WWE: Why John Cena vs. Kane Is a Classic Storyline

Let me start off by making a stark confession: I quite like the current Monday Night Raw angle with John Cena and Kane.

Yes, you heard me right. I think this storyline, which sees returning monster Kane attempting to lure the goody-two-shoes Cena to the dark side (also dragging along courting couple Zack Ryder and Eve), is providing quality entertainment for viewers.

This is a controversial opinion though because over the past three weeks, the Cena-Kane saga has been much-maligned by fans and critics with claims that it is an unrealistic, hammy and downright ridiculous storyline that has blighted WWE’s flagship show.

Most point to the skit on last week’s Raw which saw Ryder spend twenty minutes frantically trying to change the tire on Eve’s car while they were on the run from Kane (the monster has targeted the pair because of Zack’s friendship with Cena) as the height of its absurdity, and something far better suited to the calamitous WCW: Nitro in its dying days than modern-day WWE.

But despite the criticisms, I strongly feel this current angle has the potential to become an enthralling, entertaining main event program because of its campiness and decidedly cartoonish quality.

Indeed I believe that if most fans simply gave this a chance instead of dismissing it right away, they too might find themselves caught up in all the ridiculousness and melodrama and find themselves—GASP!—enjoying the angle.  

For one thing, it’s clearly meant to be a bit silly and ridiculous.  The writers intend this to be a cheesy B-movie horror rip-off that scares the little kids senseless and gets snickers out of the adults.

There’s also the sickly-sweet romance element of this storyline, which sees the geeky, awkward Zack attempt to date Eve Torres, the girl of his dreams despite having a, you know, giant evil monster out to get him at every turn. 

WWE are not UFC. And they know they aren’t UFC. Rather than doing a gritty, realistic storyline anchored in reality, they’re attempting a throwback to the cartoonish, over-the-top angle of the 1980s, when superhero characters like Hulk Hogan and “Macho Man” Randy Savage ruled.  

Come on, you don’t think WWE scripts these lengthy promos, in which Kane goes on about the “Dark Side” like some Darth Vader rip-off and tries to drag people to Hell through a hole in the ring, expecting people to take it seriously, do you? Of course not. 

The angle is purely harmless, escapist fun. It's a way to fill time until Cena’s WrestleMania angle with The Rock heats up. 

What also works in this storyline is how well performed it is by everyone involved. An over-the-top angle like this requires enthusiastic performers giving it their all, and everyone involved—Kane, Cena, Ryder, Eve—has performed their roles admirably. 

Ryder, in particular, seems to be channeling every horror B-movie actor in history in his various skits with Kane and Eve over the course of the past three weeks. His over-the-top acting and hammy facial expressions, notably when Kane was attempting to drag him into the underworld, have been an absolute riot.

As for his self-deprecating Youtube programme Z! True Long Island Story already shows, this is not a performer who insists on taking himself too seriously.  As a supporting character in this storyline, he has been superb and helps bring some sympathy and fan support to Cena’s often obnoxious character.

Being in a major main event angle gives Ryder and Eve (who, despite being one of the most athletic and charismatic women in the company has been woefully underused throughout her time in WWE) more exposure and status in a company that has been known for having many of the same old faces on top.

To summarize, the current program between Cena and Kane isn't Shakespeare, nor is it meant to be. It's a ridiculous, campy angle designed to appeal to kids and people with a sense of humor. Instead of looking down on it, perhaps fans should give it a chance.

Who knows? They may just find it entertaining.