Adding some consequence to the WWE

The WWE is missing something. They have matches, but many times it's hard to get invested in them. What difference does it make if Superstars and Divas win? The storylines don't seem to reflect any sort of rhyme or reason that would elevate stars that win over stars that lose. In short, what matches are missing right now are consequences.

 I'm not talking about Consequence Creed here. The talented and talkative gentleman to the right is a lot better off without that particular gimmick. Right, @XavierWoodsPHD ? Actually, New Day is an example of the benefits that come with winning. Why do they get so much mic time?  We know that it's because they're entertaining, and hilarious, and because WWE has 3 hours to fill on RAW. But for the storyline, it's easy to understand why New Day gets to talk - they're the champs. But for someone like Bray Wyatt? He's a monster that often comes up short in big spots. The League of Nations? They seem to lose at least as much as they win. Rusev had a great winning streak going, but now he's just another guy who wins some and loses some. And honestly, if he wins, what does he get?

WWE often sets up the #1 contender slots in some sort of 3-way, 4-way, ladder battle royal extravaganza. So Dolph Ziggler can lose for a month, sell for 90% of a fatal four-way, and walk away as the #1 contender for a belt. you're much better off coming to the ring and talking, and promoting your hashtag. That's how the Social Outcasts get screen time every week, even though they're clearly not booked as a threat to any of the top stars. And it keeps them around whenever it's time for the WWE to generate a #1 contender.

Kevin Owens actually uses this lack of consequence right now. He's fine walking away from a match with a loss, Why not? It's not like it's going to hurt his spot in the non-existent standings. The Miz won last week, and it was shocking. But the losses hadn't hurt his screen time. And now, that one win seems to have put him in position for a Wrestlemania match.

Jim Ross understands - matches have to have stakes. If you're telling a story, give me a reason to care who comes out victorious.50/50 booking hurts. And putting Superstars into big matches they haven't "earned" just waters down the stakes of that big match.  Further, when Superstars go for a long period of time without earning a clean win, it feels like they're not a threat when they DO get thrown into a big match.

Here's the example that prompted this post. Watching NXT, I got to enjoy an awesome match between NXT champion Finn Balor and former champ Adrian Neville. Or just Neville. Now, Neville has been up on the main roster, in and out of contention for the US Title, and feuding with Stardust because Stardust sees him as a comic book hero. So, he should definitely be superior to any NXT talent. I mean, the main roster is supposed to be where the talent is, right? Or is the WWE saying the top NXT talent is as good as title contenders on RAW? Balor got the win, which earned him.... respect, I guess.

But it could've MEANT something. What if Balor's win EARNED him a spot on the main roster? Theoretically, a main roster spot would mean more money. Suddenly, Neville is fighting to keep his paycheck, and avoid getting sent back to NXT. And Balor is suddenly a talent riding high, and a new threat to the established folks on RAW. Or a new target for the heels to beat up on, padding their record with wins against the rookie.

Up the stakes even more - give any NXT wrestler who wins 5 straight matches the right to challenge for the spot of any WWE star who has lost 3 in a row. Suddenly, matchup #74 between Ryback and the Big Show means something, because it could mean one of them risks being challenged and demoted if they lose. And tag match #10 between Enzo and Cass and Dash and Dawson could cap a streak that earns them the right to challenge Ascension for their spot on the main roster.

As a bonus, if the writers care, they can use NXT talent to make the main roster talent look better. Every face on NXT should be eager to take on a perceived wimp like the Miz. But after he beats 3 or 4 challenges with his savvy and experience, they'll have a new level of respect for him - and that'll help him look like a threat on the main roster.

Make matches matter, WWE. In the long run, it helps everyone.