Randy Orton was the right man to unify the titles at WWE’s TLC pay-per-view because it progresses the current story.
Put the lid back on your John Cena Hatorade, you fickle wrestling fans. This isn’t a bash Cena column. That was so 2006. Instead, this is a tip of the cap to the WWE for extending its current “Authority storyline” in the right direction. Shocker, I know.
Before I go any further, I want to introduce myself to the readers. This is my first wrestling column, but I decided to come on board and write opinion pieces on various WWE story lines. With the journalism experience I have attained in my young career (Biloxi Sun Herald writer, Dandy Don contributor, Bleacher Report featured columnist and various other newspapers and sites), I like to believe I know a thing or two about good storytelling.
So now that we’ve got that obnoxious introduction out of the way, let’s move forward, like the WWE did with its “Authority” storyline last night.
Like it or not, Orton won clean, and it couldn’t have come at a better time for a wrestler that’s been booked weaker as the face of the WWE than he was before he turned heel. Seriously, before Money in the Bank, when’s the last time Orton won clean? Rack your brains on that one.
The good news about Orton winning at TLC is the “story flow chart” is rich with compelling storyline directions. Think of it as a brainstorm map or a cerebal chart. Orton is circled in the center, and you have stems that lead to different feuds with wrestlers hanging around the main event picture. Real main event players, so sorry Brodus Clay, you’re going to have to sit this one out.
With Orton still the face of the WWE, he can continue his program with Cena (that cow gets an endless milking, am I right?), bring Daniel Bryan back into the main event picture (you sure they can do it right this time?) or start a fresh feud with C.M. Punk. “Pick No. 3, my Lord”—please tell me y’all got that Shrek reference.
The bad news? Well, in an effort to sound Grinchy, the company rarely follows up an interesting story turn with an equally intriguing fresh feud. The WWE will most likely try to keep The Authority as the centerpiece of the story (99.9% chance), likely setting up a Triple H vs. Orton main event picture. You hear that sigh? That’s the Internet Wrestling Community (IWC) groaning simultaneously.
“Land the plane. What’s the point of this column anyway, new guy,” an impatient IWC member will bang on the keyboard.
And now I’ve angered them more. Getting right down to it—here’s what direction the WWE should take, as the company is in perfect position to set up major wrestling matches for Wrestlemania season.
Because of last night’s results, Punk should be the man to take on Orton for the WWE championship at the Royal Rumble. Think about it. He just beat The Shield in a handicap match, that feud (not a major storyline to begin with) is concluded and he hasn’t had a major feud with Orton since 2011. Who better to challenge the authority than the WWE’s greatest rebel?
Here’s where the options are plentiful. Triple H could cost Punk the title at the Royal Rumble, setting up a major program for Wrestlemania. So you know, if his buddy HBK wants to lace those boots up one more time, DX vs. Punk and Bryan could easily main event Wrestlemania 30.
Don’t want to go that route because Shawn Michael’s in-ring future is still an uncertainty? Punk could win clean, Bryan could win the Royal Rumble and a dream title program for hardcore fans would take place at Wrestlemania. Try and imagine a possibility Punk and Bryan doesn’t tear the roof off of the Superdome. Impossible, right?
We should get answers tonight about the direction WWE will take. Let’s hope it’s the right one.
What do you think? Was Orton the right pick to be the WWE’s undisputed champion? Is Punk the right direction to take the Authority storyline? Sound off below and feel free to give yours truly a “warm welcome.” Don’t be afraid to hit me up on Twitter @JakeMartinSEC either.
