John Cena: good or bad for business?

[Guest Jamster26]

To be honest, one of the greatest Cena rant viedos I've seen :lol

 

[video=youtube;ogObd5nGf1o]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogObd5nGf1o&feature=related

[DC 536]

You have to laugh at implying Cena stole the Attitude Adjustment from Brock Lesnar because both moves originate from a Fireman's Carry.

[Guest Jack]

Cena is such a terrible character. The WWE will never get beyond this stagnant period as long as they keep on pushing him. He may sell massive amounts of merchandise but he's a hindrance to the growth of the company. No matter how good the product is, as long as Cena is the focal point of the company, there is no way that 18-35 year old men will return to wrestling.

[Guest Suphix]

Well, as much as a lot of that video is just clutching at straws, it DID remind me of just how awesome that rock segment at the end was. Sheer gold, completely forgot about it

[Guest BratSan]

I just can't help but laugh at all these Cena-haters. :)

Get a life guys, or get a clue. It doesn't matter how much you despise him, you still can't deny the fact that he is WWE's (the biggest pro-wrestling company around) biggest draw and merch seller. Also the guy deserves a lil bit more respect. For Christ's sake.

[Guest Ciaran The King]

Cena is such a terrible character. The WWE will never get beyond this stagnant period as long as they keep on pushing him. He may sell massive amounts of merchandise but he's a hindrance to the growth of the company. No matter how good the product is, as long as Cena is the focal point of the company, there is no way that 18-35 year old men will return to wrestling.

 

 

Agreed, I'm not going to comment, because this is what I would have said.

[Guest BratSan]

Agreed, I'm not going to comment, because this is what I would have said.

 

And you both would have been wrong statistically. :)

[Guest Jack]

I just can't help but laugh at all these Cena-haters. :)

Get a life guys, or get a clue. It doesn't matter how much you despise him, you still can't deny the fact that he is WWE's (the biggest pro-wrestling company around) biggest draw and merch seller. Also the guy deserves a lil bit more respect. For Christ's sake.

I don't deny that he's a big merchandise seller. He is but that doesn't necessarily mean that he's the right person to lead the company. For every fan who buys a ticket to see him and then buys one of his t-shirts, how many are sat at home thinking that he's terrible before turning off? Even if Cena's numbers are good, I genuinely consider him to be a big part of the reason why the demographic of 18-35 year old males has been pushed away. Nobody that age wants to see Cena. He's a terrible character who actually detracts from the shows.

 

Statistics only prove one thing: That he sells merchandise. That's a very limited argument.

[Guest Jimmy Redman]

I dont think Cena being the kiddie character he is means that he shouldnt be the top star of the company, but I do think it means that he shouldnt be the ONLY top star of the company. That, if anything, is where WWE have gone wrong, in terms of turning off that part of the fan base.

 

I think if they, in theory, had Cena has the Cena guy, and at least one other star on his level who was geared towards the adult male fanbase, the turn-off factor would be lessened somewhat. If there was a big babyface star whom guys could actually get behind to the same degree that kids support Cena, they wouldnt mind sitting through Cena and in fact would probably be perfectly happy to have their fun booing him when he's up as long as they had their own guy to root for as well. Which is how the first few years of Cena's run went, but that was a time when they had a lot of other stars around. Now, there are only two, and Orton is nowhere near Cena's level as a moneymaker.

 

They had glimpses of it in the short period Orton was hot around punting Vince, but they missed the boat there. Some would say this angle with Punk was another glimpse of it, as short as it was. Whether its their own fault or they dont have the right guy, or both, or whatever, but they dont have another star on Cena's level, and they really do need one.

[ShaolinHandLock 73]

Even if Cena's numbers are good, I genuinely consider him to be a big part of the reason why the demographic of 18-35 year old males has been pushed away. Nobody that age wants to see Cena.

 

I like John Cena. I always have.

[Guest Dave7g]

I just can't help but laugh at all these Cena-haters. :)

Get a life guys, or get a clue. It doesn't matter how much you despise him, you still can't deny the fact that he is WWE's (the biggest pro-wrestling company around) biggest draw and merch seller. Also the guy deserves a lil bit more respect. For Christ's sake.

