10 MAJOR Improvements WWE Have Already Made In 2018

4. John Cena's Presentation

stephanie mcmahon ref
WWE.com

Last year, John Cena was a shambles. He started off with an excellent bout with AJ Styles, looked good in the Elimination Chamber, and spat hot lava on the microphone through his and Nikki Bella's feud with The Miz and Maryse, but went off the rails soon after WrestleMania 33.

Cena under-delivered in big time matches with Roman Reigns, Rusev, and Baron Corbin, with the latter two resembling the Superman-esque burials of old. On top of this, his part-time performances gave the impression that he was going through the motions. 'Big Match John' spent almost as much time farting around with the crowd as he did engaging Corbin at SummerSlam, and aside from a few searing promos on Reigns, there was little to enjoy in his televised output.

He almost feels like a different wrestler in 2018. Old Man Cena has been tremendous, with the increasing vulnerability shown by his character reflecting his real-life decline in importance to the company. He was made to "earn" his WrestleMania spot, and he did so by talking all kinds of s*** on The Undertaker. Thus, when he was squashed, it was hard to shake the feeling that he got exactly what he deserved, and the outcome leaves him in an interesting, uncertain position after so long as WWE's franchise player.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.