Bleacher Report - John Cena

The Rock To Take on John Cena at Wrestlemania?

Josh McCain — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:19:26 -0500

Well ladies and gentlemen, I'm back with another, and probably useless, rumor.

Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI)—you know, that magazine we all read in elementary school that was packed with "so-called" insider information—is reporting that World Wrestling Entertainment is trying to secure a Rock versus John Cena Main Event at Wrestlemania.

I highly, highly, let me say it one more time, highly doubt this even has a chance of happening.

The Rock, now known by his legal name Dwayne Johnson, has expressed zero interest in wrestling ever again.

Though I believe he could be a fantastic actor, his choices for roles absolutely boggle the mind. If he keeps choosing roles like Game Plan and The Tooth Fairy, a return to the ring probably wouldn't be a bad idea.

However, I'm going to play devil's advocate here and pretend that this rumor will turn out to be true.

Let's say the WWE manages to convince The Rock to come back for one night and wrestle John Cena.

This would be a horrible no-win situation.

First off, The Rock wouldn't need to put Cena over, since, well, he's over. I also don't think The Rock would come back to Wrestlemania just to lose.

So that would mean he'd have to beat the Champ. That is assuming Cena will still be the champ by that time, and if the WWE stays as predictable as they've been for the past decade or so, it's a good bet Cena will be going to Wrestlemania with the gold intact.

So if the Rock wouldn't come back just to lose, that means the Champ would have to lose.

However, as much as I'd love to see The Rock come back and whoop Cena, what does that say about the WWE?

A guy who hasn't wrestled in several years and has lost a good amount of the bulk he had when he did wrestle comes back and beats the best the WWE has to offer.

Sure, pro wrestling is staged and outcomes predetermined, but that just makes the whole company look bad if that were to happen.

Not to mention, there isn't anything between Cena and The Rock. Cena was still a nobody when Dwayne left for the green pastures of Hollywood.

I will give credit to PWI, they are hyping up the rumor by claiming Cena has been jealous of the Rock's previous success in wrestling and in acting. Still, nothing there to draw The Rock back to the squared circle.

I guess the WWE could have the match end with someone like Orton running in and having The Rock and Cena team up and ending the match in a draw, but if I'm paying the 55 dollars for Wrestlemania, I'd be pissed if that's how they ended the main event.

If by some act of the Almighty, The Rock were to come back for one night, I'd have him have one last match with Triple H.

Now, those two have a long history together—and outside of feuding with Austin—I dare say, Hunter brought out the best in The Rock.

So in the end, I think this rumor is absolute hog wash, but one can only dream that the People's Champ would return home, even if it is only for one night.

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Praise From Caesar: WWE's Melina Called "Best in the World" By Bret Hart

Chris Mueller AKA The most interesting man in the world — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:01:05 -0500

During a recent interview, Bret Hart said that he feels Melina is, in many ways, the best in the world right now. This has got to have Melina walking on air.

Melina is currently one of WWE's top featured Divas. She has been a women's Champion and is one of WWE's tough enough alumni. While she has been in many good matches, the WWE doesn't seem to have a whole lot for her.

Melina is easily one of the most athletic divas in WWE history. Her agility, flexibilty and charisma make her the perfect package. Bret Hart has said many times in the past that he does not watch all of WWE's programming, but for him to say something like this is great for Melina.

If WWE really wants to push the Divas division then they need more wrestlers and less supermodels. TNA has women's wrestling down to a science right now, WWE, on the other hand, has bikini models train for six months and then become valets.

The system is clearly flawed and Melina is one of the few good women's wrestlers in the WWE, but she is clearly suffering from having no real competition. If Melina had a program with Natalya then I could say with confidence that the matches would be great, but right now she is just stagnant in the WWE lineup.

I hope she has a great career, but a move to TNA would put her more in the spotlight. I don't think it would happen due to her on again off agin relationship with John Morrison, but never say never in the wrestling biz.

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WWE Bloggers, Calm Down!

Nick Haynes — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:07:18 -0500

If you read wrestling blogs on the Internet, you're well aware that Triple H is a freeloader who simply married the boss's daughter to make himself champion.

Likewise, you would also know that the Kliq ran roughshod in the '90s over guys with talent, simply because it had the boss's ear.