 

It seems that you believe that everyone should love him because he sells a lot of t-shirts to kids. I presume we should all start listening to Jedward and respect their music too. A lot of people are sick of him and don't particularly give a shit how many sweatbands he sells, you know those people that boo him at every single show he's on? And I'm sure you'll tell us he's being booed because he's so great at extracting emotion from the "Universe". Or could it be that people boo him because they are sick of the sight of him?

[Omega 354]

It's kind of the right argument although the way it's presented is pretty crappy. To me the equation is something along the lines of a company like Disney. Now, it could be argued that Disney could concentrate solely on animate films which cater both the adults and kids with something like Toy Story or Shrek which have that crossover appeal. You're appealing beyond the typical fan base for sure but nothing is concrete that those people who aren't usually Disney fans will stick around and get into anything else. Worse, if the core audience isn't into the product you could end up losing fans despite from the outside it looking that the film has brought in people.

 

However Disney will always release "Disney Princess" type films because at the end of the day that is what they do, it's what the real core dedicated audience want and expect and because it makes them money without the risk. People will come back and buy a special 20th anniversary blue extended Beauty and the Beast disc in the numbers Disney need and like. Plus there is no controversy with that kind of film, as sappy and unappealing as it may be to some, Disney is never going to have people complaining about girls meets prince type movies.

 

So the reason Cena is at the forefront and leading the company is because he does all the things WWE need him to do. He makes them cash, he's liked by the audience now and of the future (not a section who may be fervent now but will fairly quickly lose the passion and dollar input) and Cena is never going to do a Jeff Hardy or Kurt Angle.

 

So basically Cena is a safe Disney Princess for the WWE, as safe bet.

[Maxximus 353]

Most people boo him these days because that's "what you do" when Cena's out there. It's become trendy to boo Cena regardless if you like him or not.

[Omega 354]

I think people need to really separate their personal like or dislike of Cena as to what their own tastes dictate from looking at Cena and the reason he is in the position he is in.

 

Clearly Cena appeals to a large section of the current audience who funnily enough will go on to be the future 18-25 generation who boo Cena now. In that time they're going to spend shed loads on Cena merch which as a business is what the WWE is actually about. Anything about whether you think he's boring or safe or pushed too much is an opinion you're entitled to of course but the real reasons why guys get pushed is money. If Cena couldn't draw in crowds he wouldn't be where he is. If Hogan couldn't bring in the crowds there wouldn't be a hulkamania. If Austin did appeal to enough people then Stone Cold would have been stone dead and no one would give anyone a hell yeah.

 

That's the facts, Cena isn't good or bad for the business. He's just part of the business. If you want the business to be about who the most talented and innovative guys are then the simple fact is you need to buy their merch.

[Guest John Hancock]

I think he's good for business in the short term, but not in the long term. In the current climate, with the shitty booking and fan apathy and what not, it's stunning that WWE have ONE mega-star like Cena, so they should be happy with that, but, my problem is, they're a little bit too happy with just that, because, one day, Cena's going to get injured, and after that, Cena's going to retire, and then what? Then WWE are in trouble.

 

I agree with Jimmy that there should be more than one top guy. They've tried with Orton but, he just doesn't have it, and I thought they had something going with CM Punk, making him the top guy for all the people who hate Cena as the top guy, but his first major storyline has just been botched to hell from the opening, with the over-long promos, and the Kevin Nash bait-and-switch, and the pointless text message mystery, and the week long retirement.

[Guest John Hancock]

However Disney will always release "Disney Princess" type films

 

Disney announced that they'd never make another Princess film after "Tangled" in 2010 because that's not what they girl's aspire to be anymore.

 

PEDANTIC POINT MISSING OF THE ANALOGY! *flies off into space*

[Omega 354]

I think he's good for business in the short term, but not in the long term. In the current climate, with the shitty booking and fan apathy and what not, it's stunning that WWE have ONE mega-star like Cena, so they should be happy with that, but, my problem is, they're a little bit too happy with just that, because, one day, Cena's going to get injured, and after that, Cena's going to retire, and then what? Then WWE are in trouble.

