. We can also show our support for the champions by buying their merchandise and attending their live matches. By speaking out and showing our support, we can help to create a more invested and engaged community that demands more from the company.
Conclusion
WWE’s neglect of its champions is a trend that needs to be addressed. Whether it’s due to a desire to create new stars or a lack of investment in the company’s top talents, the consequences of neglecting champions are far-reaching and damaging. By giving its champions a voice and a direction, WWE can build a more engaged and invested community that demands more from the company. It’s time for WWE to take notice and take action.