Guys like Hulk Hogan and John Cena do absolutely nothing for the business, but Vince McMahon puts them at the top because they were and are his friends.

I can also show you blogs that insist that 9/11 was a government conspiracy, and that the best way of giving birth is in ocean waters with the assistance of dolphins. They would have about as much validity as those wrestling "truths".

Wrestling bloggers fail to realize two crucial points.

1. Vince McMahon Is, First and Foremost, a Businessman

If you're not familiar with the history of wrestling prior to the rise of the WWF in the 1980s, let me provide you with some background. Rather than one national promotion like the current WWE, you had several regional promotions (territories).

It was considered an unwritten law that you would not take your promotion into another territory. You had your good promoters, and your bad promoters. Your good promoters (like Vince McMahon Sr.) promoted good business ethics.

Your bad promoters were unsavory characters who would knife you if they thought you were about to cut into their territory.

In that climate, Vince McMahon bought out his father when his father got ready to sell the promotion, and proceeded to start building a national promotion, buying out his competitors left and right.

He bought other promotions, and continued to expand. He took a marginally decent promotion and turned it into a billion-dollar phenomenon that is recognized around the world. He did so in the face of potential bankruptcy, death threats, and the U.S. government seeking to shut him down on several occasions.

In short, he clawed his way to the top against every single imaginable obstacle put in his path.

Do you honestly think that he's going to let his business go to hell because one of the wrestlers is whispering sweet nothings into the ear of his daughter?

As a matter of fact, Vince, HHH, and family members addressed those concerns on the McMahon DVD. They were concerned about the appearance of impropriety as well.

In fact, HHH dating and marrying the boss's daughter was a potentially horrible career move on the part of HHH.

What if they were to break up? Would there be any animosity that would negatively impact business? And, if they were meant for each other, what would everyone say about HHH?

The fact of the matter is that many people who comment on their marriage, and on nepotism in general, usually have never been in such a situation.

While there are some notable examples of nepotism getting someone to a place they didn't deserve—Jeff Jarrett comes to mind—having a relative or friend in a position to influence your career usually is a hindrance, specifically because relatives have to be harder on you so that they don't appear to favor you.

Like I said before, Vince McMahon is a ruthless businessman. I can't doubt for a second that he wouldn't hesitate to show HHH the door if HHH didn't deserve his spot.

To put a finish on point No. 1, you have several well-known wrestlers and backstage personnel—Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Lance Storm, Chris Jericho, Shawn Michaels, etc.—who talk about HHH being in charge one day. They all endorse the idea, since they say HHH has one of the best minds for the business.

On the other side, you have Scott Steiner, B.G. James, Billy Gunn, and Internet bloggers—folks who have never drawn a dime and have about as much wrestling ability as myself. Case closed.

2. Backstage Politicians Are a Detriment to the Business, and Wrestling Ability Should Prevail Over Everything Else

On the Heartbreak & Triumph DVD, there is a good moment when Shawn Michaels talks about his early days.

In those days—and I would also assume today—Vince McMahon had a makeshift office in the day's arena, and if you needed something, you waited in line.

Usually, you never got a shot, because the stars of the company like Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, etc., were notorious for ignoring the line and walking right inside.

One day, Michaels decided to do the same thing. When he went in, he asked McMahon what he needed to do to become a big star. He felt he was giving it his all but wasn't going anywhere.

He said (paraphrasing), "Anything I need to do, I'll do it. Just tell me what I need to do."

McMahon's response? "You just did it."

Vince is a guy who's drawn to guys with a passion for the business, and with the sack to see what they want and go after it no matter what the consequences.

Let me give you an example. Let's say you're running a business, and you have a top-notch promotion and premium clientele who are looking to use your business. You have to choose between two employees.

The first employee is a salesman who sits there every day, goes out and does his best, but never tries to help the business by giving ideas or imparting to you the passion he has for your business.

The second employee is a salesman who is eager, always has ideas on things the business can do to grow and bring in new customers, and shows you his passion through his words and deeds.

Which guy would you promote? I don't know about you, but I'm going to give the promotion to the second guy.

