WWE Extreme Rules 2012: Why John Cena Needs to Crush Brock Lesnar

Are we really seeing the demise of our fallen leader or was Monday night the start of something big for John Cena?

He cannot lose again in a PPV event like Extreme Rules, can he? We all know the “Dream Match” with The Rock was one that left the WWE’s top face in a quandary and the look of bewilderment on his face proved that yes, grown, tough men sometimes need to be slapped in the face back to reality.

It was great to see Edge back on television.

But what if Cena loses again, and to of all people, Brock Lesnar? Does it show just how far the WWE has gone to take both Cena, who is the biggest attraction in the company, and CM Punk, who is the WWE Champion but is losing his fanbase, out of the main attraction of the brand?

When you look at the WWE right now, the point is clear that Lesnar was brought in to drum up more ratings, and to counter the “Tim Tebow-like” love-hate relationship Cena has with the fans of the WWE Universe. But Lesnar is not the long-term solution to problems with marketability or fan support for the promotion. That comes with better script writing, more focus on tag teams, rebuilding the brands from the bottom and letting young talents shine.

Chris Jericho and The Rock cannot carry the WWE and it looks like the WWE does not want Punk or Cena to do it either.

So, in order for there to be some idea of “healing” after WrestleMania 28, Cena must beat Lesnar at Extreme Rules. There needs to be emotion and there needs to be a way for the fans to accept Cena completely. Is it the “Dr. of Thugonomic” routine that can get the crowds going? Is it more of an edge to his character that will have people screaming his name?

What if he were to break those “Extreme Rules"? What if he were to go over and beyond what he started with Kane and rising above the hate? Can Cena be good and bad at the same time? We all need to see a new Cena, a bold Cena and a Cena that can come to Chicago and kick the crap out of the bigger, stronger and more evil Lesnar.

The Rock, Steve Austin and HHH all had the ability to take an edgier approach to their game, which made them better. They defied what the fans thought at first and brought them back to the fold. They kept their coolness and still were able to be rough and play rough with the big boys. That is what Cena needs to do. He must rise above and beat the beats and set the demons free.

Failure to do so will speak volumes about how the WWE is planning to take us through a summer that is decided by current need and not long-term success.