10 Positive Developments In This AWFUL Post-WWE WrestleMania 35 Season

7. Shane McMahon's Continued Character Work

Sami Zayn Raw
WWE.com

Shane McMahon has somehow created lavender-scented dogsh*t in his portrayal as the dreaded, interminable heel authority figure.

The presentation and performance is consummately d*ckheaded. His treatment of Greg Hamilton, who is a mere puppet to string along, is particularly inspired: Shane McMahon isn't a mere ar*ehole. He is literally a maestro at it. This is a different Shane to the jumped-up little sh*t of yore. This is s more controlled update; he isn't a hyperactive pest, nor does he overtly revel in pissing us off like his disingenuous sister does. With his understated, aloof body language, Shane simply allows his arrogance to radiate organically.

It helps, too, that he is so fundamentally awful at the craft of professional wrestling. He thinks he is quite incredible at it, which just raises the hackles all the more.

His simmering, secondary feud with Roman Reigns is infuriating as a matter of principle - exponentially more talented performers can't even get booked, let alone in one programme - but there are few better equipped to really sell the catharsis of a Spear right in his f*cking diverticulitis.

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Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!