I'll never forget Stone Cold Steve Austin's legendary feud with Bret the Hitman Hart culminating at Wrestlemania 13. This is the greatest Stone Cold match if not one of the greatest i've ever seen between two legends in the history of pro-wrestling because of it's sheer simplicity.
The feud began when Stone Cold began disrespecting Bret Hart and calling him out in interviews. Stone Cold was repulsed by Bret Hart's popularity and glamorous display. Stone Cold stood by the belief that the best wrestlers don't concern themselves with that. The best wrestlers go out there and beat everyone that comes in their path.
After a series of attacks among each other especially with the sharpshooter. When the time came for Wrestlemania 13, Stone Cold would finally get his shot to prove that he is the best. The climax of the match ended with Stone Cold being put in the sharpshooter but refuses to tap out. As the blood pours out of his open wound, Stone Cold amazingly fights through the pain and tries to get to the ropes. Even when he could no longer do it, he still refused to tap.
I loved this feud especially their Wrestlemania 13 as it was rooted in more than just talk. It was about athletic competition and actions. Stone Cold literally gave blood, sweat, and tears in what he believed in when opportunity knocked. The Stone Cold/Bret Hart feud gave fans many memorable moments that will never be erased from WWF history.
As i worryingly pondered about growing old as my youthfulness fades, i thought about pro-wrestling. From the crowds to the pro-wrestlers themselves and i noticed something very peculiar - they all love pro-wrestling regardless of their age. You would think that pro-wrestlers like Stone Cold whom after suffering a knee injury would settle down and quit pro-wrestling period but no. He's still going to WWE events and doing podcasts. Even the fans (some who are around 91 years old) still attend WWE shows. In fact, it seems he wants to wrestle in the ring despite doctor's orders. I've met someone in a nursing home who still regularly watches pro-wrestling.
As long as you do what you love, age doesn't matter at all. Beauty fades eventually but it's your passions that keep you youthful and alive.
I have never been into purely athletic wrestlers because they are generic and out of place in an environment where it is about gimmicks. The pro-wrestling world surrounds entertainment not sport. While sports are certainly the means to gain entertainment, it's not legitimate. There's no appeal to pro-wrestlers who treat it as an athletic sport and dress like any other athlete. There are some exceptions like CM Punk but only because they have character which is what i look for. I love wrestling characters such as Stone Cold, the Rock, the Undertaker, Kane, Mick Foley, Raven, Sabu, Jeff Hardy, the list goes on. They have their own style of dress, mannerisms, beliefs, attitudes, goals, and personalities. They are more of entertainers who are very successful in comparison to those who are simply there for athleticism. Wrestling characters are memorable because they are known by fans for their entertainment value and style of wrestling. Athletes on the other hand would do well in the Olympics rather than a pro-wrestling ring.
In the pro-wrestling world, faces and heels are the ideal part of a storyline feud. Faces and heels are what spark conflict between pro-wrestlers. You can have some of the best feuds involving faces and heels but sometimes they don't always work. Why not? Because believable characters are essential to every aspect of pro-wrestling storylines. I will explain what i mean in further detail.
I think many fans can agree that pro-wrestlers such as Stone Cold, Jeff Hardy, Sting, and so forth didn't make it as heels. Why? Because they were pushed as faces to the point where they lost the impact to anger fans as heels. They had no motivation for turning heel. Why would Jeff Hardy work so hard for the fans only to turn on them? He had potential but it was very difficult to make the fans hate him because he had built such a solid loving relationship with them.
It also makes no sense for a face to turn heel or vice versa if there is no motivation, tragedy, or any justification to do so. Believable characters are what matters most. Being consistent with a character's attitudes, beliefs, weaknesses, strengths, actions, words, and so forth is the key to making a successful heel or face turn. It's putting yourself in the position of the character and asking "what would said character do in this situation?" Eddie Guerrero and Mick Foley were some of the few pro-wrestlers who were able to make successful face or heel turns consistent with their characters. Randy Orton was arguably one of the best heels in the WWE because he was consistent with his character from the start. If a pro-wrestler cannot create a balance between good and evil enough to make a successful heel or face turn, he or she shouldn't risk it.
Faces or heels - it makes no difference. What fans should be looking for is believable characters who are able to develop or suffer tragic falls.
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.
Since i was a kid, i knew Stone Cold Steve Austin was one of my all-time favorite pro-wrestlers the moment i watched him.
What makes him a legend that is so loved by millions? Because he redefined an era in the WWF/WWE. Back then, pro-wrestlers dressed professionally and athletically. Pro-wrestlers were about sportsmanship. Stone Cold broke from traditional ideals of what a pro-wrestler ought to be and led a rebellion. He dressed casual, used foul language, disrespected other pro-wrestlers, attacked his boss and anyone else if they got in his way.
Following the character of "The Ringmaster" came a Stone Cold Steve Austin is the Robin Hood of the WWF/WWE only that he is an almost indestructible anti-hero. Unlike other faces, Stone Cold doesn't portray the qualities of a charismatic face which is original. Stone Cold is a flat out anti-hero. He's arrogant, selfish, cruel, outrageous, funny, mean-spirited, tough, and so forth. He cares about no one but himself although he likes to entertain his fans. Stone Cold is his own authority and it's his pride that makes him a solid character. Overall, Stone Cold is a believable character with his strengths and weaknesses.
