1) merge the brands.
i'd even be willing to make this my only listed item, as i think this change alone would immediately fix a lot of what hurts the shows. keeping the two separate was a good idea when there was too many overpowering stars. but with injuries and career changes and quittings and firings etc, keeping the brands separate no longer makes sense. the pro/con balance is way on the con side now, and the two dillute rosters have stagnated shows, storylines, and performances. mix'em up -- even play out a "raw versus smackdown" storyline, where they constantly invade.
2) factions
four horsemen, nwo, evolution... hell, even the spirit squad. love them or hate them, they're memorable. factions have been around forever and tend to be great storyline movers. they create a gang or mob-like force, and help otherwise unpopular characters get-over in an easier light. faction wars are fun, factions-vs-uber faces can be fun, even the inevitable faction split up is fun. its a quick and easy way to create a compelling storyline.
3) women's division
women can't wrestle. anyone who has once accidentally shown some sorta ability in the ring is the exception that proves the rule. the "women's belt" matches are often referred to as the "concession stand" matches for good reason. even at mania, you can see people filing out. at the same time, everyone loves the hot little minxes! start utlizing them better by pairing up wrestlers with the chicks as managers or escorts or storyline girlfriends, and make sure the ladies still get out there and take their faux-tops off. occasionally delve into a mixed match, if you want. but otherwise, keep'em out.
4) uber heel
i honestly can't remember a heel, outside of triple h, that was not sneaky or cowardly about his actions -- one that didn't cower as the good guy approached. monster guys, like kane or heel batista, have come close -- but they're more so the 3rd or 4th ranked guy, that the champ beats on the way to a ppv. i think strategically positioning a uber heel (orton and edge are probably the best current bet. booker?) on top or towards the top would help establish the belt more.
5) figure out cena
he's the most popular character on the program. half love him (generous), half hate him (likely more). for the life of me, i can't figure out why. i mean, ok, maybe he's not the coolest or the most technical or the most experienced... whatever. i can understand a level of hatred. but for him to get booed to the extent he gets booed, i just don't get it. there are, every night, a dozen or so worse guys than him, many with their own big pushes. at the very least, you never hear abotu him complaining or abusing his power, he's the constant face for touring and advertising for wwe, and he's bringing in enormous money for them. like it or not, he's more than likely the future. but, its clear, right now, something has to give.
i don't think that instantly means he has to become a heel. i think there are any number of avenue's they could take to alter his character to take advantage of the reaction. now, they keep pushing him out there as if he was receiving 100% cheers. why not make his character the "i don't give a fuck" persona? almost to the extent of being an anti-mahon (who receives about the same split, from the opposite fan demographics). doing so would not only make his reaction be justified, but it would give better control over it, and how to sway it in one direction or the other.
