Grayson Waller, the rising Australian WWE Superstar, faced criticism for his recent segment with John Cena at WWE Money in the Bank. The segment, where Waller interrupted Cena and expressed his desire for WrestleMania to be held in Australia, received mixed reviews, with some questioning Waller’s portrayal of a heel.
Speaking on the Jim Cornette Experience, a veteran voice in the wrestling industry, Cornette expressed his disapproval of Waller’s approach, suggesting that the segment felt forced and artificial. Cornette stated, “He’s playing a heel. Either they’re telling him to do this, or this is the kind of stuff he wants to do, but it’s totally fake because it’s obvious that he’s trying to be a heel on purpose.”
Cornette’s critique adds an additional layer to the discussion surrounding Waller’s character portrayal, highlighting the importance of authenticity in professional wrestling. The veteran’s perspective emphasizes the notion that effective heels in wrestling often come across as genuine, allowing the audience to engage with the character on a deeper level. Cornette’s commentary implies that Waller’s attempt to play a heel may be perceived as forced or contrived, potentially hindering the character’s effectiveness in generating the desired reaction from the audience.
This critique sparks further debate within the wrestling community about the balance between scripted elements and genuine expressions in character development. It underscores the challenge for performers like Waller to navigate creative direction while ensuring that their character resonates authentically with the audience. As Waller continues to evolve on Friday Night SmackDown, the ongoing conversation about his character portrayal will likely shape the direction of his on-screen persona in the coming weeks.
Cornette further criticized Waller’s attempt to generate heat by offering to help Cena, stating, “Grayson Waller would not talk to John Cena like he was a jobber. It’s see-through that he’s getting heat in quotation marks on purpose when he offers to help Cena by making him go viral and save his career.”
The wrestling veteran compared the segment to a similar scenario involving Austin Theory, noting that Theory, at least, had been on television, secured wins, and was being pushed. Cornette concluded that Waller’s portrayal was less convincing, especially considering the vast difference in stature between Cena, a movie star and a wrestling icon, and Waller, a relatively new talent.
As Grayson Waller prepares for an in-ring return following an injury, the WWE Universe awaits the creative direction for his character on Friday Night SmackDown, hoping for a more authentic and compelling portrayal. Waller’s previous performances and interactions with the audience have showcased his charisma and ability to engage viewers, prompting anticipation for a character evolution that aligns more closely with his natural persona. Fans are eager to see how Waller’s unique qualities will be incorporated into his on-screen presence, providing a more authentic and relatable experience for the audience.
Waller’s time away from the ring due to injury presents an opportune moment for WWE creative to reevaluate and refresh his character, potentially exploring new storylines or character arcs. The WWE Universe is optimistic that this period of hiatus will be used strategically to enhance Waller’s character depth, allowing him to connect with the audience on a deeper level. The hope is that the creative direction will leverage Waller’s strengths, whether it be his mic skills, in-ring abilities, or charisma, to craft a character that resonates authentically with the fans and contributes to the overall storytelling landscape of Friday Night SmackDown. As the anticipation builds for Waller’s return, the WWE Universe eagerly awaits the unveiling of the creative direction that will shape his character’s trajectory in the coming weeks and months.