Wrestling fans ain’t happy unless they’re complaining.
Oh, don’t take that as a knock, my fellow nerds. I’m the same way.
But following SmackDown, I saw a segment of fans online complaining about how WWE did Carmelo Hayes dirty by having him lose in his hometown of Boston to United States Champion Baron Corbin — another in WWE’s long history of jobbing out the local hero.
As deflating as
that may be, someone, please, show me where in the wrestling rulebook of booking it states that a babyface must win in their hometown.
Go ahead, look for it. I’ll wait.
Contrary to popular belief, losing at home isn’t some burial. It happens all the time in real sports. The Red Sox, also from Boston, have a sub-.500 record at home this year. Why, they’ve even been blown out a few times.
At least Hayes put up a fight against the much larger Corbin. Sure, he jumped the champ before the bell, but it’s not like fan favorites always fight fair.
Just ask Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz.
Currently, the Sox are in third place in the AL East. How their season will end remains to be seen. Ultimately, though, they’ll be fine. They’re the Red Sox. They’re always factored into MLB’s long-term booking plans.
Melo? That also remains to be seen.
Still, a loss at home in a competitive championship match to a resurgent star like Baron Corbin isn’t a bad thing. It certainly beats the alternative: sitting in catering, off TV, and not performing at home.
But maybe I’m wrong.
Help me out, Cagesiders. What am I missing?
