Battling for Respect

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Listen to the My 1-2-3 Cents Podcast here

WWE announced that it's moving the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal to the kickoff position for Wrestlemania 31.  Before the creation of the Network, I would have been more bothered by this decision.  But now since so many people will be watching Wrestlemania on Channel 999, I'm not as irked.

I am curious, because WWE makes the distinction, does it affect the entrants' payday?  I know that's an issue that CM Punk had brought up after the Network was first announced.  I also can't help but to wonder does that move affect the "streaks" of those within the company.  WWE mentioned the other day that Kane, Randy Orton and John Cena are all in second place for the most consecutive appearances on Wrestlemania.  Kane should have more, but he worked a pre-show (or kick off) on Sunday Night Heat before Wrestlemania 19.

Cesaro last year
Photo courtesy: WWE

I'm not trying to be nit picky either, but I still feel like the battle royal is still an afterthought.  I like that they're honoring Andre the Giant, but I think for me to truly embrace this event it needs to have a more meaningful purpose.  Besides a larger than life trophy, what is the winner going to gain from winning this battle royal?  A title shot seems too passe between the Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank.  Plus, as  I mentioned before I think it's fair to say the majority of the participants have been MIA on Raw and SmackDown for the most part.  Until his recent success with the tag team championships, last year's winner Cesaro floundered throughout 2014. (He's also a part of the kick off show this year)

Hideo wins!
Courtesy: WWE

Since I don't have any better solutions at this point, I will not further criticize the battle royal.  I am glad that one NXT star is getting a shot at the event.  Congratulations to Hideo Itami.  I am truly curious to see who will win and what the victor's reward will be over the next 12 months.