The victorious villain disappears backstage. His music stops. The arena is quiet for a moment. Finally, the hero, gallant in defeat, stands in the middle of the ring. The fans applaud. He soaks in this ultimate show of respect before walking down the aisle, casting a final glance to the crowd before heading back behind the curtain.
This is what was supposed to happen just before SummerSlam went off the air, but while the familiar actions were there, the emotion was not.
WWE wanted fans in attendance to feel sorry for Triple H after he tapped out to Brock Lesnar. They didn't. They rejected this play for their sympathy with boos and chants of "You tapped out!"
Triple H was supposed to appear valiant in defeat. Instead, he was humiliated.
What went wrong?
It was a little over four months ago when a sold-out Sun Life Stadium roared with approval and respect for Triple H, The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels after their epic Hell In A Cell match at WrestleMania 28. Fans seized the opportunity to show their appreciation for all three men. If you didn't get chills while watching, you probably aren't a fan. It's been a long time since Triple H was beloved among hardcore fans, but he was embraced by them on that night.
Make no mistake about it, WWE got the reaction it wanted at WrestleMania. So, what changed at SummerSlam?
My best guess is Paul Heyman. While the main event match at SummerSlam was Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar, the feud was Triple H vs. Heyman.
Heyman holds a high level of respect among fans, and for weeks he was badgered and bullied by Triple H. All that seemed to be fine until Raw 1,000, when Stephanie McMahon got involved. Her words were so mean-spirited and seemingly personal, you couldn't help but feel sorry for Heyman. Does anyone really think his children are ashamed of him?
Brock Lesnar was now in the position of avenging his friend in their fight against the authority figures he felt slighted by. It sounds noble, as long as you can look past Lesnar breaking an arm or two.
WWE overplayed its hand with Triple H, and made a mistake that's become all too common lately - forgetting what makes the good guys good and the bad guys bad.
Triple H has been in this position too many times. He didn't sell well enough "doing it for WWE". And too many people were pro-Brock, riding his return still Especially since SummerSlam likely attracted more general audiences that recall his first run/UFC championship over Triple H.
ReplyDeleteAnd Fred Durst, who doesn't know how to behave in front of a camera...