One of the reasons the Kliq was so big was because they were guys with a 24/7 passion for the business, and Vince saw it.

The four or five of them (Vince excluded) rode up and down the roads together. They flew together, they were always talking about the business, and they didn't hesitate to approach Vince with ideas, and Vince liked that.

Jericho's current—and most successful—character was his own doing, and simply having the balls to propose it to Vince.

When WWF hired Mick Foley, they originally wanted him to be Mason the Mutilator. Foley had the sack to propose his own ideas, thus turning the character into Mankind.

The Stone Cold character was a result of Steve Austin watching an HBO documentary on a serial killer and coming up with a "cold-hearted bastard" outlook on life. He proposed it to McMahon and the creative team, and the rest is history.

Many of the most successful gimmicks or lines were simply a wrestler who took the meager scraps from the creative team and ran with them.

While I think the creative team and WWE management might have a serious dislike for some of the wrestlers, they are usually willing to give anyone a shot, so long as they prove that they're serious, that they're good, and that they don't need to be held by the hand in order to be successful.

McMahon isn't going to put someone in there that can't draw money. As much as some of us "wrestling purists" would love to watch nothing but five-star classics, the fact of the matter is that WWE, like every other promotion, is a business. And the first rule of business is to make as much money as possible.

Whether you like it or not, John Cena draws money and crowds. Hulk Hogan drew money and crowds. HHH draws money and crowds. They are in those spots because they are the people the audience wants to see.

If there are no people paying no money, there will be no show, which then means no Kofi Kingston, or CM Punk, or Randy Orton, or any one of a number of other superstars who I consider to be great enough to make me willing to tolerate John Cena, thus proving that "backstage politicians" serve a purpose as well.

At the end of the day, it's McMahon's call, and it's McMahon's business. He's not going to put a jobber into a permanent main event slot simply because he knows a friend.

But, McMahon might be willing to give that jobber a shot at proving that he is more than just a jobber. The jobber simply has to be willing to go out on a limb and take a chance, and be willing to possibly fail in order to prove he can succeed.

Wrestling bloggers need to calm down. McMahon isn't always right, but he is right far more often than he is wrong.

Step back, calm thyself, and take a rational look at the situation. Then, if that fails, realize that you're sitting in your boxers writing words for an audience that is, at best, 1/1000th the size of Raw's viewership, and that McMahon will be swimming tonight in a pool of self-earned $100 bills, a la Scrooge McDuck.

I think Vince has everything under control.

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Is the Rock vs. John Cena at Wrestlemania 26 a Done Deal?

Joe Burgett — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:31:41 -0500

With all the news that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is wanting to do something special in the WWE, some speculated that he was bringing a new show to the table. While that appears to still be rumored, another big rumor has come out recently.

John Cena has been kind of on Johnson's case for a while. When he was promoting the WWE and 12 Rounds , he took a few shots at Johnson. He claimed that he left the wrestling fans after saying he loved them and the business.

He has said for about a year now that he would love to face Johnson one day. And Johnson has been asked numerous times about that in interviews. He never really said anything about it, other than "John Cena is a funny guy."

So it looked like he figured it was said in a joking manner and he didn't want to dive into it that much. For some time now, people have wanted to see a marquee matchup such as this.

Last year we saw a big match in the Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels, which was my personal favorite Wrestlemania match of all time. And at Wrestlemania 26, we could be seeing John Cena/The Rock.

Many feel it would be a passing of the torch moment of some sort. We saw Rock/Hogan at Wrestlemania 18, and that was supposed to be the defining passing of the torch moment, but Rocky left the WWE full-time just a few years after.

Now, the reason rumored matchup came about was because next issue of Inside Wrestling features The Rock and John Cena on the cover of the magazine with a headline reading: "Hot WrestleMania Rumor—John Cena vs. The Rock."

This is a sister company of Pro-Wrestling Illustrated, who is a very notable and legit source. So they wouldn't do something like this if they didn't think it would be possible or even hear about it from anyone within the WWE.

The synopsis of the article says:

"The relationship between The Rock and John Cena is strange. Cena respects all The Rock has accomplished yet seems to resent it at the same time. That is why "The Champ" is pining for a match with The Rock at WWE's showcase event. Word is, this mega-bout is close to being signed."

