WWE Over the Limit 2011 Retrospective: Where Do Cena and Miz Go from Here?
John Cena and the Miz went over the limit of physicality and beyond in an epic "I Quit" match. Bodies were broken and scars will remain in what will go down as one of the more brutal matches for the "PG Era". As the dust settles we look back on the match, and what the result means for both the Miz and John Cena heading into Raw tonight.
A Whole New Ball Game: The Miz Doubles Down
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In what would be a sign of things to come for the WWE Universe, the Miz revealed to Cena and fans a whole new twist in their I Quit bout.
Miz restated the rules: No disqualification, no count outs, no rules and no stoppage lest an opponent say, "I quit." Cena and fans across the globe were shocked as Alex Riley joined the fray in what became a handicap match.
This was brilliant booking and a fantastic new angle in what appeared would be a stale repeat of "The Passion of John Cena". This kind of booking can revitalize the current over-exposed pay-per-view product.
Cena's PG Era Move Set: Hulk Hogan 2.0
2 of 7Cena quickly dispatched both Miz and Reilly, getting in his quick "5 Moves of Doom" offense prior to taking the physical beating that has become a staple of his I Quit matches. Cena is more than capable of putting on a pro-wrestling match, but this short spurt of offense proved to be his only real physical offense for the night.
John Cena is the second coming of "Hulk Hogan". He will electrify the kids with his limited and easy to predict move set. The age group that watches Cena loves the quick action, and repetition makes for an easy pop.
Hogan had the "Hulk Up" and leg drop; Cena has his little repertoire. His early offense was merely to get the kids off their feet before the Miz would crush their spirit for the next 10 to 15 minutes.
Seasons will come on go, sea levels will rise, but John Cena will forever find ways to demolish an opponent in one minute.
Kendo Sticks, Chairs, Belts Oh My!: Cena the Masochist
3 of 7One thing is for sure: John Cena is a freak.
The man willingly will put his body on the line once every year in what has become his signature match.
Cena suffered an endless barrage of kendo stick shots to the body, lashings from a leather belt, steel steps to the ribs and shoulders, and even ate a chair to the skull. The champion is either auditioning for the next "Terminator" or a closet masochist.
Cena has no qualms about suffering for the fans. Love him or hate him, it takes a whole lot of mojo to put oneself through such a gauntlet of physical torture. This is one of the reasons why Cena is at the top of the WWE ladder; he lives and breathes what he does.
The credit goes to Randy Orton for the original "Passion of the Cena". In many instances if you've seen one John Cena I Quit match, you've seen 'em all.
A Nod to a Forgotten Era: Miz Pulls the "Mick Foley"
4 of 7After what seemed to be an endless beating, following a shot to the head John Cena said "I Quit"... or did he?
As Miz and Alex Riley celebrated in triumph, the WWE Universe stood in disbelief. Referee Mike Chioda found a tape recorder on the floor, and restarted the match. The Miz had learned from his idol "the Rock", but forgot to hide the evidence.
The match was an example of brilliant booking from a classic match that highlighted the Attitude Era. However, in almost a wink and a nod to older fans, the match was restarted.
The WWE listened to the Internet rumblings about a possible ending, used it, and snatched it away. It added a since of drama to what many deemed a predictable match, stirred up fans young and old, and then set the tone for the match conclusion.
Cena-Mania Will Live for Now
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Cena quickly recovered after Alex Riley accidentally nailed the Miz with the WWE Title. Cena gave the Miz a taste of his own medicine as he whipped Miz with a belt from the ring all the way to the stage. As Miz tried to escape, Cena continued to punish Miz with the strap before applying the STF to end the match.
WWE once again reminded us all that Super Cena is here to stay, to the joy of young fans and rage of the IWC. Cena has a formula to this match, and this no doubt will continue for as long as WWE is riding the wave of Cena-Mania.
What's Next for the MIZ?
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The Miz assumed the role of evil mastermind as he found new ways to torture John Cena before the WWE Universe. The Miz played his role perfectly, taking his heel character to a new level.
Miz interacted with the WWE Universe, even asking two Cena fans to tell Cena to quit. It made for great drama as one child shrugged off the fact that Cena was enduring so much punishment for the "Cenation". Unintentional for sure, but it does make one think.
The Miz leaves Over the Limit with an enhanced profile. Miz will continue to be a crucial part of Raw, and leaves Over the Limit as a dangerous foe for John Cena.
Look for the Miz-Riley relationship to end as Riley takes the heat for dropping the tape recorder, and nailing the Miz with the WWE Title.
Miz has to be in the picture somehow. Look for a triple threat or fatal four-way in the next month before attention shifts to Del Rio in the title picture.
The Miz will be the social media version of Ric Flair. While far from the in-ring talent of the "Nature Boy", the Miz is the perfect heel on the mic to keep fans entertained for years to come.
Vince is high on the Miz and the exposure he brings from outside media, look for him to continue to hone his version of Ric Flair in the coming year.
What's Next for Cena?
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Cena continues to be Hulk Hogan 2.0 for the current WWE product. Following a brutal match with Miz, look for Cena to have an easy show on Raw tonight.
Cena has a program with Del Rio on the horizion, and the current WWE booking will keep interest in his matches as the question for every match remains: will Cena hold the title until WrestleMania?
Cena will continue to defend the belt for his dream match at the pay-per-view with Rock, but look for Cena to give a push to the destined Alberto Del Rio as they push to Summer Slam.
Remember, Cena has vowed to carry the championship into WrestleMania. However, that doesn't mean he won't find himself in a position to have to win it back to save the dream.
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