How WWE Is About To Expose Its Biggest Myth

by Michael Sidgwick
Roman Reigns Dolph Ziggler
WWE.com

The recent news that Roman Reigns has pulled out of WrestleMania 36 brings all of this into focus.

WWE isn't operating with the trenches mentality, overdelivering from a defensive position to score the last-minute screamer. This isn't them stepping up for our entertainment in a time of crisis. This isn't even a transparent but nonetheless effective babyface PR move. Vince McMahon is no-selling a generational event plunging the real world into turmoil because he does not live in that world. It is inconvenient for him. His back is against the wall, and he's crashing his talent against it, too. Roman Reigns will escape punishment booking. The word is that all those unwilling to perform will, too. But that the show went on with no concession to reality - artistically or ethically - is a false narrative buster.

There is a bright side to all of this - one that will reveal itself in the form of an editorial shortly - but WWE has thus far proven itself incapable of holding on to its old - last? - calling card. When all of this sh*t passes, the reactions will be gigantic in the arenas. When we return to normal, however, the normal complaints will resurface - and WWE is in danger of losing altogether that which is hidden up their sleeve, and the faint hope it represents.

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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 surefire Undisputed WWE Universal 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!