While pro-wrestling is scripted, you can still glean from it self defense tips unlike highly choreographed and exaggerated fight scenes that you see in many films or UFC fights. Bear in mind that it's the ideas pro-wrestling tries to convey that are useful in a real fight not the actual moves themselves. Of course performing a tombstone pile-driver won't ensure you win every fight so you should not attempt to use any wrestling moves in a fight. Assuming good ring psychology is in place, you can learn alot just by watching pro-wrestling.
* It's not always about size and strength - After watching many pro-wrestling matches with wrestlers of all shapes and sizes wrestle each other, i've noticed that they all managed to work well with each other despite their differences. There's even an instructional video on how small wrestlers can wrestle larger ones. Quickness and agility also serve as equalizers against a very large and powerful opponent.
* Capitalize on your opponents mistakes - When you or your opponent makes a mistake whether it's missing an attack or not committing to an attack, it can cost him or her. You can notice this in pro-wrestling when a wrestler moves out of the way after his or her opponent jumped off the top ropes or when they perform a counter-attack at a critical moment. Capitalizing on an opponent's mistakes can help you in winning a street fight.
* Learn from your surroundings - I've noticed especially from watching hardcore matches that pro-wrestlers are very aware of the environment around them and take advantage of it. They pull out all sorts of weapons and utilize them in devastating ways. By learning from your surroundings, you will be better equipped to survive in a situation requiring self defense.
* Learn to adapt - Pro-wrestlers especially in barbed wire matches or inferno matches adapt to the changing situations as the match progresses. Pro-wrestlers will often use their balance and speed to avoid getting thrown into a flaming table. The ability to adapt to each situation is an essential skill in self defense because if you can't, your opponent will have the upper hand.
* Immobilize your opponent - Sometimes you have to wear out an opponent's arm or leg if he or she is too powerful to defeat single-handily. A great example of this is seen in when Kurt Angle faced the Undertaker at No Way Out 2006. Kurt Angle realized that the Undertaker was superior in terms of striking and strength so he resorted to strategically wear out his legs to render his moves useless. This weakened the Undertaker significantly to where Kurt Angle could wrestle against him more easily.
* Psychology - There is also a psychological aspect in pro-wrestling that is often overlooked in self defense. Confidence, emotions, and perceptions all play an important role in whether you win or lose. This can be seen in staredowns or when a pro-wrestler cowers when he or she realizes his or her opponent is seemingly unstoppable.
In conclusion, the pro-wrestling business isn't just for pure entertainment. It can teach us many important skills that can be applied in daily life even in self defense.
While this may never be possible now that the Undertaker has retired, these are some of my biggest fantasy matches in which if i were a booker - i would plan them immediately. It's unfortunate that WWE could not plan these official matches. I thought some of the Undertaker's matches were unnecessary like a second Kane match or a second Triple H. If the Undertaker still had his undefeated streak, this is how i would've written his legendary match cards.
The Undertaker vs. Kurt Angle - If i were a storyline writer, i'd have Kurt Angle taunt the Undertaker, flaunt his win at No Way Out, put him through the ankle lock again, then finally take his Athleticism to the next level - end the Undertaker's undefeated streak. Both are very competitive fighters as Kurt Angle has experience in legit amateur wrestling while the Undertaker is experienced in MMA. Both have devastating submission holds but which one would dominate the ring - the Ankle Lock or Hell's Gate?
The Undertaker vs. John Cena - Both have legendary careers. John Cena has had more titles than the Undertaker and equally devastating moves. John Cena has enormous strength and great story-telling abilities. He's been in several main events like the Undertaker has. They only wrestled a couple of times ending usually in a no-contest. I would've written an ambitious rivalry between the two for a shot for a WWE title at Wrestlemania. Perhaps making an "I quit" match would be more suitable.
The Undertaker vs. Stone Cold - This would've made a huge main event during the Attitude Era since Stone Cold and Vince McMahon were feuding at the time. If Vince unfairly booked Stone Cold to face the Undertaker in a streak vs. career match, it would've gained so much potential. Both are brutal in their approaches to wrestling in the ring. Stone Cold is a brutal legendary brawler when it comes to a detested opponent. He would be the ideal candidate for the Undertaker seeing how their championship matches went.
The Undertaker vs. Goldberg - From the matches i've seen from Goldberg, he's a devastating wrestler in the ring. His finisher is ridiculously painful from the looks of it. Goldberg is a dominant athlete and an aggressor. Goldberg is very strategic in his approach like the Undertaker.
