What Can Save WrestleMania?

[Fox]

Originally Posted by XL Maybe "sharing the torch" would be more apt. Y'think we can get that phrase going KK? Guys like Miz and Morrison and Rhodes won't ever be seen on the same level as a Cena or an Orton unless they start beating those guys. And doing it fairly legitimately (or as much as being a heel allows for legit wins). With Takers streak, there's little point putting it on the line against the likes of Barrett or Sheamus. We all know the outcome of the match. And whilst it might be possible to "make a star" even in a losing effort against Taker, I honestly can't remember the last time that happened (if in fact it ever has).

Orton got a bit of a bump after his Mania match against Taker at WrestleMania 21, if only for looking like a bad ass after his chokeslam reversal into the RKO.

But I agree with you. There's no way to make the new generation into legitimate stars until they start getting legitimate wins. Even CM Punk hasn't really reached "that level" yet, despite being a former World Champion and PPV main eventer. I think the only legit wins he's gotten over main eventers were against Jeff Hardy, and that's not that much to brag about. They need to not be afraid of having their top guys like Cena, Orton, Taker and Triple H lose clean from time to time. There's nothing interesting about a face versus heel match if you don't feel like the heel has a chance of winning the thing. When Jeff got a couple clean wins over Triple H in the build-up to his WWE Title push it did wonders for him. Why can't they do the same for their bad guys, too?