Spider-Man Buries the MCU: Calls it a "Glorified WWE"
If you asked fans and critics what the common denominator between a multi-billion-dollar superhero franchise and professional wrestling would be, "nuanced storytelling" probably wouldn't top the list.
But according to Nicolas Cage, the line between the two is vanishingly thin.
Speaking at FAN EXPO Dallas 2026 on September 13, the legendary actor took a sharp, unfiltered jab at the current state of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, drawing a direct parallel to the squared circle.
While Cage praised the early days of the MCU as "terrific" and "marvelous", he didn't hold back when assessing where the franchise has drifted:
"It’s hard for me not to be reminded that the MCU is becoming a well-funded and glorified WWE."
The Problem with the "Royal Rumble" Booking
Cage didn't stop at the headline quote. He went on to joke about seeing "50-plus otherwise intelligent, remarkably gifted thespians" squeezed into spandex and body armor, simply marking time until the next massive brawl.
For anyone who watches weekly television output across promotions, the critique hits uncomfortably close to home.
When a universe prioritizes getting a massive roster out for a chaotic multi-man cameo "pop" over actual narrative build, it stops feeling like a story and starts feeling like an overbooked battle royal where everyone is just waiting to hit their signature spots.
Getting Back to the Story
The motivation behind Cage’s comments came into sharper focus when discussing his upcoming role in Spider-Noir.
He noted that the project appealed to him precisely because it steps away from the cosmic punch-fests and leans into a gritty, 1930s detective mystery.
His ultimate takeaway for modern blockbusters? A plea that echoes every fan who has ever sat through a pay-per-view bloated by filler:
Get back to telling the stories and not just cutting to the wrestling match."
