6 Ups And 7 Downs From WWE Clash Of Champions 2016

4. Hey, These Guys Can Actually Talk...

It's incredibly difficult for a wrestler to get over without considerable microphone time. Dazzling in-ring skills can carry a performer so far, but if the crowd aren't given a chance to get to know these men and women's personalities, it's almost impossible to build long-term investment.

This lack of mic time is a big part of WWE's inability to create new stars in the modern era, with Raw lagging particularly far behind in this department. If you're not an authority figure, main eventer, or Enzo Amore, you're rarely given a chance to talk on WWE's flagship show, and that's a problem.

Tonight saw a switch in the formula, however. TJ Perkins cut a confident promo prior to his Cruiserweight Title defence against Brian Kendrick, while Cesaro - the most underused of underused wrestlers - was allowed a rare opportunity to share his thoughts prior to wrestling Sheamus.

The real acid test will be seeing whether or not such interviews carry over into weekly television, but it was refreshing to hear from some of Raw's quieter voices. Here's hoping such opportunities continue.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.