John Cena's Brilliant Monday Night Raw Promo and Thoughts on Sean O'Haire's Death

Before we get to the usual analysis of this week's Monday Night Raw, let's take a few moments to acknowledge the death of former WCW and WWE wrestler Sean O'Haire, who passed away at the age of 46.

TMZ reports O'Haire, real name Sean Christopher Haire, was found dead Tuesday at his home in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Local police said O'Haire committed suicide by hanging, as his father found his son in his bedroom beside his bed with a red rope tied around his neck. The rope was connected to the bedpost.

O'Haire debuted in WCW in 2000. He and Chuck Palumbo were the final WCW Tag Team Champions before WWE bought its rival organization. They would bring the titles to WWE as part of the Invasion storyline. He then became Rowdy Roddy Piper's protégé, but Piper departed in 2003 and O'Haire's time with the company ended in 2004. He worked in New Japan Pro Wrestling and on the independent circuit until he retired in 2006. He dabbled in kickboxing and MMA before he became a hair stylist.

Sadly, O'Haire joins the far too lengthy list of wrestlers who went before their time. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to his family, friends and anyone grieving his loss.

Now, onto this week's in-ring action. Monday Night Raw continued to build to Night of Champions next Sunday, and this episode was solid. Maybe I'm just comparing it to the two weeks of drivel that came before it, but I was surprised by some of the negative reaction on the Internet.

Regardless, the highlight of the show for me was the Jerry Springer segment with Nikki Bella and Brie Bella. Just kidding, that was the disaster we all expected. Although, Springer's referring to their brother as "JJ Bella" was just hilarious.

No, the real highlight was the war of words between Paul Heyman and John Cena. It's difficult to understate just how valuable Heyman is to this company. Brock Lesnar, the WWE World Heavyweight Champion, has been absent for nearly a month, but Heyman has almost single-handedly kept the fires burning with brilliant promos that captivate the fans. A satirical article on Kayfabe News recently said WWE planned to have Heyman speak in the ring for three uninterrupted hours of Raw, and I'm actually inclined to think that's a great idea.

But this week, Cena and Heyman got in the ring together and had a philosophical debate in front of the world. It started out in typical Cena fashion. Never Give Up. Hustle, Loyalty, Respect. The usual. But just when it seemed like that was it, Heyman laughed in his face and told him his biggest problem was that he can't help but be John Cena. He was the mouthpiece of Internet fans and older wrestling fans who just want to see something different from the man who has been on top of the WWE for a decade.

What followed was easily one of the best promos of Cena's career. He delivered an impassioned speech that explained in detail why those of us online who are begging for a Cena heel turn are missing the point. Sure, Cena would be great as a heel. Sure, it would freshen up his character. And sure, we'd all cheer him ironically.

But guess what? He doesn't want to do it because there is no "John Cena the man" and "John Cena the character." They are one in the same. John Cena is a hero to children. John Cena inspires combat-wounded soldiers. John Cena derives his joy from spending a day with a dying child. Who in the hell are we to try to take all that away from him because we think he's stale or because we don't like a fictional story?

The takeaway from both of these stories is simple. Wrestling is just entertainment. There are far more important things in life than what happens between the ropes.

What are your memories of Sean O'Haire? What did you think of this week's WWE action? Let us know in the comments section.