Saturday Night: Main Event (V) - Matches of Interest

 A Good Saturday to You, Enthusiasts!

How are you doing? So, a bittersweet day in the WWE Universe, wouldn’t you say? We bid John Cena adieu as his in-ring career draws to a noble close. 

I feel I should say a few words on the subject, given the event. *Ahem* I was never a John Cena fan. He seemed…ridiculous if I’m honest. This preppy hoodlum? Is that what it is? Then it morphed into The Marine and as far as I could determine, he’s never even been in the military he just sort of fit the part. Then that turned into the incarnation of recent years that basically was a “civilian marine” who lived with determination, valor and honor. 

In a place like the WWE Universe, especially 20-25 years ago, in retrospect, I see why this all came to be. When I returned to wrestling some 12 years ago, Cena’s presentation was pretty much what you’ve seen. He put on a decent show and could handle himself on the mic. Say what you will, he did the job well. When the “Let’s go, Cena!/Cena Sucks!...” chants broke out, I was never compelled to shout either due to this inherent respect he did honestly earn. 

However, as time ticks on, the very nature of the beast changes and as much as I respect the man, the man was not adapting with it. A change would have to be made to keep this relevant and I can recognize Cena taking that as a hint to wrap it up. I’m sure there are just physical factors to go along with it. But though bittersweet as this is, I feel it’s a redemptive end to what could be called a tumultuous career. We’re a tough crowd. Many of us don’t want to have to be nice when we visit. I’m sure I missed out on the worst of it but I can imagine the bullshit the man has gone through. Regardless, he remained a consummate professional and whatever we threw at him, he got the job done. As much as the man could, the man certainly does not suck. A little lame at times, maybe 😉 But saying he sucks is just not true.

Farewell, John Cena. It was a pleasure watching and getting to know you. Enjoy and embrace the future that awaits. 🍷

Just thought it was best to get it out of the way. It’s not even certain Cena will close the show. I think I’m fine with it not being the opener. As long as it doesn’t open, I won’t really protest. Yet, if it doesn’t close, it has to be for good reason so it better be a “surprise” of some sort if they do that.

In all honesty, WWE is WWE and they could just do whatever to mess with us. They will never be above doing that but I say that as viewing them as a “Heel Company”. I think they operate more in kayfabe than many think. Yet, in being Heel, there’s a sort of rogue sensibility. Notice how they never just toot the status quo’s horn. Even in this climate, they still reflect the social commentary. They’ll allow jokes about travel due to citizenship status issues and let guys like Sami Zayn have TV time.  

You’d think it be all MAGA’ed but they just don’t lie about the ties. They’re very much a “Fuck you!...” sort of institution and you have to admit that’s half the reason we come back. So, I’m digressing but never forget that they’ll stick it to us from time to time, just to do so. Always be prepared for anything.

In any case, after all that, I’m really only looking at the Oba Femi vs. Cody Rhodes match. I’ve never seen Femi’s work and him being such a large gentleman, I’m intrigued to see how this works. Rhodes has proven versatile but you get the feeling that for this to be believable, Rhodes will have to be smart. Femi could just kick his ass and to a certain extent, why wouldn’t he? We’ll see how this one goes. 

Outside of that…I find Sol Ruca entertaining. She’s like Charlotte Flair’s hip Californian cousin or something. Bayley knows how to put on a good match so that ought to be one of the better matches of the evening. 

It’s a good card so, we should at least get some solid sports entertainment. I don’t even want to get into GUNTHER vs. Cena ‘cause it seems cut and dried but not in a bad way. I have no problem with Gunther winning. It’s the “realistic” outcome. 

However, “Fuck You” Types often zig when you think they’re gonna zag ‘cause a lot of them don’t want you to think they’re assholes. You generally think, “Too late…” but many of them do respect basic lines. In the WWE’s case, if it makes you feel better, you can blame it on liability. They stop just short so they don’t get sued. 

All that said, I wouldn’t be shocked if Cena “pulls off a miracle”. This wasn’t the smoothest Retirement Tour and I think Brass was able to perform their experiment. Why not go out on a high note? And, and it keeps the door open for “One Final Match” ‘cause Gunther would want a rematch if he lost. So, I would suggest prepare for a Gunther win but allow yourself to enjoy a Cena “upset”. It would be a great way to end it, if done right. 

I’ll leave it there. I doubt it’ll be a bad show so, let’s try relax and have some fun. It’s supposed to be a party after all. Have the piece of cake and say something nice.

 

See You in a Bit,

-Nicole Alexis (^_~)