The Undertaker vs. Sting - Rather than feud with the Authority, i'd have Sting feud with the Undertaker for a match at Wrestlemania. To make things more interesting, i'd book it at Hell in a Cell match. Both are similar in stature, signature moves, submission holds, appearance, and legacies. After all, both men probably wanted to have a match together before Wrestlemania 32.
I'll reiterate, t's a shame that these matches never occurred for whatever reason. Nevertheless it's nice to dream about what could've been differently.
What makes a pro-wrestler a legend? Many fans use the term "legends" all too often to describe their favorite pro-wrestlers but there's not many who meet beyond the standards of a wrestling legend. Modern pro-wrestlers like Roman Reigns unfortunately don't equate to the legends of the past.
Pro-wrestling legends are unlike any another pro-wrestler in the known world of pro-wrestling. They are absolutely amazing. Pro-wrestling legends have these must-have traits:
* Passion and character - Pro-wrestling legends have unbelievable passion for the pro-wrestling business and it shows. They have highly built athletic bodies, wrestling styles, charisma, drive, the list goes on. Most of all, they have believable characters. Creating an unforgettable character begins by unleashing the deepest sides of yourself in the ring. Legends also make the promotion they work for their home. They give their best in everything that they do both in the ring and locker room.
* Solid promos - Outstanding promos consist of a beginning (a strong hook), a middle (build up to an event), and end (concluding remarks). Highly successful pro-wrestlers cut memorable promos. They don't just scream "i'm gonna win!" They all have their own emotional appeal, gimmicks, characters, catch phrases, and so forth. Take Raven for example, he almost always shares a deep philosophical insight on life during his promos. He starts by stating an interesting thought then sometimes goes into comparing his opponent to himself before listing the qualities that make him superior. Promos are delivered effectively with intensity and assertiveness. They're never rushed, but perfectly put together.
* Creative in-ring performance - Just because pro-wrestling is scripted, doesn't mean there's no creativity or athleticism involved. Pro-wrestling legends blend the two together, creating unforgettable matches. Kurt Angle is very athletic in the ring executing intense signature amateur wrestling moves at a fast pace. Why do you think pro-wrestlers like Sting and the Undertaker are entertaining? Because they have various types of moves: Power moves, high flying moves, submission holds, etc. However they don't just wrestle, but entertain the audience by doing something unique to their character and building anticipation in the crowd. For instance, John Cena likes to do his "you can't see me!" hand gesture before executing a finisher. Most of all, pro-wrestling legends sell (make pro-wrestling look realistic) like no tomorrow. One example is when the Undertaker limped on one leg after Kurt Angle put it in an ankle lock.
* Storytelling - You can have outstanding signature moves, but you will bore people if you do not tell stories. Storytelling is when a pro-wrestler builds drama during a match. How do you tell a story? Using your body. The Undertaker, arguably one of the greatest storytellers in pro-wrestling, is the finest example of how story-telling is done. He sometimes begins by having a staredown with someone he's been feuding with like his brother Kane. He then begins by fiercely attacking a pro-wrestler he's been feuding with more than the average opponent. When he gets locked into a chokehold, he sells and leaves you asking "how is he going to get out of that hold?" He also builds anticipation and plot twists by sitting up after a devastating finisher. Great stories happen when there is something at stake such as the Undertaker's streak at Wrestlemania. Just watch the Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania 25. What made the match so great? Storytelling. It was the way Shawn Michaels put everything in his being to defeat the Undertaker and how the Undertaker gave everything to defend his streak.
* Strong fanbases - Stone Cold, Jeff Hardy, Hulk Hogan, and Sting are all examples of pro-wrestlers who built a strong interaction with their fans. Building a strong relationship with fans starts by creating slogans, hand gestures, catch phrases, or naming fans. For example, Jeff Hardy often refers to his fans as "creatures" and vouches for them in the face of adversity. Gimmicks can also inspire people to dress up as their favorite pro-wrestler, giving him or her further exposure. Legends (heel or face) almost always make their fans apart of the action.
* Revolutionary accomplishments - Every pro-wrestler has contributed in some way or form to the success of a particular set of moves or company. Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold, the Undertaker, and others have popularized the WWF/WWE with their entertainment reaching beyond the ring. They've dominated the entire promotion and that's what led them to revolutionize pro-wrestling. Only legends can leave long lasting impact on the pro-wrestling business.
If pro-wrestlers today would be inspired by all-time wrestling legends and learn what made them so successful, pro-wrestling talents would be more than athletes. Pro-wrestling legends go far beyond the norm and that's why they'll forever be engraved in the hall of fame.
