The landscape of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is under intense scrutiny from top wrestling journalists, and as of this mid-December 2025, the critical reports from Bleacher Report (BR) are dominating the conversation. The analysis coming from BR's top writers, including Graham GSM Matthews and Erik Beaston, offers a scathing look at the company’s creative direction under Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque, highlighting several major storylines that have allegedly fallen flat since WrestleMania 41.
The current date, December 15, 2025, marks a pivotal moment where the WWE is building toward the Royal Rumble and the Road to WrestleMania 42, yet the momentum is being questioned. Bleacher Report's recent columns provide a deep dive into the creative decisions that are either setting the company up for a historic 2026 or, conversely, threatening to derail the post-Vince McMahon era, particularly focusing on the handling of legends and the development of future stars.
Bleacher Report’s Critical Analysis: The Botched Storylines Under Triple H
Bleacher Report (BR) has long been a leading voice in professional wrestling analysis, offering critical, in-depth breakdowns of WWE’s product. In late 2025, the focus has shifted heavily to the perceived missteps in creative direction since the post-WrestleMania 41 period. Journalist Graham GSM Matthews has been particularly vocal, accusing Triple H of "botching several big storylines" that had immense potential to define the current generation.
The core of the criticism stems from a lack of satisfying payoffs, inconsistent character motivations, and a failure to capitalize on organic fan momentum. This has led to a divisive feeling among the WWE Universe as the company, now operating under TKO Group Holdings, approaches a critical new year.
1. The Botched John Cena 'Farewell Run'
One of the most significant and sensitive topics covered by Bleacher Report’s analysis is the handling of John Cena’s presumed final run. What should have been a triumphant, emotional farewell for one of the company's biggest-ever stars reportedly felt "botched" and confusing. The storyline suffered from a lack of clear direction, inconsistent booking, and a failure to deliver a truly monumental final match or moment that would cement his legacy. The speculation and subsequent dispute surrounding the rumor of Cena's final match main eventing a recent Saturday Night's Main Event further highlighted the chaotic nature of the booking, as reported by wrestling news outlets tracking the fast-moving story.
2. The Inconsistent Booking of the WWE Women’s Championship Scene
Bleacher Report’s coverage has consistently pointed out the stop-start nature of the women's division, specifically concerning the reigning WWE Women's Champion. While individual matches have been praised (with Erik Beaston often providing high grades in his PLE reviews, such as for SummerSlam 2025), the overarching narrative has been criticized for a lack of long-term planning. The criticism suggests that potential challengers are built up only to be quickly discarded, preventing any single feud from reaching the emotional heights necessary to main event a Premium Live Event. The failure to secure a defining rivalry for the champion post-WrestleMania 41 is a primary point of contention.
3. The Underwhelming Resolution of a Major Faction Breakup
A major faction that dominated the main event scene for much of the year was reportedly given an anticlimactic conclusion. Bleacher Report columns argued that the eventual split and subsequent feuds between the former members lacked the intensity and emotional gravitas that the original storyline deserved. The pay-off matches were described as rushed or poorly placed on the card, leading to a sense of missed opportunity for several top-tier talents who were poised to break out as solo stars.
4. The Main Roster Call-Up Stagnation
While Triple H’s tenure has been lauded for strengthening the NXT developmental territory, the transition of top NXT talent to the main roster has been cited as a major creative botch. BR critiques suggest that several promising stars, upon arriving on SmackDown or Raw, have been given generic gimmicks, inconsistent screen time, or placed in feuds that fail to showcase their unique appeal. This 'main roster call-up stagnation' is viewed as a systemic flaw that prevents the next generation from truly taking over.
5. The Loss of Momentum for a Key Mid-Card Title
The booking of one of the major mid-card championships has also drawn fire from Bleacher Report analysts. The title, which is meant to elevate rising stars, has reportedly been relegated to pre-show matches or filler segments on weekly television. The lack of compelling challengers and the quick turnover of champions has diminished the title's prestige, a significant creative misstep given its historical importance in building future main event talent.
The Future of WWE: NXT Stars Tipped by R-Truth and BR Predictions for 2026
Despite the creative criticism, Bleacher Report’s coverage remains optimistic about the future talent pipeline, particularly the stars emerging from NXT. This is a crucial area of focus for the company, and the commentary from veteran talent like R-Truth provides a positive counterpoint to the negative storyline reviews.
In a recent interview with Bleacher Report, R-Truth—a beloved figure and respected locker room presence—specifically named three talents he believes are poised to become the "new face" of the company. These predictions offer a glimpse into the potential main event scene for WrestleMania 42 and beyond.
- Trick Williams (NXT): Named by R-Truth as a future superstar, Williams' charisma, in-ring ability, and connection with the audience make him a prime candidate for a major main roster run. His success in NXT is seen as a direct result of Triple H’s developmental vision.
- Je'Von Evans (NXT): R-Truth also highlighted Evans, noting his athleticism and natural talent. Evans is viewed as a high-potential, long-term investment for the company's future, representing the depth of the NXT roster.
- Carmelo Hayes (SmackDown): Already on the main roster, Hayes was also mentioned by R-Truth, confirming the belief that he is one of the few recent call-ups who has managed to maintain his momentum and star power, even amidst the creative challenges.
WrestleMania 42 and the International Expansion
Looking ahead to 2026, Bleacher Report’s predictions focus heavily on major events that will test the company's creative resilience. The buildup to WrestleMania 42 is already a key talking point, with analysts forecasting potential main event matchups based on current storylines and the trajectory of stars like Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and the newly elevated talents.
Furthermore, the announcement of a WWE Premium Live Event (PLE) locked in for Italy in 2026 signifies the company’s continued global expansion. Bleacher Report views the success of these international events as a critical measure of the company's health, requiring strong, globally appealing storylines that transcend local markets. This focus on international growth, alongside the development of the next generation of talent, will be the true gauge of Triple H's long-term creative vision, even as he faces intense scrutiny over recent "botches."
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