Well, there’s really only one word to describe the beginning of the 2005 WWE Draft – Wow.
When John Cena’s music hit in that arena, I have to say that it was a big mark-out moment for me. I was full of surprise and shock to see the WWE Champion on RAW. I noted in my RAW Preview that WWE needs to start off the Draft with a bang, and they certainly did that. There’s many positives and negatives to that. I’ll try to take a quick look at the situation.
THE GOOD
By sending Cena to RAW, they kicked things off with a bang. They showed that the Draft was plugged to be all it is, and indeed, everyone is eligible to switch ships! It’s always great to see a fresh face on either show, and by bringing Cena to RAW, they are opening the door for many future possible storylines, with pretty much everyone on the show. This may also result into the WWE Championship becoming the RAW Belt down the line, if the World title gets switched to SmackDown! The segment that Cena did with Christian was off the hook, and got the most heat out of anything else on RAW as of late. I give both men lots of props. It was well-executed and greatly done. I am looking forward to more Cena/Christian interaction.
THE BAD
Although noone would like to admit it, we have to face the truth – so far, bringing Cena to RAW with the WWE Belt kills the credibility of SmackDown, its World Title, and Cena himself. Think about it. Cena simply becomes another one of Bischoff’s pawns on RAW and plays second man to Triple H and Batista for the time being. That has to change right away, although I’m affraid it could be late. Another negative that is very important from a business standpoint is that Cena was just built up to main-event status and had actually gotten over VERY WELL with the SmackDown! audience. He was the only draw on the program, and someone who the crowds wanted to see. WWE killed that in one quick move. The implications go beyond that – SmackDown! loses its top man when they need more top wrestlers in general.
THE CONCLUSION
It is too early to figure out whether the good will outweigh the bad, or vice versa. A lot depends on how they work the draft lottery from here on, but the negative impact that the move has alreayd made can’t be reverted. Cena might end up back on SmackDown! for all we know. Time will tell.
Eddie
Levski11@aol.com