The magazine hits news stands Dec. 8.

As I mentioned, Cena has been clamoring for it to happen. And Johnson came out in an interview saying that he wanted to do something big with the WWE and felt he had more time to give back to the fans.

This also could be the year that The Rock goes into the Hall of Fame, so many speculate that he would do this as a last favor to the WWE.

It is said that he will be hosting RAW in January to promote The Tooth Fairy , which is a Disney Film about a hockey player (Johnson) who hits people so hard that he knocks out their teeth, so much so that he acquires the nickname "The Tooth Fairy." Somehow he has to repay a bad deed by becoming the real life tooth fairy.

Seems interesting, but has the same sort of plot The Gameplan had. Of course, Johnson said that he loves working on Disney projects because they are something his daughter can watch. Hey, if you get paid for it and can make your daughter happy, then why not, right?

Still though, many feel that once he comes in for the hosting gig that the storyline will be set up for he and Cena.

There is a rumor that Cena could be facing The Undertaker at Wrestlemania 26, but if Rocky signs on to work at Mania, then that will be scratched, of course. 'Taker can face anyone and put on a great show at Wrestlemania, so I'm not worried about what he will do.

Would we see Johnson come in weekly around Wrestlemania time for storyline purposes though? I'm not sure. One would think he would if there is a match between he and Cena.

I mean there is a lot of greatness that can be done here. And if treated right, this could be a massive Wrestlemania.

And one thing people would love to see is a Cena heel turn. Believe me, if he faces the Rock he won't be the face, so a heel turn for the storyline seems right to me.

Again, this is rumored as of now. And I can't say that this is close to being signed like some are. But, do I think it should happen and would be great to see? That would be a heck yeah!

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Randy Orton Rips Into Kofi Kingston In What "Should" Be His Next WWE Promo

Ryan Michael — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 02:09:29 -0500

Monday Night Raw opens to a standing ovation as the people in Baltimore, Maryland await the introduction to the night's live event.

While it seems as though everyone in the arena is excited for the upcoming program, their dwells one man backstage who appears to be less than enthusiastic.

A video is played on the titantron to recap the events of the previous week's program which is then followed by an elaborate display of fireworks that works the crowd into frenzy.

Much to the disappointment of the thousands in attendance, the program begins (much as it did last week) with the sound of Randy Orton's entrance music.

Randy Orton begins to slowly make his way down to the ring, looking much different than he has in recent months.

His hair looks to be a little bit longer, his five o'clock shadow more pronounced, and he has gone back to wearing jeans (instead of trunks) with his usual "gas mask" t-shirt.

Gone is the generic "grumpy" Randy Orton facial expression which has been replaced with that evil look in his eyes (think back to the night he broke Batista's arm).

He makes his way into the ring and picks up the microphone to begin his promo...

"Kofi Kingston.

It saddens me that this issue between the two of us has had to continue, but then again, there are a number of things I regret having done over the past few weeks.

You know, my father always told me that there comes a time in life when a man has to take responsibility for his actions. And he was right.

It was wrong of me to jump you from behind the night after Bragging Rights.

I took an unsuspecting man and threw him off the stage in a fit of rage.

I'll admit it; I've been having a bit of an issue with self-control lately.

Had I taken the time to think things through, perhaps I wouldn't have let my issues with self-control dictate my actions.

For that Kofi Kingston, I must say that I am sorry.

I'm sorry for throwing you off of the stage like that, those actions were not fitting of a man who deserves to be champion.

I'm sorry Kofi Kingston, that I didn't do worse.

I allowed my issue with self-control to get the better of me.

Here I stood a 6'4 former champion and I pitied the little man who cost him team a victory at Bragging Rights.

Sure I was upset that you decided to interfere in my championship match with John Cena but it was my pity that allowed you to remain conscious.

My mistakes than managed to continue week after week.

I underestimated you which should come as little surprise. After all, what did I have to be intimidated by?

A man who has held the United States championship, the Intercontinental championship?

Santino Marella held the Intercontinental championship so don't even get me started Kofi Kingston!

Until Survivor Series, you had done absolutely nothing.

I've main-evented Wrestlemania, three times! You couldn't main event a house-show!

