Responsible Jorunalism

Before you start reading know one thing. The title of this post is meant to be sarcastic, very, very sarcastic.

Last week CNN aired a special documentary on professional wrestling, that has created quite a bit of controversy of late. The main focus of attention has been the heavy editing that took place during an interview with former WWE Champion, John Cena. Here are both editions in one video clip.




Quite the difference, eh?

There are a few major issues that need to be addressed here. First of all, and most obviously is journalistic integrity. I have ranted before about a new agency pushing their own agenda as opposed before, so I don't think that I have much more to add here. Needless to say, I find it absolutely despicable that any network that refers to itself as "The Most Trusted Name in News" would blatantly violate any trust that they have. It really makes me worry as to what other stories that they are doctoring, and it makes me worry even more just who believes them.

I really have to wonder just why they decided to attack Cena like this. He is one of the few "good guys" in professional wrestling, as he has never tested positive for steroids, despite his excellent physique, and he manages to stay out of trouble. There are so many "bag boys" in the WWE, that they really did not have to attack Cena. The current WWE Champion Randy Orton, has failed several drug tests, has reportedly trashed a hotel room in a less than sober rampage, and harassed many of the female wrestlers. Or any of the wrestlers involved in the Signature Pharmacy Scandal could have been much, much easier targets than Cena.

But the biggest thing about this, is that through all of this, the WWE appears more credible than CNN. The WWE was outraged at CNN for this and has demanded an apology, and even gathered some media support. I find it incredibly ironic that in this showdown, a company that stages combat, shows violence against women, and produces some ridiculous storylines, including have a woman in her seventies give birth to a hand, is more credible than "The Most Trusted Name in News".

The WWE has earned a great deal of the criticism it has gathered over the course of it's history, but for once it is able to legitimately be on the giving , as opposed to the receiving end of it all. And if a company that stages fights, arising from contrived storylines through imaginary characters is able to be more credible than a world news provider, it kind of makes you wonder just what it is that you're reading now doesn't it?

Until next time,

G