10 Wrestling Facts We Didn't Know Last Week (Oct 14)
A PG rating isn't the only reason John Cena doesn't rap on WWE television nowadays...
When WWE made the decision to embrace a 'PG' rating in the early Summer months of 2008, it meant that certain things had to change. Suddenly, moves such as John Cena's 'FU' were renamed the 'Attitude Adjustment', crass language was toned down and even the Divas division featured more clothing than before.
For John Cena, targeting a younger demographic meant completely overhauling his character. Once free to spit colourful rhymes and boast about a gangster-like lifestyle, the man suddenly had to become more responsible. Over the years, Cena has dropped many of the hip-hop characteristics he once proudly championed as crucial parts of his on screen act. As this article explains, the reason for this isn't solely related to the fact that WWE went PG.
Joining Cena's story, there are also facts related to the likes of Mick Foley, Chavo Guerrero, Sheamus and even James Ellsworth. There's also an interesting tale regarding the Adam Rose gimmick, and why the character struggled to convince the most important person in WWE.
Let's look at the facts...
10. Ric Flair Felt It Was Time For Him To Step Aside
On the May 23, 2016 episode of Monday Night Raw, 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair was callously ordered to leave the ring by his own daughter. Then the WWE Women's Champion, Charlotte chastised her dad for missing most of her childhood and said she didn't need him anymore. Shedding tears, Ric sold the emotional nature of the skit well.
As someone who quite clearly adores attention, it can't have been easy for Flair to walk away from a regular gig on WWE television. That's why the man's words to Sports Illustrated's Extra Mustard this past week are enlightening, because it was Ric himself who felt it was the right time.
Wanting to watch his daughter fly solo, Flair decided that he didn't want to swallow up any more of Charlotte's spotlight. On his regular podcasts, Ric always takes the time to mention how proud he is of his little girl, although he has rarely (if ever) outright stated that it was his choice to leave her side.
It's interesting to learn that it was Ric's call, believing he needed to let Charlotte hog the limelight all by herself.