10 Unbelievable Wrestling Fan Theories

2. Vince McMahon CAN Make New Stars...He Just Doesn't WANT To...

Lilly Sister Abigail
WWE

There's a long-held belief in wrestling fan circles that the reason WWE is so bereft of star power is that Vince McMahon no longer wants a John Cena-sized star to front the operation as the leading man.

He doesn't want any name to become bigger than WWE because they will only leave it behind when Hollywood beckons them. And then, when they do, the unenviable process of Vince doing his actual job as a promoter has to begin anew. Much better to simply position everybody, through the vehicle of inattentive 50/50 booking, at the same numbing level. That way, nobody is a star!

This theory is entirely too kind. Even if there is a kernel of logic to it, it doesn't obscure the idea that Vince McMahon isn't remotely good at this any longer.

It's not as if he isn't putting over the Tribal Chief Roman Reigns with a lack of conviction, for example. Vince would rather like it if Roman - who has already featured in Hobbs & Shaw, which according to the theory should frighten the COO - got over to a huge level. He is literally in the process of trying, as evidenced by Roman featuring in every opening and closing segment and trucking every opponent in his path.

He isn't moving the needle. The output is acclaimed, and worthy of it, and who knows why it isn't popping. Are those babyfaces lacking credibility? Is it all a bit repetitive? Has WWE let down its audience too many times, leading to chronic investment issues?

It's not clear. But the attempt very much is.

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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!