8 Big Questions Raised By Neville Walking Out On WWE

7. Does Hard Work Even Matter?

Neville WWE
WWE.com

WWE would love you to believe that the company is a true meritocracy, where any wrestler can grind their way to the top of the pile, snatch the brass ring, and make themselves a star. They are the American Dream come to life, SmackDown is 'The Land Of Opportunity,' and with a little work, anybody can be WWE's next billboard-topper.

Of course, anyone who's been following the company for any length of time knows that this is patent bulls***. WWE push their guys and their guys alone. Workrate, skill, and athleticism are meaningless unless Vince McMahon happens to like you, and it's evidenced by the plight of Cesaro, Rusev, and countless others.

Neville has become the latest wrestler to join this group. His talent has never been in doubt, but he has worked incredibly hard to refine his character, build the Cruiserweight Title's prestige, and make 205 Live something worth paying attention to. All of that is now lost.

If WWE was a meritocracy, Neville's work would've shot him into a much bigger spotlight after dropping the belt to Akira Tozawa. Instead, he regained the gold six days later, dropped it to Enzo, and was shuffled down the pack in favour of Kalisto.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.