Man, you guys are unbelievable... Of course WWE is going to focus more on Sports-Entertainment and less on wrestling, because that's what the majority of people want to see. And what people want to see gets WWE ratings, which gets them better advertisers and more money from advertisers, which gets them better contracts and allows them to build a better reputation in the entertainment industry. If they didn't do this, then they would be out of business or they would be passed by TNA by the end of the decade. They need to do whatever they can do stay on top, and that means focusing more on entertainment - hence the upstart of WWE Films... if you guys don't realize that, then you should stop watching WWE. But it's OK, considering you're a minority.
I don't think WWE's intent was to alienate a segment of their fans, but you have to understand it's necessary for a guy like Cena to be on top. The majority actually likes him, and he does have wrestling skills, contrary to popular belief on this forum, he just wrestles an 80s type brawler style. I think you guys are forgetting Hogan never showed any semblance of wrestling skills in his North American matches, and all Austin did was punch and kick for a period in the late ninetees but those guys were insanely popular.
Cena's actually shown some semblance of skills and improvement since he came to WWE... adding a move or two to his repertoire every once in a while, being able to tell a better story in the ring and bringing a lot of energy to his matches.
But just because he can't mat wrestle better than Benoit doesn't mean he doesn't deserve to beat him. Quite simply, Cena's a bigger star right now. Benoit doesn't have as much left in his tank and he can't draw nearly as well as Cena. It's that simple.
Everyone who thinks it's a travesty that Cena made Benoit tap is obviously a traditionalist who's afraid of change... but the truth is this is an evolving industry, and with the future threats that are knocking on WWE's door, they need to dispel some of those traditions and focus on the future.
Blunty put, do you honestly think a casual fan wants to watch Chris Benoit wrestle? Do you even think they know who he is (regardless of how he's being pushed)? Putting him on top is not the way to go, it's not even the best thing for benoit. Another world title run would probably be worse for his career... as no one would care.
Cena is the future of the WWE, it's clear as day. He's overcome so much adversity, and he's still doing it. It's uncanny that he's been able to stick around with all those malicious chants he used to have against him. But the truth is that a majority likes him... so he's on top and he's there to stay.