6 Huge First-Time Matches WWE Have Totally Wasted In 2017
3. Braun Strowman Vs. John Cena
Braun Strowman vs. John Cena should've been something special. It's the kind of match that deserved a long, careful build, culminating in a lengthy, drama-filled pay-per-view main event, preferably on one of WWE's 'Big Four' shows.
Strowman is the most eye-catching wrestler in the company today, and the most well-rounded monster character WWE have ever created. Cena, meanwhile, has been all about "overcoming the odds" for decades now. Yes, it's a cringeworthy narrative, but it's perfectly suited to facing a guy like Braun, who feels like an unstoppable force at the moment.
This potentially special match was hurried forward to the 11 September episode of Monday Night Raw, and it wasn't good. WWE needed to book a big match for the show, as they were competing with NFL Monday Night Football for the first time in months, but Cena vs. Strowman didn't live up to its billing. Unfortunately, the duo just didn't have much chemistry when the bell rang, and while the clash would've been a lot more satisfying had the company built towards it, the match we got did nothing to generate anticipation for another between the two.