10 WWE No Mercy 2017 Impulse Reactions
3. Tears Before Bedtime
Raw Talk's post-show placement hasn't quite replicated the dynamism of the Talking Smack vehicle it aped, but John Cena's lengthy post-mortem offered valuable insight into his own longterm future following his blockbuster battle with Roman Reigns.
Weighted in his clear sincerity, Cena delivered an understated breakdown of the company's longstanding main event scene, suggesting that nobody until now has been remotely ready to steer the ship in his place. Espousing worry that he couldn't leave the company he loved so dearly in the hands of somebody so ill-equipped, he then attempted to weave fiction and reality in suggesting that Reigns had beaten the respect into him in victory.
Away from the largely successful attempt to walk a kayfabe tightrope, the truth of his situation hit him as he lamented his age and crumbling frame after such an extended run. Appearing to genuinely fight back tears, Cena brushed off the supportive arm of Jerry Lawler, but looked as though he would have taken the veteran's warm embrace if the cameras still weren't rolling.
The occasional appearances of serious Cena only serve as reminders of what a strong orator he can be when given tangible content to work with. WWE might label Reigns 'The Guy', but he's still not this guy.