That last problem was very much ‘The Viper’s’ own fault.
It was discovered he had broken the rules of WWE’s stringent Wellness Policy,
which is in place to protect in-ring performers from abusing themselves with
harmful substances, and given a sixty day suspension. This was ‘The Apex
Predator’s’ second strike. A third strike, should it occur, will lead to
dismissal.
Orton made a stupid mistake that cost him two months of
his career and necessitated changes to WWE’s programming plans. Orton had been
heading into a feud with Chris Jericho. That was immediately canned, leaving
WWE without one of their biggest names and with a gaping hole in their PPV line-up.
They were also left without the best headliner they have when it comes to
helping elevate lesser talent. WWE’s roster has been in severe need of a revamp
for a while now. Had Orton been around over the summer I have no doubt a use
would have been found for him.
Poser
Orton was an innocent victim of that situation. He ended
up taking on and losing to Kane at the supershow. It was as unmemorable as it
sounds.
Since returning from his sixty day suspension Orton has
mainly been used to make others look good. He lost to Alberto Del Rio clean on
an episode of SmackDown in order to setup another clash in the boring Del Rio v
Sheamus programme and he lost clean to Dolph Ziggler in the ten man tag
semi-final of Survivor Series. He achieved his goal, making his opponent look
good, on both occasions but it was still a far cry from his success and lofty position
on the card in 2011.
It was to be expected though. Having failed a drug test
Orton was never going to march back into his old spot. WWE have been wary of
relying too heavily on him for fear of another failed test. Should that happen
the promotion would be left without one of their most reliable grapplers. The
slow approach was the only logical way for the company to handle the situation.
‘The Viper’ had to regain their trust.
Having played a babyface since the early months of 2010
Orton is in desperate need of a fresh direction. Not only has he clashed with
everybody of note in his current role he’s also a natural fit as a bad guy. His
cold sneer and deliberate promo style are the hallmarks of a villain, not a
hero. Even his good looks mark him out as a bad guy: most fans won’t take much
convincing to want to see him get his face punched in.
The early part of 2013 seems like a good time to
instigate Orton’s return to the dark side. He would have fresh rivalries
waiting for him with main event stars Sheamus and Daniel Bryan. He could also
fill his time with elevating WWE’s mid-card babyfaces, something he’s been
relied upon for with the mid-card heels for a while now. As noted, he’s very
good at such tasks.
Turning Orton to coincide with WrestleMania Season could
encourage an increase in viewing levels after the big show. Timed and executed
right the Orton turn could keep casual, part-time or lapsed viewers hanging
around into the summer. He’s better as a bad guy. I’m looking forward to the
inevitable switch.
No comments:
Post a Comment