7 Things WWE Could Learn From NJPW Dominion 6.9
3. How To Give Performers Freedom
Chris Jericho was roundly mocked in certain circles of Twitter for how he looked upon entering Osaka-jo Hall for his Intercontinental Title clash with Testsuya Naito, but it wouldn't just be his 'Tranquilo' opponent he'd have the last laugh over.
The manic look (with apparent loose affiliation to a 'Parasite' gimmick he'd workshopped in one of his autobiographies) had its desired affect - it diverted the mindset of the fanbase and his opponent long enough for him to strike and never let up. As sweary and leary as he'd been in his build-up promos, Jericho was animalistic in intent and unrepentant in victory. This was a version of himself completely from himself. A version he subsequently had no problem getting into character for.
Even somebody with his time and tenure in WWE earns little more than the basic level of respect from management in relation to his character - certainly nowhere near the freedom to craft and curate a character such as the above. Matt Hardy had similar autonomy in TNA in comparison to the handcuffs that have reduced him to laughter at a joke that isn't funny and one visit to his iconic compound.
Fierce patriot Vince McMahon has spent his life leaning hard against the First Amendment, but frustratingly doesn't offer it back out to those he employs.