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Post by Duck Holliday on Jan 26, 2014 5:16:12 GMT -5
So this could be a simple or complex question for you...
Does it matter to you if a wrestler cares about pro wrestling history?
Wrestling has such a long and rich history, as do basically all forms of theatrical art and sport, which is an attribute that, as a fan is fun and important to me. Some wrestlers are "student's of the craft/art/game" and others, whether good or bad, fall into it, because it's something they could do physically or they thought they could make some quick money. I'll never really hold it against a person for using wrestling as a fallback if they washed out of another sport and needed to do something to provide for their family, but I always get an extra layer of enjoyment when I know a given worker cares about the sport's past.
I'm sitting here, in my living room writing this and I'm trying to put into words why it matters to me, and I'm having a bit of a hard time.
I think its partially because if they care about history it shows that they probably put the business before themselves which make them more inclined to work harder and better and be willing to "do the right thing." (whatever that means) Maybe there is a little bit of living vicariously through them factor, because caring about the history holds a certain fan-vibe and if they're fans too it makes them easier to root for.
When Punk wears the Hart or Savage gear, I mark out a little cause it's a nod to two of my favorites of all time, which helps me relate and care more about him. It tells me that he cares bout the steps he's walking in.. or listening to interviews with Bryan talking about his influences--or recounting why certain guys got to the levels they did. Ambrose in an interview saying that he couldn't think of a time where wrestling wasn't the thing he wanted to do--or hunting down tapes at mom and pop video stores for everything he could see.
If a worker doesn't care it's certainly not a deal-breaker for me; I can still enjoy their work. Mostly I just find it to be a nice bonus when they do.
And maybe it doesn't matter to you one way or another, which is fine too. Maybe you only care about the immediate history and current programing.
So once again: Does it matter to you if a wrestler cares about pro wrestling history? Why or why not?
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Post by Escape The Rules on Jan 26, 2014 5:29:15 GMT -5
I'd say I'm in the same boat, if they're good at what they do and I'm a fan of theirs, then it's no big deal to me if they were a fan growing up or not etc. I'm sure there's plenty I've been a huge fan of that were never into wrestling growing up.
It's always cool to see wrestlers that grew up watching just like me that I can relate to such as a Zack Ryder or Curt Hawkins who are a few years older than me but were fans just like when I started watching right up until they became wrestlers.
But personally, it's not a big deal to me unless they absolutely suck & show no enthusiasm for what they do.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2014 5:33:32 GMT -5
I care to a certain extent, but not enough to really sway anything. It's nice to know that someone is a nerd about it like me (or us), but it won't really change anything.
There are cases of people who always wanted to do it being just as lazy (Randy Orton for a while there). Yes, while I think is somewhat important to know the history, it doesn't have much effect on the wrestler's stance on the business, that relies solely on the character of the person.
I mean, Nash and Hogan knew and cared about the history of wrestling, but as far as the business went, all they cared about were themselves. In fact, Hogan even stated that he's bigger than wrestling, meaning the business should work for him, not the other way around.
Honestly, what's more important to me is if the companies pay attention to the history. I mean, seriously, how many times do I need to see Flash Funk by a different wrestler? Also, do they really think we didn't know that Umaga was Jamal or Tensai is Albert?
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June
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Post by June on Jan 26, 2014 5:45:29 GMT -5
It's extremely important to marks that their guys are students of the sport, they also must not be fans of a big paycheck, look like an unkept normal person that has never happened upon a gym.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2014 5:49:22 GMT -5
Yes and no.........older wrestlers I'm more lenient on (Ultimate Warrior) since wrestling hadn't been as big back then but wrestlers today that aren't at least somewhat fans growing up I have a problem with that after Hulkamania, AE and Ruthless Aggression.....you better be aware of some wrestling history if you're getting into the business today.
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Post by BØRNS on Jan 26, 2014 5:50:14 GMT -5
For me, it's not important that they *know some history*. But what is important to me is that they are fans themselves and want to wrestle for the love of the business and not just for the fame and money.
