Breaking Ground, Randy Orton, the Curb Stomp and More from the Physical Mailbag

WWE Network's onslaught of original content continued with the premiere of Breaking Ground. Through two episodes, I think it's safe to say the show is captivating.

Breaking Ground or Breaking Kayfabe?

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@ThisIsNasty What do you think of the new show Breaking ground i liked it saw it on my kindle last night on the wwe network.

— Laura Jean Rock (@Rocks56) October 29, 2015

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Breaking Ground does a good job of giving a serious, brooding look into the world of professional wrestling that most people don't see. As great as this show is for wrestling fans, it's the perfect program to show to those who view pro wrestling as a joke and don't understand the daily grind that it requires.

I can do without the constant reminders that "pro wrestling is a job, not a lifestyle." Some version of that phrase has been repeated throughout both episodes thus far, either by William Shatner (the narrator) or a WWE coach.

It comes off as pseudo-brainwashing and encourages talent to just be happy to be there, rather than take on the more entitled approach that made the Brock Lesnars and Dwayne Johnsons of the world very rich men for whom WWE bends over backwards.

Breaking Ground can ultimately prove useful as a vehicle to introduce lesser-known talents as they make their way up the WWE ranks. Clips can be shown ahead of an NXT television debut, making it easier for fans to warm up to these hopefuls at a faster pace.

In the future, I'd like to see more wrestling matches profiled once the real-life characters are established. This will add a very interesting dynamic to watching the talents perform in the ring.

Curb Stomp Hypocrisy?

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@ThisIsNasty so why is it okay for Alberto Del Rio to jump on people's chest while the Curbstomp is banned? Because reasons?

— Steven Curd (@stevencurd) November 3, 2015

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In an age where concussions serve as one of the biggest threats to the NFL's otherwise indomitable empire, WWE needs to be cognizant of this issue as well.

The Curb Stomp, as creative of a finisher as it was, not only looked like it was liable to give opponents concussions, but also that if the move was botched, that's exactly what would happen. And as good as Rollins is in the ring, he has a history of hurting wrestlers with a fast-paced, strong style.  

WWE was being proactive by getting rid of the Curb Stomp, not only out of concern for concussion protocol but also to further its family-friendly image, which was recently profiled by Jeanine Poggi of Adage.com.

Del Rio's finisher certainly raises some eyebrows, but it does not involve a realistic blow to the head. In fact, it takes so long to set up, the finisher comes off as rehearsed, which takes away the element of danger.

When it comes to concussion protocol, the most concerning move Del Rio uses is his enzuigiri, a high-impact kick to the head that should make WWE officials just as nervous as the Curb Stomp ever did.

Viper Vacation?

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@ThisIsNasty Randy Orton's injury to keep him out for months. Blessing in disguise or beginning of the end for the superstar?

— V (@MrVDawg) November 5, 2015

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No injury is ever a good thing, but time off in WWE is. Unfortunately, the only way WWE Superstars and Divas get time off is by getting hurt. But by taking time away from the non-stop grind of WWE, wrestlers get a chance to freshen up their characters and make big splashes upon their returns.

WWE has no offseason, so it's easy to take the wrestlers for granted. Orton especially fits into this category. When pundits look back at his career, they'll marvel at how brilliant he was in the ring. Like, all-time brilliant. Orton is a throwback in that sense. But without a dynamic personality or an almanac of memorable promos, Orton's methodical approach to pro wrestling is best served up in smaller doses.

When Orton returns, which will be around WrestleMania season, he'll likely go into WWE's most important time of the year as a red-hot babyface, because fans will be happy to see him after such a long layoff.  

Alfred Konuwa is a featured columnist and on-air host for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @ThisIsNasty and subscribe to his weekly wrestling podcast.