7 Most Insane Things Happening In Wrestling Right Now (April 28)

2. JBL Has Called WWE A Meritocracy

JBL WWE
WWE.com

Talking Smack is a wonderful format for those alienated by the mandated scripted promos on flagship programming. Both The Miz and Baron Corbin have advanced in the minds of the audience as a result of their fiery, improvised spiels - but the unregulated atmosphere doesn't half breed some nonsense at times, and JBL was at the epicentre of something other than accusations of bullying for a change on this week's show: pure, unadulterated stupidity.

"It's very much a meritocracy around here, and I think Dolph will do quite well," JBL reasoned, when discussing Dolph Ziggler's superiority complex.

Hmmm.

Career midcard performer JBL wasn't frogmarched to WWE Heavyweight Championship contendership in 2004 because he was capable of wrestling classic matches. He wasn't even over; he received a sudden and illogical opportunity because he was a favourite of the office and the roster had been depleted beyond recognition.

WWE is in no way a meritocracy. Pushes aren't administered on the back of talent or even popularity. Batista was originally scheduled to headline WrestleMania XXX solo with Randy Orton - at the expense of Daniel Bryan, only the most over and talented main event performer WWE had on their books - because of a nascent flirtation with Hollywood. Dean Ambrose - a not inconsiderable merchandise draw - was sidelined by the less popular and less talented Roman Reigns in the build towards WrestleMania 32 because his scruffy look was antithetical to WWE's preferred, polished aesthetic.

What is most insane about JBL's comment is that it was rendered utterly moronic just one hour before he made it...

Contributor
Contributor

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!