10 Major Lessons WWE Must Learn From 2017
6. Don't Indulge John Cena
John Cena, when asked or when he feels like it, is capable of elevating an opponent; the years of SuperCena, if nothing else, legitimised the man as a genuine gatekeeper. Daniel Bryan and Kevin Owens benefitted from conclusive victories over Cena who, having transitioned into a part-time role, should be pricking the fingers of those inducted into the made men club.
Instead, in 2017, he, all too often, was simply a prick. Mercifully, The Miz is sufficiently established to withstand the complete lack of seriousness directed towards him by Big Match John. Cena removed him from the Elimination Chamber with one AA - the least-protected finisher in the company - and made sure to keep the engagement ring in his pocket at WrestleMania 33 by barely exerting himself.
The worst was yet to come.
Cena's SummerSlam appearance was a counterproductive disciplinary measure masquerading as a p*ss-poor match with Baron Corbin, who was made to look like an utter goof. The ultimately pointless gesture that was putting over Roman Reigns at No Mercy was inoffensive, and ineffective, but his Survivor Series cameo was both anonymous and irritating. He buddied up to rival commentator Booker T and wore his own t-shirt before doing the square root of nowt.
Cena can do good, and at this stage in his career, his time isn't now; it's time to pay it forward.