Salutations, you slovenly heathens. It’s that time of the week for another outburst from yours truly, Mike Gojira. Let’s get into this shit!
It’s that time of year when the WWE pulls out all the stops to get your every penny. And why not? It’s Wrestlemania season, after all. Even the most jaded among us is either ordering the PPV or going somewhere to watch it. Whether you agree with the one-year-in-advance planning of the main event or not, there’s no denying that fan interest is at an all-time high. People are passionately backing their favorites and vigorously defending their chosen hero.
So why am I not getting emotionally involved?
It’s not that I’m trying to be “different” or “edgy” by going against the grain; far from it, actually. My expectation for the match is that it will be one hell of a roller coaster ride in no small part to the reaction of the live audience. I’m just not as invested as others might be. I love The Rock as much as the next Attitude Era fan, and I commend Cena for fighting an uphill battle as a guy who grew up loving the business he represents. It’s just that I’ve become more analytical about the product in recent years, and the end result no matter what will be the same: John Cena triumphs.
I’m not saying that in a negative slant. It’s reality, it’s what good storytelling is all about. Cena said it himself in his empty arena promo on Monday night. This match will decide his legacy as a future Hall of Famer, for better or worse.
And yet I’m still not emotionally attached in any way.
I suppose it’s the result of many factors. I’ve been watching wrestling since I was 14. That was nearly sixteen years ago, and since then I’ve grown considerably (still immature, though). The Internet and dirt sheets helped kill kayfabe in that time and the wrestling business has started to embrace the “blurred line” perspective by embracing social media. I’ve become more of an observer and critic of the more intricate parts of the industry, such as the aforementioned storytelling and development of fresh, talented stars.
I do still have emotional moments, like No Way Out 2004 and the subsequent Wrestlemania XX celebration. The Undertaker losing the Boiler Room Brawl. Chris Jericho winning the Undisputed Championship. Every time Triple H buried talent during his Cena-esque Reign of Terror, including the Y2J title tease on Raw.
I just feel like I’m too old to get really invested in wrestling like my livelihood or beliefs are on the line. Cena vs Rock as a match interests me, but simply as a story. I suppose I am being a little hypocritical, since most stories we consider great are due to how they resonate with us on an emotional level.
I’m ready for Wrestlemania. I’m looking forward to the Hell in a Cell and The Rock vs Cena and the Jericho vs Punk match. I guarantee there will be moments I’ll react to. I just don’t see myself going ape-shit like I used to. Does anyone else feel this way too, with a sense of emotional detachment?
Mike Gojira’s Fave Five
You want emotions? Check out what’s been going on this week here at the Pulse. So many people getting defensive….
1. Kue’s Korner: Jonah takes a look back at last week’s debate over Rock/Cena and shares his thoughts on the work of others. Read it for the comments section alone!
2. The Rager: Chris Sanders responds to The K-Man’s rant about his previous column.
3. My Pinterest is Piledrivers: Don’t let the shitty excuse for a column title fool you. Mr. Carter has a great article this week about guys in the business who would be great for getting the interest of the casual fan and would subsequently glue more eyeballs to the boob tube.
4. The Common Denominator: Ralph Hardin ponders who could take Cena’s place as the top face for the WWE.
5. CB’s World: CB interviews Rey Mundo and discusses a surprising celebrity response to Rey’s controversial blog from last week!
I’ll catch you all this weekend for my Not-So-Live WWE Smackdown Report. And yes, I’m aware that Ted DiBiase is injured again even though I didn’t read the spoilers.
So long, and thanks for all the fish.
