WWE: The curious case of Antonio Cesaro
It’s beyond obvious to state that as far as Antonio Cesaro’s wrestling skills are concerned, the sky is the limit. He’s one of the many indy wrestlers to make his way into WWE in recent times, and it is expected from him to showcase his talent.
But Cesaro is nowhere near the level of CM Punk or Daniel Bryan in the hierarchy. Neither is he close to the likes of Dean Ambrose or Seth Rolins and nor was he a part of Wrestlemania. What is it then that’s keeping the WWE management or Vince McMahon from giving him a decent push?
Cesaro came to the WWE following the news that they had called up a few performers from FCW (now NXT). Cesaro made his debut on Smackdown as the man who attracted Aksana, eventually leading to her break up with Teddy Long.
Long went on to mend his achy heart and Cesaro started his ascent. He constantly won matches that showed that WWE did see something in him, way back then. He went on to win the US Title, and after a long time, it looked like someone entertaining was the champ.
The reign saw him executing impressive European uppercuts and great counters to other superstars’ moves. This even saw him neutralizing the Great Khali. He does not look like a monster or even too bulky, but he sure has got some power.
But soon the downward spiral began and Cesaro lost the title to Kofi Kingston in what was the beginning of his descent. He hasn’t won any championship since and began yodeling for a while. While he lost to pretty average superstars, he looked good in defeat.
Cesaro had a great match with Bryan. And now is somewhere in middle ground with ‘We the People’, Zeb Colter and Jack Swagger as the ‘real Americans’. Reports that stated Vince McMahon’s perception of Cesaro as a boring wrestler might as well be authentic, as WWE hasn’t done much to prove otherwise.
Cesaro might have lost to Santino this week, but the memorable moment of the match will always be the giant swing he landed. I lost count at the number of rounds Santino was accounted to; it was riveting and enthralling and a spectacle that could only be associated with the WWE.
Cesaro has most of the package: a catchy entrance song, some neat moves and great ring presence. The WWE definitely needs a reassessment. It’s been said time and again but Kassius Ohno should finally make the roster cut and reprise the ‘Kings of Wrestling’- WWE style.
But if the WWE does not like the idea then they should definitely have Colter and Cesaro be a heel alliance, where the latter actually fights for individual gold.
Cesaro doesn’t breathe as heavy as the powerful Ryback while executing some powerful moves, nor does he make a serious promo look lame like Alberto del Rio with his accent, yet he is relegated to the lower ranks.
Bryan did not have a great time either when he joined the company in 2010, but nobody can ignore him today. Only time will tell how Cesaro’s career shapes up but there are fans waiting with bated breath for him to punch his fists in the air and become a champion again.