Although the Undertaker is one of the most dominant and legendary pro-wrestlers in the WWF/WWE history, he has met his match against formidable opponents. Here are some of his best feuds in my opinion.
The Undertaker and Mankind:
As the Undertaker rose to popularity, Mankind viciously attacked him during his Casket match with Goldust. At King of the Ring 1996, Mankind beat the Undertaker and later cost him a match against Goldust. The reason? Mankind wanted to dominate the Undertaker. At Summerslam, Paul Bearer turned on the Undertaker and sided with Mankind. This led to a Buried Alive Match which Mankind won. However the Undertaker rose again, refusing to stay dead. At Survivor series, Mankind tired burning the Undertaker alive. Ultimately, the Undertaker faced Mankind at Hell in a Cell (voted as one of the most memorable matches in WWF history.) This feud was one of the best as it showed not everyone feared the Undertaker. Mankind was unaffected by the Undertaker's mind games and brutality because he himself was brutal as well as deranged. In addition, it gave Mankind a push.
The Undertake and Kane:
As children, The Undertaker burned his house and killed his family by accident. Little did he know that his brother Kane survived though completely traumatized and locked in a mental institution. Kane vowed revenge by ruining his brother's career. Kane attacked the Undertaker and surprisingly, Paul Bearer betrayed the Undertaker yet again to side with Kane. The Undertaker swore he would never fight his own flesh and blood. Kane repeatedly kept pushing his brother to a brink's end by costing his match with Shawn Michaels and others. For the first and maybe the last time, we see the Undertaker's emotional weaknesses. Paul Bearer made the Undertaker feel guilty for creating the Big Red Machine, Kane. For a while, it would seem as if the Undertaker succumbs to guilt and despair until he sees that he didn't create Kane. Kane buried him alive but the Undertaker supernaturally rises up again. He confesses that some promises must be broken before his parent's grave. He swears that if he is guilty, his punishment would be hellfire. After that, the Undertaker becomes refined and more powerful than before. No longer haunted by the past, he promises fury and vengeance to be struck down on Kane as both wage a supernatural battle of mind games. The feud between the Undertaker and Kane ended at Wrestlemania 14..until it was reopened in later years.
What made this feud so great aside from classic matches was that the brothers of destruction will never be fully reconciled. The Undertaker and Kane may partner up to face their adversaries but they could utterly destroy each other at any given moment. They are two of the most dominant wrestlers in the WWF/WWE but in their minds, there is only room for one.
The Undertaker and the Great Khali:
The Undertaker's match was interrupted by the first arrival of the Great Khali who demolished the Undertaker, leaving him gasping for air. The Undertaker retaliated by facing the Great Khali at Judgement day with no success in winning. It ended with the two facing at "Last Man Standing." The feud was great because it was one of the rare times when someone bigger than the Undertaker ran a terrifying reign over Smackdown and put up a challenge for him.
The Undertaker and Kurt Angle:
Though a short feud, the Undertaker (Deadman) and Kurt Angle put an intense couple of matches. It began when Kurt Angle successfully defended the title against Mark Henry at a Royal Rumble before the Undertaker returned. Since then, the Undertaker played mind games on him before they ultimately faced each other at "No Way Out." What made this feud so great? Both are very competitive and professional athletes with epic careers. Kurt Angle is an Olympic Gold Medalist and an amateur wrestler before transitioning to pro-wrestling. The Undertaker is an MMA fighter with an undefeated streak at Wrestlemania. The two clashed like no other athlete in the WWF/WWE.
The Undertaner and Batista:
This intense feud began when Batista betrayed his partner the Undertaker in a tag team match. After the Undertaker beat Shawn Michaels at a Royal Rumble to win a chance to win the World Heavyweight Championship. The Undertaker looked at Batista, John Cena, and Bobby Lashley but ultimately picked Batista out of a personal vendetta. The two engaged in a series of dangerous and epic matches most notably at Backlash, Hell in a Cell, TLC, and Wrestlemania.
These unforgettable feuds will forever be a testament to the Undertaker's grand legacy. They also helped give each of these wrestlers a push in their careers as well. Each of these epic clashes demonstrated just how powerful the Undertaker really is in the face of adversity.
