My Friday Pittsburgh Tribune-Review column looks at John Cena injured and who should be pushed because of it. Here’s an excerpt:
Some say 40 is the new 30. Try telling that to John Cena, who is having surgery for a torn rotator cuff and will miss WrestleMania 32.
Cena, 38, has carried the heaviest workload for WWE in the past 10 years, and it’s starting to take its toll. We’ve seen Cena sidelined several times in the past 12 months for injuries stemming from a broken nose to an inflamed elbow.
The more matches you work, the greater your odds for injury. You can land hard on your shoulder and get caught flush on the nose by Seth Rollins’ knee in a matter of seconds.
This is a most significant injury at a most significant time for Cena and WWE, and the goal for a record-setting WrestleMania at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas becomes an taller task.
In addition to Cena, WWE is missing Rollins, Randy Orton, Daniel Bryan and Cesaro. There are still 13 weeks until the big show, but that’s 13 weeks of physical abuse for an already injured roster.
This is a test of creativity and courage for Vince McMahon. The Rock, Brock Lesnar and The Undertaker will be involved in WrestleMania in some capacity; that was determined even before Cena’s injury. However, their level of responsibility to the show hasn’t been.
Ushering out established but part-time stars in the biggest of matches can get WWE successfully through the run-up to WrestleMania season. But then, the part-timers depart.
I’m not against using established stars who work part-time. The buzz and viewing impact always has been worth it. I’m against the focus being on part-time stars.
There are three months until WrestleMania, so while it is unfortunate, Cena’s injury isn’t a last-minute calamity.
Before Cena was injured, I was convinced pitting him in a title match against Roman Reigns was the right decision for WrestleMania. It would be a way to establish Reigns as next in line to fill Cena’s spot for the future as the ultimate good guy with mainstream appeal. A passing of the torch, if you will.
CLICK HERE for what wrestlers the torch should be passed to.
