Five Reasons Why the WWE Was Wrong to Not Fire John Laurinaitis

As he so articulately introduces himself, his name is John Laurinaitis. He is the Executive Vice President of Talent Relations and the current general manager of both RAW and Smackdown. Laurinaitis’s job was on the line at Over the Limit against John Cena, but he survived thanks to the Big Show, and his “People Power” reign continues.  

Many doubt that Laurinaitis winning was the right move. His era should have ended last week, but for now, it will continue. Here are five reasons why John Laurinaitis should have been fired.

5. TV Time

Laurinaitis and his staff (David Otunga, Eve Torres and Theodore Long) take up valuable time on television; whether it’s backstage segments or in-ring promos, a great deal of time is dedicated to him. The attention given to him definitely hurts the wrestling portion of both shows, especially RAW. Due to this overexposure, the mid-card and Divas divisions are not provided the time to develop their own story-lines and feuds.  

4. John Cena, the "Superhero"

Cena should have ended Laurinaitis’s reign since he has been billed as their unofficial “Superhero” for years. It would have been perfect, especially since it was the main event of Over the Limit. All Cena had to do was win and send the crowd home happy. Instead, they got another Big Show heel turn and more Laurinaitis. Cena's winning would have ended Laurinaitis’ reign and sent the show in a new direction.       

3. No Stable, No Backup

Earlier this year, Laurinaitis was recruiting wrestlers to win power over both shows at Wrestlemania 28. His team consisted of The Miz, Mark Henry, Drew McIntyre, David Otunga, Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger. Wouldn’t it have been cool if this became a stable run by Laurinaitis? The stable wouldn’t have forced Big Show to turn heel, and had Cena won with favorable odds, it might not have even required Show’s storyline begging not to be fired on live television.        

2. Laurinaitis's Personality

Laurinaitis has the presence, but he doesn’t have the vocal authority former on-air managers did. He lacks the bravado of Vince McMahon, Paul Heyman and Eric Bischoff, who knew how to get the crowd against them. Laurinaitis doesn’t have that, appearing annoying and boring instead of antagonistic. Laurinaitis can’t generate that hatred that fans had for Vince when he ran the show on the air. Despite their hatred of Vince, fans always wondered what he would do next. Unfortunately, it appears no one cares what Laurinaitis does next.    

1. Laurinaitis's Impact (Or Lack thereof)

Laurinaitis’s television debut was in last year’s Money In The Bank pay-per-view.  His impact has lasted for nearly a year, and his on-screen persona hasn’t changed at all during that year. He’s always remained the slimy, power-hungry control freak. Compared to the others who previously ran both shows (and who had an evolution in their characters), Laurinaitis’s unchanging image makes his actions predictable. 

Laurinaitis should have been fired at Over the Limit. John Cena should have been victorious.  And now, fans are forced to suffer through the same boring, obnoxious and predictable Laurinaitis in the near future.