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WWE missed a huge opportunity when it came to the World Cup Tournament at Crown Jewel, in Saudi Arabia. When done correctly, tournaments can take the fans on a captivating emotional journey until the end. Sadly, the World Cup Tournament turned out to be a huge disappointment.
Let’s dig deep on the aspects of the World Cup tournament and the three reasons it was a such a huge letdown. Let’s begin with the first reason:
#1 The opportunity to build new stars
Tournaments offer a strong ability to build new stars. The World Cup could’ve easily been used to catapult and showcase up and coming talent such as Shinsuke Nakamura, Finn Balor, Andrade “Cien” Almas, Drew McIntyre, or Luke Harper, while NXT stars such as Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, Aleister Black, Adam Cole, Roderick Strong or many other talents with potential could have also benefitted with a win. The NXT UK or 205 Live division could've been included in the tournament pool as well.
The company could’ve easily put four talented newcomers that they’re high on at the moment against four veterans who have credibility. Drew McIntyre could’ve been the dominant force throughout.
Zack Ryder could've been a dark horse in this competition. Perhaps playing the role of the underdog who wants to prove to the WWE universe that he is worthy of being a main eventer.
WWE could’ve taken a risk with someone such as Johnny Gargano, who could’ve been given a strong showcase push throughout the competition. Gargano wouldn’t need to win in the end, but with his strong work ethic, he would definitely open more eyes to fans who don't know who Johnny wrestling is.
This tournament should’ve been a way to actively showcase the stars of tomorrow. Instead, it became a wasted opportunity. This is baffling for a company who continues to have trouble building stars.
#2 The Ability To Tell Strong Stories
Tournaments also offer a strong ability to tell and weave different stories. Wrestling isn’t just about in-ring action, it’s about the story and characters as well.
There needs to be a defined protagonist and antagonist with a goal in every story. Babyface vs. babyface or heel vs. heel can work, but each character must have a goal other than, I have to win this match. What happens when you win? What are the consequences if you lose?
The WWE Universe was never given a reason to invest into the characters when it came to the World Cup tournament. Yes, there are heels and babyfaces, but there was never a motive given for why X or Y wanted to win the World Cup tournament. There was no arch or story that grabbed your attention. Everyone just felt like bodies who existed for the sole purpose of the Shane McMahon saga.
Imagine if WWE actually tried to push Shinsuke Nakamura; he could've been the cunning and sly heel throughout the tournament. If the company built Nakamura strong enough, the audience would’ve been invested in seeing Nakamura taken down by a babyface. His goal could've been to claim being No. #1 contender for the WWE championship by any means necessary and to get that spot, he had to win the tournament.
Andrade “Cien” Almas could've taken Rey Mysterio out due to the frustration of an opportunity being given to someone other than him. He could've inserted himself into the tournament and set up a Mysterio/Almas singles match at Survivor Series.
There were plenty of ways WWE could’ve used storytelling as a device to enhance feuds, start feuds, and put over characters, and even add dimension to a character – this would’ve been great for Finn Balor as the guy doesn't have much dimension at the moment. However, the tournament was simply treated to get stars such as Randy Orton and Kurt Angle on the card.
#3 The tournament never felt important
How does being labelled the best in the world advance a wrestler’s career? Shouldn’t AJ Styles or Brock Lesnar have that claim since they’re the company’s top champions at the moment? In fact, Styles, Nakamura, and Seth Rollins should’ve automatically been inserted into the tournament since the titles they hold should mean that they’re one of the best wrestlers in the world.
In the end, the tournament meant nothing. The winner won’t get a title shot. Or a guaranteed spot in the Royal Rumble. Shane McMahon received a tournament trophy and possibly a gift card to Ruby Tuesday’s.
Eliminating stakes took away the audience’s investment in the match. The WWE fans knew the matches meant nothing, so no one ultimately cared who won or lost.
Is there a reason Shane McMahon needs to be pushed? He is pushing 50 years old thus he should be in the position where he's helping elevate young talent. Does Smackdown really need another heel general manager, especially one who doesn't need to be the center focus of the roster at this stage of his career?
This whole world cup tournament is actually a great idea. As mentioned before, WWE could’ve put some NXT, 205 Live, and NXT UK wrestlers in this tournament to showcase the different styles or worlds (WWE’s world) in the company. They could've Incorporated some of the Evolve roster into the mix as well.
A 20-man tournament between the four brands spread across several weeks. Johnny Gargano could’ve faced Rey Mysterio in the first round or Seth Rollins could’ve gone one-on-one with NXT UK Champion Pete Dunne in the semi-finals. It's a shame because the company could’ve really had some fun with this tournament.