 

I disagree with that really. There's always someone to come in and take someone's spot. For the WWE it's easier than most because half the time all they have to do is tell their audience this guy is the next big thing and he is. It's not like Cena is a world leader in any aspect of his craft so it's not like whoever comes in has to be better than best. WWE are king makers not the other way around.

 

Plus I also think that there is always an ebb and flow between there being a top guy and then periods where the next top guy comes to prominence. I think they only time that doesn't ring true is when there is a super abundance of talent such as the middle of the rock and wrestling era and the start of the attitude era.

[Omega 354]

lol, in space no one can hear you be like DC... ;)

[Guest John Hancock]

My problem with that though is that they're trying to make that next guy, and failing every time. They're failing to have TWO legit main eveners. This is the only time within my wrestling-watching-lifetime that there's only been one big name in the entire wrestling industry, and that's the scary thing. Before, there were obvious back ups, Austin, Rock and Mankind were getting big before Hart, Michaels and Undertaker were gone, Triple H, Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar were getting big before Austin, Rock and Mankind were gone, but, now there's just John Cena and who? They failed with Mr. Kennedy, they failed with Jeff Hardy, they're trying with Randy Orton, and it's not working, they're trying with CM Punk and it's not working, I just don't see where the next guy is coming from at this point.

[Guest Jamster26]

(Leaving personal feelings aside)

 

I agree with John. Short term, he is good for business, everything is rosy. However, long term they are going to be in trouble, unless they can make some top mega – stars.

 

I mean, it’s not as if the roster is poor or lacking in talent. I really think WWE have missed the boat with CM Punk. Sure, the hype around him was strong but he’s been shunted down the pecking order now and in a few months, he’ll be another mid – carder. WWE have missed the boat with so many wrestlers who should have got the big push. Sure, it may not have worked out bit that’s a different debate, they had the chances to push people but didn’t or didn’t put enough time in them.

 

For example, Kofi on Raw. Even Christian on Smackdown, has he gained anything from that title run, he just had? No one expected him to win; it’s the “Miz-drome” all over again. Worthless champion, and that’s a real shame. Of course, some will say he isn’t a main eventer, but give him a chance! Give Kofi a chance.

 

You may not agree with people I’ve mentioned to be pushed but I think the content behind it, is right.

 

I mean, what are WWE so scared of?

[Guest Jamster26]

I like John Cena. I always have.

 

What do you like about him? I'm not taking the piss as each to their own and all that. Just interested.

[Omega 354]

See this is where it goes pear shaped. Cena, in himself, isn't bad for the business. If you believe that having a single top start is an issue then fair enough but the idea that in some way John Cena is responsible personally for some downfall in wrestling is what's retarded. It's like because the guy isn't Deam Malenko in the ring then how dare he be pushed to the moon. How many world titles did Dean win? None because whilst you can eulogise about his work after the fact at the time he wasn't as popular as the guys at the top.

 

If you honestly can't see why people might like Cena then I think you're being intentionally close minded. If you dislike him that's fine, personal taste and all that but to make it seem like you have to have explained to you why people think the dude is all right is madness.

[Guest Jamster26]

I agree. It's not his fault, he only goes out there and does the job he is told to do. I accept that. I don't hate him as a person, I just...you know like you spot flaws in wrestlers? Things like, Kofi's music sucks, Batista is rubbish in the ring, Mysterio wears silly outfits, Steiner can't cut a decent promo (not saying these are all true, just makng my opinion / point).

 

John Cena to me, has all of these flaws. It isn't a single flaw, which you can forgive or look over, if you get me. Lol, he's just all these thrown into one. It's just so obvious too.

 

To me, he's just the worse designed wrestler, imaginable.

 

But he's not to blame, for the state of wrestling, no way. What's he going to say? Please don't push me anymore. I have too much money?

[Omega 354]

Cena can't cut a decent promo?

[Guest Jamster26]

Bah, not for me Omega. :)

 

I'm more concerned with the content of said promo, rather than the delivery though, if that makes sense. I think he used to, back in his rapper days but that was so long ago, I didn't feel the need to say "hasn't "recently" cut a decent promo", because it was disparingly long ago.