When the Great Khali entered Smackdown in 2006, i was scared. His height and intimidating yet mysterious presence was known as he devastated the Undertaker. His roar was monstrous and his eyes inhuman. His physical appearance and size were jaw-dropping. I've seen him completely pulverize wrestlers in the ring almost to death. It is even reported that he accidentally killed a pro-wrestling doing a flapjack slam. There was a period when the Great Khali was unstoppable against WWE's best: Kurt Angle, Batista, Rey Mysterio, and others. He was at the top of the food chain, being the most dominant out there. When the Great Khali stepped in WWE, all hell broke loose. During that time, the Great Khali ruled in tyranny and everyone secretly knew it. He didn't need a title, all he needed was fear.
Many people believe that a large buff guy is a brainless moron with no fighting techniques at all. While this might be true, they're still fearsome. The Great Khali was born a giant. His enormous size is never to be underestimated. In the old tale of David and Goliath, David in his humility and quickness defeats the giant Goliath. However in the WWE, no one trains to be a David. Many wrestlers train to be a giant and when faced with a bigger giant, they aren't prepared. They lack the superior strength and speed. I've seen smaller wrestlers who are smart and more agile than the Great Khali but end up losing regardless. This is because they're stuck with such a fragile and small body that can do little damage to the monstrous size of the Great Khali.
Take for example his vice grip submission. How do you think Batista would break out of that hold? Hitting him? Trying to pull his arms away? Getting to the ropes? How do you fight a man who's 7 feet tall and weighs 347 pounds being a body builder Batista's size? Once Khali gets a hold, you'll be passing out in minutes and have a limited amount of time before you go to sleep. Once you get in this hold, i see very little counters.
People don't call him "the Great Khali" for nothing. He doesn't need speed or agility because his legs are in themselves dangerous. Often, Khali would kick a pro-wrestler in the face and the moment his foot made contact, the ropes on the ring almost break from the explosive impact of the pro-wrestler's back hitting the floor. It gets worse when he executes the Punjabi plunge. He lifts his opponents up with both hands then slams them as you hear the loudness of the impact. The slams are so devastating that Khali's opponents do not recover from them after one or two times. It's as if they fell from a tall building as they crash into the concrete.
Another one of his fatal moves is the Khali chop. This move is so violent and powerful, it can knock out an opponent if landed to the head. It looks downright painful when delivered straight to the chest.
Of course if your fast enough, you can escape some attacks like Rey Mysterio did. However what's a kick or a punch going to do? He's too tall and too strong to be ground so easily. Had this been a real life situation, you might have a better chance at fighting him. Unfortunately, pro-wrestlers options are limited to sport rules. He can take so many blows from someone like Triple H and even if Khali is knocked off balance, there's no guarantee he will stay there very long. You can only take a few and once you do, your finished.
Because of these moves and the creative ingenious of the old writers of WWE, they've made a monstrous wrestler that is powerful - maybe too powerful. In his earliest time on Smackdown, he's been demolishing our childhood heroes along with our hopes. The crowd must've been struck with fear as he steps over a fallen opponent for a pin. He was on a rampage and i can imagine the writers despite their creative ingenious talent, regretting ever making the monster.
WWE probably struggled to find a middle ground where Khali would not be too powerful or too weak with no success. As WWE fell into the more PG-rated setting, they slowly changed the Great Khali into a soft, family friendly, entertainer. He was reduced to no more than a punching bag for WWE legends such as John Cena. When the WWE gave him this role, the Great Khali stopped being great.
I cannot blame them nonetheless. I feel that the Great Khali might have been too powerful of a heel to keep within any roster. It would take too much work to equalize him with the other pro-wrestlers. Even if this were to happen, it would strip him away of who the Great Khali is. While many people use the word "great" too often, the Great Khali is probably the only person who lives up to his fearsome and ferocious name.
While pro-wrestling is scripted, you can still glean from it self defense tips unlike highly choreographed and exaggerated fight scenes that you see in many films or UFC fights. Bear in mind that it's the ideas pro-wrestling tries to convey that are useful in a real fight not the actual moves themselves. Of course performing a tombstone pile-driver won't ensure you win every fight so you should not attempt to use any wrestling moves in a fight. Assuming good ring psychology is in place, you can learn alot just by watching pro-wrestling.
* Immobilize your opponent - Sometimes you have to wear out an opponent's arm or leg if he or she is too powerful to defeat single-handily. A great example of this is seen in when Kurt Angle faced the Undertaker at No Way Out 2006. Kurt Angle realized that the Undertaker was superior in terms of striking and strength so he resorted to strategically wear out his legs to render his moves useless. This weakened the Undertaker significantly to where Kurt Angle could wrestle against him more easily.
Posts