Your "fluke" victory over me at Survivor Series will prove to be your undoing.

Shawn Michaels might like to call himself the "main-event" but I am the one who has carried this company for the past two years!

When was the last time any of you people spent your hard earned money to buy a PPV that wasn't main-evented by me?

And now I have to deal you Kofi Kingston?

Your actions over the last few weeks have been reprehensible.

First you were upset that I attacked you instead of being grateful that I allowed you to remain an active part of this roster, so what did you do?

You decided to destroy my car!

You caused thousands of dollars worth of damage because you were upset that I got involved in your business after you got involved in mine.

Let me ask you something Kofi Kingston, do you really think I would have wasted my time putting my hands on you had you not gotten involved in my match?

But you did Kofi, you did decide to stick your nose in my business and for that you paid a price.

What kind of example were you setting for all these young children who look up to you when they see you destroying valuable property?

How many children do you think thought it was cool to see someone they look up to destroy a motor vehicle?

Now Kofi, it doesn't really matter to me what any of these people think of me, but at least I don't go around pretending to care.

Then, all those same people who look up to you, were the same people you put in danger a few weeks later.

Think back Kofi.

YOU decided to get involved in my business with Roddy Piper.

YOU decided to save someone who has done far worse things than I ever have and why?

So you could try to put your hands on me.

You knew you couldn't compete with me one on one so you decided that one of your typical "sneak attacks" would give you the upper hand.

But that Kofi Kingston, wasn't enough.

You could have faced me one on one in the ring but you were smart enough to take me out of my element.

The same ring that I have defeated countless legends in was not a place where you were brave enough to face me.

You had to bring the fight outside the ring and in the process you endangered the very people that seem to care about you.

It was YOU who threw me into the live crowd at Madison Square Garden.

It was YOU who brought a dangerous physical confrontation right next to the women and children in the audience.

It was all fair game to you so long as you got to instigate another fight.

You felt perfectly comfortable throwing punches next to a live crowd of people who had nothing to do with your little issue.

I tried to bring the fight back to the ring but you would have nothing of it.

You threw me back over the guard-rail a second time and continued to put all of those people in jeopardy."

Orton begins to draw a lot of heat from the crowd who are reacting as though his accusations are inaccurate.

He responds...

"You people think I'm making this up?

Roll the footage!"

The titantron plays the footage of Kofi Kingston's brawl with Randy Orton at Madison Square Garden.

"The footage doesn't lie Kofi.

It was YOU who decided to risk to well-being of all those fans, and for that you should be ashamed of yourself.

But our story didn't end there.

You picked up a "fluke" victory at Survivor Series, something that would NEVER happen if you were to face me one on one right here in the middle of this ring.

Then you cost me the chance to win back MY title last week.

So now the time has come Kofi Kingston.

As sick as it might make me to have to soil myself by competing against the likes of you, I'm willing to do it if it means I don't have to see your face ever again.

You can join Ric Flair and the countless other people I've put on the shelf by staying at home every Monday night and watching me continue to achieve my destiny.

My destiny is the WWE Championship, you're just a temporary fix.

After I take out whatever is left of you come TLC, the board of directors will have no choice but to give me another shot at my title.

You might not like it Kofi Kingston, but I want you to remember something important.

When you’re sitting at home, a broken man and your family wonders why you can't run quite as fast or why you can’t jump quite as high, I want you to tell them that it is because of the decisions that you made.

Allow your family to learn from your mistakes, allow yourself to be another example of what happens when someone decides to get involved in my business.

I might have apologized to you earlier tonight Kofi Kingston but I assure you that after I put you down as TLC, there will be no more apologies to be given.

That is, if you're even conscious enough to understand anything after I’m done with you."

Disclaimer:

Please be aware that the above scripted promo is 100 percent fictitious.

Randy Orton portrays a villainous character on television, therefore the promo is intended to be reflective of how such a character might choose to voice himself.

In no way do I endorse any of the comments or views presented within the promo as the entire script was created for the sole purpose of entertainment.

Thank you for your understanding.

Note to World Wrestling Entertainment:

Did you like the promo? If so, feel free to contact me directly at bleacherreporter@yahoo.com if you have any interest in my creative writing services.

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