10 Ways WWE Hasn't Learned From Its Mistakes

5. WWE Champions Are Lame Mascots

The Miz x2
WWE.com

Roman Reigns mentioned on SmackDown recently that he isn't one for recapping.

It was a line that rather painted Drew McIntyre, who is fond of recapping, as a customer service rep. But he almost is. The job of a babyface WWE Champion is to welcome you to the show - the show being an amorphous entertainment bonanza where you'll have to wait for a contrived squabble to find out what the next match is - and explain the not exactly unsubtle events that unfold on it to the vermin that comprise the paying audience. You see, you won't otherwise remember.

The babyface WWE Champion is the jocular face of the company, reps the brand as much as their talent, and is often more inclined to mock their opponent than threaten to put them in the ground. It's a kid's show, etc. They like to take you back to last week. They like to take you back to last week because Vince likes to take you back two decades.

Drew McIntyre is shockingly good - or at least inoffensive - in a role that limits how cool the audience can possibly find this person. "He's really good at navigating the imposed bullsh*t" is Drew.

They could just...not make him do the bullsh*t.

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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!