The Art of the Promo: Jim Cornette’s Vision for Cena & Rhodes in Brussels, A Masterclass in Narrative Over Physicality

In the choreographed chaos of professional wrestling, where physicality often takes center stage, the power of narrative can sometimes be overlooked. However, for astute observers like Jim Cornette, the art of the promo – the spoken word – remains a crucial element in crafting compelling storylines. As Cody Rhodes and John Cena prepare to grace the WWE RAW stage in Brussels, Belgium, Cornette’s insights into how their segment should be booked offer a masterclass in storytelling, emphasizing the importance of dialogue over physical confrontation.

The backdrop to this upcoming segment is a seismic shift in the WWE landscape: John Cena’s heel turn at Elimination Chamber. After two decades of being the quintessential hero, the embodiment of “hustle, loyalty, and respect,” Cena’s attack on Cody Rhodes signaled a dramatic departure from his established persona. This unexpected alliance with The Rock and rapper Travis Scott has sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe, leaving fans grappling with the implications of Cena’s newfound villainy.

Jim Cornette, a legendary wrestling manager and commentator known for his sharp wit and encyclopedic knowledge of the industry, weighed in on the situation during his “Drive-Thru” podcast. His perspective, rooted in decades of experience, offers a nuanced understanding of storytelling dynamics in professional wrestling.

The Power of the Promo: A Lost Art?

In an era dominated by high-flying maneuvers and visually stunning spectacles, the art of the promo has, at times, taken a backseat. However, for Cornette, the spoken word remains a potent tool for building narratives and engaging audiences. He argues that the upcoming segment in Brussels should prioritize dialogue over physical action, allowing Cena to explain his motivations and further develop his heel persona.

“I don’t know that they need a lot of physicality coming off of what they just did and this far away from WrestleMania,” Cornette stated on his podcast. “Think about it now, would you rather see John Cena wrestle or would you rather hear him talk?”

Cornette’s question cuts to the heart of the matter. While physical confrontations can generate excitement, they often lack the depth and nuance that a well-crafted promo can provide. Cena, renowned for his ability to connect with audiences through his words, is uniquely positioned to deliver a compelling explanation for his heel turn.

Cena’s Heel Turn: A Calculated Move?

The decision to turn John Cena heel after two decades of being a beloved hero is a bold move by WWE’s creative team. It raises several questions: Why now? What are Cena’s motivations? And how will this affect his legacy?

Cornette suggests that the upcoming segment should provide answers to these questions, allowing Cena to articulate his reasons for aligning himself with The Rock and Travis Scott. This explanation, he argues, will be more impactful than a physical confrontation, which could potentially dilute the significance of Cena’s heel turn.

“They’re gonna explain his side of things, and that’s what Cena is noted for, his ability to talk, so it’ll be interesting,” Cornette said.

Cena’s ability to connect with audiences through his promos is undeniable. He has a knack for delivering passionate and heartfelt speeches that resonate with fans of all ages. By allowing Cena to explain his motivations, WWE can deepen the narrative and create a more compelling storyline leading into WrestleMania.

Building Anticipation: The Road to WrestleMania

The timing of this segment is crucial. With WrestleMania just around the corner, WWE is in the process of building anticipation and excitement for its biggest event of the year. Cornette argues that a focus on dialogue in the Brussels segment will allow WWE to further develop the storyline and create a sense of anticipation for the eventual clash between Cena, Rhodes, and The Rock.

By prioritizing dialogue over physicality, WWE can create a sense of intrigue and mystery, leaving fans eager to see how the storyline will unfold. This approach allows WWE to control the narrative and build anticipation for the inevitable showdown at WrestleMania.

Cody Rhodes: The Embodiment of the Hero’s Journey

Cody Rhodes, on the other hand, represents the archetypal hero’s journey. After returning to WWE in 2022, Rhodes has embarked on a quest to “finish the story,” to win the WWE Championship that his father, Dusty Rhodes, never held. His journey has resonated with fans, who have embraced Rhodes as a symbol of perseverance and determination.

Rhodes’s confrontation with Cena in Brussels will provide an opportunity for him to further develop his character and solidify his status as a top babyface. By engaging in a verbal exchange with Cena, Rhodes can showcase his charisma and connect with the audience on a deeper level.

The Brussels Factor: A Global Stage

The decision to hold this segment in Brussels adds another layer of intrigue to the storyline. WWE’s global expansion has seen the company hold events in various international locations, showcasing its commitment to reaching audiences around the world.

The Brussels audience, known for its passionate support of professional wrestling, will undoubtedly add to the atmosphere of the segment. Their reactions and chants will serve as a barometer of the storyline’s effectiveness, providing valuable feedback to WWE’s creative team.

A Hypothetical Scenario: The Art of the Promo in Action

Imagine the scene: The lights dim, and the Brussels crowd erupts as Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring. He grabs a microphone and addresses the audience, his voice filled with emotion.

“John Cena,” he begins, “you’ve betrayed everything you stood for. You’ve turned your back on the WWE Universe, on the very principles that made you a hero.”

The crowd chants “Cody! Cody!” in support.

“Why, John?” Rhodes asks, his voice laced with confusion and anger. “Why did you do this?”

The music hits, and John Cena emerges, a smirk playing on his lips. He steps into the ring, his eyes locked on Rhodes.

“Cody,” Cena begins, his voice cold and calculating, “you don’t understand. You never will.”

“Understand what?” Rhodes demands. “That you’ve sold your soul for fame and fortune?”

“I’ve evolved,” Cena replies, his voice dripping with disdain. “I’ve realized that the world doesn’t reward those who play by the rules. It rewards those who seize power, who take what they want.”

“That’s not the John Cena I know,” Rhodes says, his voice filled with disappointment.

“The John Cena you knew is gone,” Cena retorts. “He’s been replaced by someone stronger, someone more ruthless.”

The two men engage in a heated verbal exchange, their words cutting through the air like daggers. The crowd hangs on every word, their emotions running high.

This hypothetical scenario illustrates the power of the promo, the ability to captivate an audience with words alone. By focusing on dialogue, WWE can create a compelling narrative that resonates with fans and builds anticipation for WrestleMania.

The Legacy of Storytelling

Jim Cornette’s insights serve as a reminder of the enduring power of storytelling in professional wrestling. In an industry often defined by spectacle and athleticism, the art of the promo remains a crucial element in crafting compelling narratives and engaging audiences.

The upcoming segment in Brussels provides an opportunity for WWE to showcase the power of dialogue, to create a moment that will resonate with fans long after the lights have faded. By prioritizing narrative over physicality, WWE can elevate the storyline and create a more meaningful and memorable experience for its audience