Between Reality and Fiction for Shane and Triple H

Mick Foley's post-Raw interview with Shane McMahon was noteworthy primarily for Shane's reaction when Triple H was brought up.  Twitter user @traskbryant caught the exchange and summed it up quite well:
The obvious conclusion is that Shane is playing an angle.  Triple H vs. Shane for control of the company is a natural escalation of Shane's recent on-camera role.

Kudos to WWE for playing up the Triple H vs. Shane angle.  The best drawing modern pro wrestling angles require a mix of fact and fiction.  Most fans are in on the work, so suspense -- which is essential for spiking business -- must come from areas outside of the WWE storyline 'world'.

Recent examples of WWE business spikes exemplify the use of fact and fiction to draw.  CM Punk's post-pipe bomb promo match with John Cena and Ryback's title challenge in the midst of his winning streak are two prime examples from the last several years.  Punk really did have an expiring contract (resolved before the match, but played up well enough in storyline) and Ryback really did have a winning streak that 'shouldn't' have ended.  The key with Ryback is that the 'shouldn't' was according to traditional booking philosophy, and many fans recognized that.

A Shane vs. Triple H main event program is hardly what this blog yearns for, but at some point practicality must be considered.  The practical truth is that modern pro wrestling angles need to accommodate 'smart' fans.  'Smart' fans follow the behind-the-scenes machinations of the business, and there aren't too many behind-the-scenes conflicts more titillating that a Game of Thrones-style contest to become WWE's ruler when Vince moves on.

And if you're sick of McMahons and Levesques occupying WWE main event spots?  There's always TNA on Tuesday nights.


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