The Nexus: Center Of Attention

The Nexus. Since their first attack on Monday Night RAW back on June 7, they have been the talk of the wrestling world. Countless theories have been offered as to who may be behind the scenes, pulling the groups’ strings. Debate has raged online for over a month now. Some fans are excited by the storyline; others are enraged that it’s still going on. Every time The Nexus makes an appearance, it makes news.

That is exactly the point.

When was the last time there was this much buzz around Raw? For that matter, when was the last time Raw was talked about this much? The ratings may or may not always reflect what’s happening with this angle, but one thing is certain. Every fan who is watching this program is into this storyline, regardless of what side they may be on.

Isn’t that the point? A well-written pro wrestling storyline must meet two criteria in order to be successful with the fans.

One, it must accomplish just what the word implies: It must tell the story.

After going through season one of the WWE’s new Tuesday night program, NXT, a pseudo-reality competition with the winner receiving a contract and title shot, the rookies decided to band together. Citing what they felt to be unfair treatment by the WWE pros, these eight men took it upon themselves to declare war on the house that McMahon built.

While the NXT rookies’ explanation for their actions made sense on one level, there was an ominous feeling among fans that there was something bigger going on. Their subsequent attacks on other WWE Superstars the following weeks led to even more speculation. The sudden release of Daniel Bryan fueled the rumors and innuendo.

Every week another layer is added to the story. Another element of mystery is created. While we don’t know how this will play out, I can honestly say that it does appear that WWE creative is biding its time crafting this storyline. While we may not always agree on the direction, fans are hard-pressed to argue over the intention of this company in attempting to get back to the basics of pro wrestling, which is telling a good story.

The second criteria a storyline must meet is to grab the fans’ interest and keep their attention.

In this writer’s mind: Mission accomplished.

The Nexus storyline is dominating pro wrestling headlines all over the net. Again, some fans love it, some loathe it, but everyone is talking about it. That to me is an early sign of a successful storyline.

Who’s behind The Nexus? Triple H? Steve Austin? Michael Cole? Everyone has their prime suspect. Everyone has their own conspiracy theory. After all, seven young rookies, while in great shape, and adhering to the old adage of “strength in numbers” surely could not be capable of terrorizing a WWE program without an unseen hand guiding their actions. Right?

Or, what if there isn’t anyone else? Since the whole “anonymous” general manager angle began, fans have automatically assumed that this person must be the mystery man behind The Nexus. It makes sense. Only a person in a position of power could get these guys signed to WWE contracts, and not even require them to wrestle.

This person, since he or she is the mastermind behind the group, allows them to continue this gang warfare. Anyone with common sense knows that the best way to settle a feud in pro wrestling is to do it in a pro wrestling match. The GM opens the doors and lets The Nexus do whatever they want, when they want. But, again, what if this isn’t the case?

This GM, whoever it turns out to be, is obviously a heel. Every decision that’s been made thus far has been the wrong one for any faces on the program. So, why not leave it at that?

What if there’s no connection between this person and The Nexus, including their formation and continuing operation? What if what Wade Barrett said on the June 14^th edition of Raw was true, and they did this simply because they were treated unfairly by the WWE?

In that case, is this storyline even half as intriguing as it is right now? Will it even matter to anyone if this turns out to be the case? Think I’m on to something? Or, do you think I’m crazy, and don’t see the bigger picture behind the scenes?

Well, no matter what any of us think, the WWE’s handling of this storyline is dead on in that we are all interested, and we are all paying attention. Love it or hate it, you have an opinion. That’s the beauty of the business.

Now here’s the tough part for the WWE. They have to try not to screw this up. When I sat there and watched these guys jump Cena and wreck Raw from end to end on their first night, I had two thoughts.

My first thought was man, this is big. I mean, this is big. This could be one of the most important storylines this company has ever run.

My second thought was man, I hope they don’t foul it up like they’ve done with so many other angles.

The WWE has a golden storyline in their hands. They have something fresh, something controversial, which is the focus of wrestling fans everywhere and one that has the potential to affect everyone on RAW. The last thing they need to do is wrap it up too soon, before every plotline has been explored, before every avenue of proper storytelling has been adhered to. They also do not need to stretch it out too long and commit storyline suicide by losing the fans’ interest.

The Nexus could be the future of Monday Night Raw. Or they could be the flavor of the month. The possible outcome is dependent on two factors. The fans must care enough about this to stay with it and follow it no matter where it may go, and the WWE must care enough about this to stay with it and be sure that its’ destination is one that’s worth going to.

So stay tuned and see what happens next.

Tom Clark July 6, 2010