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Post by Duck Holliday on Jan 26, 2014 6:09:27 GMT -5
It's extremely important to marks that their guys are students of the sport, they also must not be fans of a big paycheck, look like an unkept normal person that has never happened upon a gym. I suppose that would be the case for many marks. Is that how you feel? Or do you feel differently? |
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Post by Next Man’s Knowing Rock on Jan 26, 2014 7:48:13 GMT -5
Nope, it doesn't matter. Unless they apply their knowledge of wrestling history and it makes them a better entertainer. I don't give a damn if a wrestler can list every Royal Rumble winner or every SummerSlam main event -- I can do that, and it doesn't mean I should be main eventing WrestleMania.
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Post by CMPUNKISGOOD on Jan 26, 2014 8:09:33 GMT -5
I say yes because wrestlers before paved the way for them. For example when Punk does the elbow drop and wears gear such as Macho Man and Bret Hart it is paying respect to them.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2014 8:18:30 GMT -5
In a way yes. A wrestler who is a fan is more likely to put more into their performance.
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June
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Post by June on Jan 26, 2014 8:27:30 GMT -5
I say yes because wrestlers before paved the way for them. For example when Punk does the elbow drop and wears gear such as Macho Man and Bret Hart it is paying respect to them. I actually do not look at dropping a crappy looking elbow to be much of a tribute to anyone. I also find it appalling that he capitalizes on legends attire to get merch dollars. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2014 9:56:43 GMT -5
Yes.
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Post by Next Man’s Knowing Rock on Jan 26, 2014 9:57:37 GMT -5
The Punk "flailing elbow" comes off more disrespectful than respectful. Hasn't he ever watched a Macho Man tape?
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2014 9:59:04 GMT -5
Yes for sure! Especially the idiotic Diva search. I remember one time they had to react when Kamala came from behind the curtain. NONE of the vacid hobags knew who he was which just showed me they wanted to be on TV and get a paycheck. In fact one of them said "oooh...you are a big one"
Here I am a huge lover of wrestling and could contribute to the product better than anyone of them could ever do...yet they are better looking than I and that is the only reason they got there. Hell ANY of us on these boards could contribute better than them.
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June
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Post by June on Jan 26, 2014 9:59:31 GMT -5
The Punk "flailing elbow" comes off more disrespectful than respectful. Hasn't he ever watched a Macho Man tape? It's as if he is channeling Shane McMahon. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2014 10:26:31 GMT -5
If they are struggling and it makes them better......then by all means yes. If they are already GREAT all rounders and they couldn't give one chocolate flavoured f*ck about Wrestling History? Then that's cool beans by me too.
Take Seth Rollins for instance-I enjoy this guys work a LOT. Doesn't matter to me if when he gets up in the morning and works on his moveset that Lou Thesz is his inspiration for doing so.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2014 11:30:53 GMT -5
Not really. As long as they have a respect for it and the people that made it, doesn't much matter to me if they've never watched an AWA or WCCW tape.
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Post by TheHotshot on Jan 26, 2014 11:35:52 GMT -5
Definately. As someone mentioned above, when guys like CM Punk wears Macho Man's trunks or Bret Hart inspired trunks or someone like Zack Ryder wearing attire similar to that of Ultimate Warrior it makes me happy because it shows that the wrestler is dedicated to their job and they took the time to get attire made to match a particular superstar.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2014 12:59:30 GMT -5
I can't like someone who hasn't been a life long fan. Just can't.
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Post by CrossRhodes on Jan 26, 2014 13:19:55 GMT -5
For me to be the best at any job you have to know it inside out,
With wrestling you gotta know your history, I think most pros do, their most likely fans with the possible exception of Brock...
You gotta pay homage to the ppl who made it possible for you to stand in the middle of that ring.
As a fan I was never around for Bruno or Warrior but I have their figures because I know and respect their history.
That's how I as a fan pay respect.
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