WWE Opinion: WWE Needs to Stop Making Their 'Kayfabe' T-Shirts

I really did not want to comment on this matter. It seemed like WWE would know better than to continue with this, but one week later, it is still going on. Thus, I feel the need to put in my two cents on this issue.

For those that don't know, WWE released a new line of merchandise over a week ago at WWEShop.com. If you are interested in ordering a shirt, you better hurry up and do so quickly!

A new report emerged today that WWE may be pulling the new line soon. The reason? Well, besides common sense, it seems as if some in the back got upset over some of the terms being used.

Terms such as "jobber," "heel," and the ridiculous "I got heat."

Yes, WWE is actually selling these shirts at WWEShop.com!

In my opinion, this needs to come to a stop as soon as humanly possible. Whoever even let this idea pass by needs to have a sit-down conversation about what is going on here.

I am as positive as they come in life. However, there are a few core issues that need to stay the same in WWE (and the wrestling business).

1. Safety comes first. I have discussed this many times.

2. You need a heel and a face. Yes, rare cases can be made for a "tweener," but it shouldn't be used often on television.

3. Finally, the "breaking the fourth wall" stuff needs be used in small doses. Again, it can be fine (once) every couple years, but using it on a regular basis is not acceptable.

That is where these shirts come into play. Selling merchandise like this is not only "exposing" the industry, but it just doesn't make business sense.

They are, once again, targeting the minority fanbase. That is a good way to be on the fast track to "Nowheresville." Internet fans are not the majority of the WWE Universe, and it isn't even close.

Estimate it at 10 percent. Estimate it at 20 percent. Whatever. I don't care.

I could tell you folks dozens of stories I encountered last weekend at the Elimination Chamber show, but it wouldn't be worth it. By far, the audience was kids who oftentimes were questioning their parents what some of the older fans were yelling or screaming about.

I can only imagine the look on their faces if I asked them who their favorite "heel" was. Or if Chris Jericho was getting some "heat?" Imagine the look on their faces.

They wouldn't have a clue.

Again, I experience this all firsthand, as I support WWE and go to live events each and every year. Marketing a bright red shirt with a "cool" phrase on it about John Cena that millions of fans want to own is smart.

A plain black shirt about being a "jobber" targeted at a small percentage of the fanbase is not.

Add in that nobody reading the online dirt sheets is going to actually spend money on that merchandise. Add on the ugly design. Add on the prices. Add on the fact that it is 2012!

It is just not the right move, and I hope WWE comes to their senses.

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