10 Times WWE Didn’t Learn Their Lesson

4. The Presentation Of Babyface Seth Rollins

Seth Rollins
WWE.com

John Cena has so much to answer for.

Since he emerged as the gurning, mugging babyface headliner in the mid-2000s, it has been decreed from on high that all those who follow him must adopt a similarly carefree, zinging persona.

Roman Reigns upon his march to the top of the singles ranks was scripted to utter the words "sufferin' succotash!", in order to connect to kiddies everywhere in 1930. Dean Ambrose was transitioned from a wild-eyed lunatic into a prop comic during his feud with Seth Rollins in 2014. Rollins, his diametric opposite, was a cackling blowhard in the heel role.

That is, until he turned face, at which point he, like the man whose philosophy he couldn't stand, had suddenly decided that people wearing funny clothes was the source of much amusement. Chris Jericho wears a scarf and that in itself is such a side-splitter that the WWE Universe must be reminded of that more than silly business like a deeply personal issue acting as a credible and enticing source of conflict. Fans don't want the next John Cena; they want an alternative to him.

Over-scripting has ruined wrestling. Unfunny, formulaic over-scripting might yet kill it.

Contributor
Contributor

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!