WWE Is Shrewdly Using Royal Rumble Controversy for Storyline Purposes

SmackDown Live kicked off with Triple H addressing what WWE is calling a Royal Rumble controversy.

Triple H equated WWE's ongoing scandal to that of the NFL. He milked the events that transpired during Sunday's pay-per-view. 

Last Sunday, Daniel Bryan's elimination caused #CancelWWENetwork to trend worldwide. Mainstream coverage, also acknowledged by Triple H, put WWE in the eye of a familiar storm.

But the Triple H character wasn't talking about those events. Instead, the WWE COO focused on Roman Reigns receiving assistance from The Rock. Because of the controversial finish, Triple H promised to make a big announcement that will "shake the WWE to its core."

WWE's manufactured controversy is a shrewd way to weave fan outrage into storylines.

The real reason fans are angry cannot be addressed in kayfabe terms. Fans are upset because the WWE brass who predetermine the results didn't pick Bryan to win.

Even in the Reality Era of WWE's parallel universe, that's just too real.

Instead, WWE concocted a storyline-friendly controversy so disenfranchised fans of the Yes Movement (and Curtis Axel) can regain hope. 

In 2014, WWE found itself reacting to a movement that eventually grew out of its control. Thus far, WWE is out in front of a potential revolt. At the same time, The Authority has created a potential roadblock for Reigns.

This ongoing Royal Rumble storyline will create a feud between Reigns and The Authority. Reigns confronted Triple H on SmackDown regarding the announcement, and future tension is inevitable.

A rivalry between Reigns and The Authority makes Reigns easier to digest among angered fans of the Internet Wrestling Community. It also creates sympathy for the babyface, who may have to defend his Royal Rumble win in competition.

WWE realizes the potential for fans to compromise its WrestleMania main event. In order solve a real controversy that could jeopardize its best-laid plans, a fake controversy is necessary.

Listen for more on the Royal Rumble controversy, #CancelWWENetwork and a much-needed Yes Summit.

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