When Big Dave returned at the beginning of this year, wrestling fans were genuinely excited to have another top star back in the fold. Then it became obvious he was being given the spot so many of the fans wanted for Daniel Bryan and the sentiment shifted considerably, forcing a heel turn which worked out better anyway. Batista is a natural heel and is far more comfortable in that role, and once he got back in his groove he excelled, putting together one of the most unselfish brief runs of any top guy in WWE history. Batista and Cena have always had parallel career paths, similar to Triple H and The Rock. They both were groomed in Ohio Valley Wrestling before being called up to the main roster around the same time, and both ascended to stardom in the same time period through organic, undeniable fan support. But that doesnt meant theyve always been besties. Batista said this, regarding Cena and his role in making WWE a PG environment, something hes been very vocal about his disdain of: "I think, you know, they did the whole PG direction thing, I think that works for Cena; the little kids love him, cause he's a great character, he's someone they can look up to. The girls love him, good looking guy, says all the right things, does all the right things, but the hardcore fans can't stand him. He is Mr. Hokey, Mr. PG to me; he killed hardcore, edgy wrestling." That blame shouldnt fall on Cenas shoulders; hes just following the company guidelines. But the fact that he has been such a squeaky clean character while enjoying tremendous success is whats prolonged the TV-PG era. Who knows if well ever see it end?
Brad Hamilton is a writer, musician and marketer/social media manager from Atlanta, Georgia. He's an undefeated freestyle rap battle champion, spends too little time being productive and defines himself as the literary version of Brock Lesnar.
