After last night's controversial finish to the World Heavyweight title match, it seemed to me that WWE is trying to force the idea that Del Rio is still a big deal.
Last time we saw a finish like that, Cena was on the receiving end of it, and the biggest difference between Cena/Del Rio is definitely the kind of reaction they get from the fans.
Cena always gets a loud reaction, positive and negative.
Del Rio seems to be getting less of a reaction than Ricardo Rodriguez.
At the moment, WWE's biggest successes that appeal to the Spanish audience are still Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara. Del Rio doesn't get anywhere close to the same reaction as they do.
So, the question is: Was Del Rio a failed experiment?
WWE saw in Del Rio the perfect prototype luchador to keep the Spanish demographic tuning in while Rey Mysterio was getting through his struggles. They even see him as Mysterio's replacement, but it seems as if things are definitely not working out as planned.
I'm clueless towards Spanish viewers' reactions to Del Rio, so pardon my lack of research, but it feels as if overall his character has just fallen flat. Every rivalry he's pit into has reasoning that goes no further than "just because", he has yet to find the charisma to match his gimmick (meaning that his promos are too lackluster to fit his character's standards) and his biggest appeal now is just his over the top ring entrance.
Not enough people are paying to see Del Rio lose to warrant the push that he is still receiving. It's a push that Orton deservedly is given on a weekly basis due to the loud reactions he's always able to draw from the fans.
I believe that there will have to be a drastic change in Del Rio's character if WWE still wants him to be the face of the Spanish demographic. Whether it be a face turn, or a change in motivation since the majority is tired of it being destiny, WWE cannot successfully keep Del Rio in the main event picture with the character they have now.
If they choose not to do so, then Del Rio will have to be taken down a peg and be shifted to mid card status. If he doesn't like it, then the Alberto Del Rio experiment will officially be deemed a failure.
Last time we saw a finish like that, Cena was on the receiving end of it, and the biggest difference between Cena/Del Rio is definitely the kind of reaction they get from the fans.
Cena always gets a loud reaction, positive and negative.
Del Rio seems to be getting less of a reaction than Ricardo Rodriguez.
At the moment, WWE's biggest successes that appeal to the Spanish audience are still Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara. Del Rio doesn't get anywhere close to the same reaction as they do.
So, the question is: Was Del Rio a failed experiment?
WWE saw in Del Rio the perfect prototype luchador to keep the Spanish demographic tuning in while Rey Mysterio was getting through his struggles. They even see him as Mysterio's replacement, but it seems as if things are definitely not working out as planned.
I'm clueless towards Spanish viewers' reactions to Del Rio, so pardon my lack of research, but it feels as if overall his character has just fallen flat. Every rivalry he's pit into has reasoning that goes no further than "just because", he has yet to find the charisma to match his gimmick (meaning that his promos are too lackluster to fit his character's standards) and his biggest appeal now is just his over the top ring entrance.
Not enough people are paying to see Del Rio lose to warrant the push that he is still receiving. It's a push that Orton deservedly is given on a weekly basis due to the loud reactions he's always able to draw from the fans.
I believe that there will have to be a drastic change in Del Rio's character if WWE still wants him to be the face of the Spanish demographic. Whether it be a face turn, or a change in motivation since the majority is tired of it being destiny, WWE cannot successfully keep Del Rio in the main event picture with the character they have now.
If they choose not to do so, then Del Rio will have to be taken down a peg and be shifted to mid card status. If he doesn't like it, then the Alberto Del Rio experiment will officially be deemed a failure.