What defines a wrestling superstar?
In my earliest days as a wrestling fan, I idolized Sting and Hulk Hogan. There's no denying that these are two larger than life personalities with larger than life bodies. Does an impressive physique equal superstar potential? Not necessarily, but don't tell Vince McMahon that.
I've always thought that anyone with the right talent and/or charisma, pushed properly, can be a huge star. Look at Dusty Rhodes, Mick Foley or even Rey Mysterio. Note that I said the right talent and/or charisma. This doesn't mean every fat dude or luchador can be a superstar.
This brings me back to my original point. Now, the WWE is saying they don't want their superstars on any illegal substances, yet they still want their talent to look like bodybuilders. Plus, new talent has to pass a drug test to get signed. That's tough. Who are they going to sign? Isn't this the same company that depushed a returning Chris Masters after suspending him for being on steroids?
I can't understand wanting their wrestlers to look like athletes. Elijah Burke looks like an athlete.
I'm confused why they won't let the talent get over based on their own merits. Look at the two biggest stars of the past ten years: Steve Austin and The Rock. These two guys got over almost on accident. Why not let some natural progressions happen? The only talent I've seen them let get over on their own is CM Punk. They've changed Cena so much since they've made him a top guy. Why not let some of these guys bring their own personality to the table and see what happens?
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
A Mixed Message
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2 comments:
Shelton Benjamin and Elijah Burke have more than adequate looks for being a big athletic guy.
I understand that WWE wants their superstars to be larger than life, but not if it's killing them.
I do think Dusty and Foley portray the wrong image to a lot of guys. While I don't ever want to lessen their contributions, they have inspired a lot of fat guys and guys willing to take insane bumps into thinking that they can be superstars. Mysterio inspired a lot of flippy dudes that never learned the meaning of psychology.
Since WWE is writing the interview scripts, their characters have lost a lot of personality. Everyone is sorta cut from the same mold.
Interesting article...
While I do agree that not every average person should be a wrestler, the same applies that not every muscle head or really tall guy should be either, yet the WWE loves to hire and push them.
It's like they are saying "Look like you are on steroids but don't take steroids".
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