Greetings Mr. Apter:
I often read fans and wrestling critics comment on the lack of pushes being received by "younger" wrestlers and that "older" wrestlers should be pushed aside for these new, younger stars. I don't necessarily believe in that thought process and I decided to take a look at the WWE roster for all three brands. The following stats are based on the full male wrestling rosters:
Total Wrestlers on Roster: 58
Median Age: 29
Average Age: 33
Wrestlers Under 30: 19
Wrestlers Over 40: 9
The three wrestlers who seem to be cited most often as those who should step aside are;Triple H, John Cena and Randy Orton. Their ages are: 39, 32 and 29 respectively. While an "age" argument might be made for HHH, certainly that argument can't yet be made regarding Cena and Orton. I would also argue that HHH remains one of the better in-ring performers on the roster and to cite age as a factor is a specious argument in his case as well.
I suppose what I am asking is which "younger" performers should receive the push that wrestling fans and critics desire? Of the wrestlers the same age or younger than Orton, only a few would qualify as deserving a push currently and frankly, some are being pushed now or have at least begun seeing a push; Bourne, DiBiase, Swagger, Kingston, Miz, Ziggler and Morrison are or have been given the spotlight. Of those remaining wrestlers who are younger than Cena; Jeff Hardy, Brian Kendrick, CM Punk and even Santino Marella have been given opportunities to shine.
Where I differ with fans on the youth push, is that my feeling is some of the older wrestlers who haven't been given serious pushes need to before they get too old to pull it off. I would include: Shelton Benjamin, Christian, MVP, R-Truth and Mark Henry. Certainly some of these men have had opportunities in the past, but if the WWE wants to make the most of their talents, they'd better move sooner rather than later.
Finally, to the 40 and above old-timers; Batista, Kane, Regal, Golddust, Michaels, Undertaker, Finlay and Duggan. These are all men that add a certain factor to the roster and most can still put on a good show when called upon. i admit that I'm a sucker for last runs and hope that most of these guys are given a chance to have one last strong run.
The bottom line is that wrestlers generally reach their peaks in their late 20's and early 30's. There are some exceptions; Orton and Brock Lesnar come to mind. The push that so many fans cry out for with younger performers were provided to these two men. And they made the most of it. My point is that I find it ironic that people who are asking for younger wrestlers to be pushed have forgotten that one of the men they want pushed aside was that same young wrestler only 4-5 years ago.
E. Patrick Croak
