How Can WWE Superstars 'Step Up' When Bound By A Creative Team?

By Lee Heir /

Daniel Bryan, another Superstar who has become a Main Eventer in the last year, has also had to seemingly go off the script to get to where he is. He had reached a certain level through in-ring ability, but it can be looked at that he was in potential danger of going the way of many before him and slipping back to the midcard after his Money in the Bank briefcase earned Championship reign. Adding his 'Yes! Yes! Yes!' catchphrase to his entrance soon caught on, and arguably led to him staying in the Main Event scene after the company took notice and began to push merchandise based on the saying. In an interview with GQ, Bryan noted he came up with the phrase himself taking inspiration from MMA fighter Diego Sanchez, again making this a personally created addition to a character that has led to the evolution of a Main Event star. If Superstars are not given the freedom or time on television, is the only way to 'step up' is to deviate from the direction the WWE Creative Team are giving them? AJ Lee is currently getting a lot of praise for her performances on WWE television. However, in this situation, a lot of the credit would seemingly need to go to the Creative Team, as they have written this character particularly for the purpose of the storyline she is currently involved in. It would be hard to argue that AJ is not playing the character very well, but without the creation of this storyline and character, she may have still been competing on NXT. By contrast in 2011, Zack Ryder created his own gimmick and character, a creation that earned him regular television time and a United States Championship run. With the Creative Team apparently not coming up with any ideas to further this after the early months of 2012, it's been many months now since we have seen Ryder involved in any meaningful programmes on WWE TV. Without all parties pushing in the same direction for a Superstar, the opportunity to get noticed in the crowded environment of the WWE roster looks to be tougher than ever. Veterans of the business urging Superstars to stand out is sound advice, but with every element of WWE television now so heavily detailed, the chance to do so seems very limited. If the Creative Team had more faith in Superstars on the microphone, would we see more up and coming talent become overnight stars? History seems to suggest that if you give them the opportunity, they will deliver.