Okay, I think you all make good points and arguments, but I would like to argue, what I feel is an unfair characterization or generalization, of the people who are not fans of the way John Cena is used or booked. As a longtime wrestling fan, I have always liked WWE. I did consider myself a pretty loyal fan up until about 2 years ago, when I just didn't find the programming entertaining anymore. The issue I have is with what many are saying, which is more or less, a gross generalization of a segment of fans. A generalization that asserts claims such as that everyone who is upset about Cena or the way he is used, does not like him. Another is that everyone who boos him, only does it because of his squeaky clean image. Then there is the claim that everyone that doesn't like the current WWE format just wants to go back to the 'attitude era.'
Now, I wont dismiss the idea that some portions of the audience root against him for the reasons stated above. However, I don't believe that they are the majority of fans. I myself, as well as many I know, and I am certain millions feel the same don't represent those fans, but rather ones who feel the quality of the programming is not as good as it could be. I like John Cena. I have at times booed him, but throughout the years I have also cheered him on. I respect his hard work and dedication, and think he is very solid in both his wrestling ability and mic skills. Just because I and others, don't like the way he is used does not make us Anti-Cena. I don't know a single person who dosen't find him somewhat entertaining nor, anyone who would like to see him gone from the WWE entirely.
Now I know there are fans out there, who are in on the act, and just say 'Cena sucks' to be obnoxious, I don't feel that those are most fans, and in reality they are not booing him because of what he stands for, but because they have grown tired of either his character, or how often he is used, or placed in the top spot. I don't know how anyone could argue Cena's character does not need be updated or freshened up. Again, every character has changed their shades from time to time, he is the only one who hasn't. This notion of Cena is Cena, is not something fans are used to and that is why they respond so negatively. Wrestling has always been babyface or heel. Cena is not a tweener, he is clearly a babyface. Each of you have said screw the fans, you have to embrace it. That isn't how you treat a customer.
The one claim that is probably the most ridiculous is that fans who don't like Cena or the current format, only want to go back the attitude era. Now like I stated I have been a fan, who watched most of the last decade up until about 09. I was pretty satisfied with the product much of the decade and it seemed like most fans were. I don't think anyone considers 2002-2009, 'attitude era', so stop generalizing everything as PG or attitude. To me most fans don't dislike the PG era simply because there is less violence, sexuality or offensive language. Rather its a lack of depth and creativity to take risk and greater dimensions to a star's character. Stars right now, just appear so generic, and there is little to differentiate them. I'm not saying we need a bunch of gimmicks, but some of the best characters had depth to them, like Mankind or Goldust. Imagine if Dwayne Johnson, had come into the WWE today, with the barriers in place, would he ever been able to develop his character ? Would he have been able to win over such a huge fan base with a watered down, limited mic abilities.
If I am unfairly characterizing you then let me know, but to me, you guys are making this case that there is an invisible wall in place that keeps WWE from growing. You are making the assumption that everyone who likes wrestling is already watching and the the number of people who 'change the channel,' such as myself, is very miniscule. I think with that perspective we are looking at things the wrong way. Consider this, the NFL has a huge audience, other sports and forms of entertainment have a considerably larger fan base than WWE. What kind of business would put a limit on its own success ? You are saying WWE will never be that popular or mainstream again, but why is that so ? What is preventing that from happening ? People don't watch sports because they are real, they watch it because it is ENTERTAINING.
If people cared whether WWE was fake or not, they would have went of business a long time ago. The reason the WWE has its fans is because there are people who find the product entertaining. The reason more people don't watch, however, is because they don't make it appealing for them, or the current format doesn't provide them with an interesting product. Telling someone who is a loyal fan to deal with or change the channel, is what alienates fans. How is that a strategy to widen your fan base ? I know now is a time of economic hardship, but if people really wanted to see WWE they wouldn't have a big problem paying for it. If the Superbowl or NBA Finals was only on PPV, do you think that would keep people from watching ?
Try to take the financial aspect of it and look at it as a fan. We know why WWE's does what they do, it is because they are a business. You have understand though why many fans feel so dissatisfied with how the current programming is coming across. Maybe we aren't WWE's main source of income, but we are still one of its sources, one that has proven when it is really engaged with the product will generate just as much money as the kids or any other demographic.