Stone Cold has made some of the most memorable promos in WWF/WWE history. For example, after defeating Jake the Snake Roberts in a King of the Ring match, Stone Cold Steve Austin had this to say:
"The first thing i want to be done is to get that piece of crap outta my ring! Don't just get him outta the ring, get him out of the WWF because i proved son you ain't got what it takes anymore! You sit there and you thump your Bible and you say your prayers and it didn't get you anywhere! Talk about your Psalms, talk about John 3:16. Austin 3:16 says i just whipped your a**!"
This was the debut of the "Austin 3:16" phrase and the beginning of a new era. Stone Cold centered a solid fanbase with slogans such as "Hell yeah!" and "What?" or "that's the bottom line cuz Stone Cold said so!" He gave a mix hilarious promos, fierce ones, but sometimes he said nothing at all. His eyes and face said it all. This is what made his promos so revolutionary and his rather apathetic attitude towards what happens to his opponents. This is another example:
"Sportsmanship? What a load of crap! Don't preach your morality to me..Steve Austin doesn't have any compassion...You want mercy? Take your a** to church.."
One of the things that separates Stone Cold from many others is that he builds a strong relationship with his fans. He shouts "oh Hell Yeah!" or asks them questions such as "If you want to see Stone Cold Steve Austin unleash hell, gimme a hell yeah!" He lets fans toss beers to him. Other superstars do not know how to get fans riled up well.
Ringwise, Stone Cold has some of the most devastating moves including his finisher - the Stone Cold Stunner. As far as in-ring psychology and story-telling, Stone Cold does it like no tomorrow. He comes straight at his opponent wasting no time. He was a total expert in using the Thesz press and other moves.
He's had some of the best feuds/rivalries leading to the greatest matches with Bret Hart, the Undertaker, the Rock, Triple H, Vince McMahon, and more.
One of his best matches was with Bret Hart at Wrestlemania 13. Their rivalry began when Stone Cold won the 1996 King of the Ring tournament and taunted Bret Hart. Stone Cold insulted him leading Hart to accept. The two faced each other at Survivor Series 1996 with Hart beating him. The match continued with them participating in the Royal Rumble 1997 match. He eliminated Stone Cold but it didn't count as they were distracted with Mankind and Terry Funk. Stone Cold then began challenging Bret Hart's status as a legend as he kept whining. Stone Cold kept proclaiming himself to be the best and living by his words. An angry Bret Hart after being attacked challenged Stone Cold to a submission match at Wrestlemania 13. The match could only be won through submission. It was hard to watch Bret Hart apply the Sharpshooter on Stone Cold through the ring post and how Stone Cold gave everything to win. Stone Cold was busted open and Bret Hart finally applies the sharpshooter on Stone Cold. Just when you'd think Stone Cold would submit, he fights the pain and almost breaks the hold unlike any other pro-wrestler. He passes out but never submitted. Bret Hart may have won the match due to referee decision but Stone Cold kept his pride to the end.
Another outstanding feat was during the Harts feud when Owen Hart tombstoned Austin and Stone Cold broke his neck but still won the match. Stone Cold should've been carried out on a stretcher but chose to walk out like a champion.
What i love about Stone Cold is that he's not afraid of anyone including the Undertaker. He makes no excuses for why he can't compete against the best. Both had some of the most epic clashes over the WWF title with Stone Cold winning some matches.
Throughout his career, we see his character develop. We see some of his fears but nevertheless he uses those fears as a motivation to overcome them. For these reasons, Stone Cold has popularized the WWF/WWE during the Attitude era so much that WCW went out of business. Stone Cold will be forever remembered as a pro-wrestling legend that represented what pro-wrestling is about - entertainment.
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.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that Pro-Wrestling is "fake" on the same level as fictional films. Pro-Wrestling is indeed very real. How real is it? We will analyze the many theatrical performances of pro-wrestling.
It is commonly thought that Pro-wrestlers follow a carefully written script for everything (matches, promos, and other extreme stunts). The winner of a match is pre-determined. While that might be true, it's not always the case. Take a look at this example of a script involving a match.
Did you notice something? The winner is chosen but there are no specific and pre-determined directions as to HOW that victory is to be achieved. There's simply no time for every wrestler on the roster to get it perfect during practice. They only have around a week before the match starts. What's their last resort? Improvising. If only it was that easy for people to simply follow everything written down on paper and get paid. It doesn't work that way. How are they going to win the match while the crowd watches? WWE says "Figure it out!" Referees and other wrestlers might whisper directions, but they are no substitute for skill. Pro-Wrestlers must have an advanced understanding of the dynamics of signatures moves, the paces of matches, and creativity in performance. It is by this understanding that they can be amazing entertainers loved by millions. Those who know nothing of Pro-Wrestling will be walking out of the company's doors.
Even if wrestlers are creative, it still means that the violence is fake right? Nope. While the goal is to keep each wrestler safe when executing moves, real injuries occur. Pro-Wrestling doesn't have the luxury of the same safety procedures as Hollywood does. Your performing live in front of millions, not behind the scenes of a film set.You can't use stuntmen while everyone's watching. This is where talent comes in. Pro-Wrestlers must execute every signature move almost perfectly. If they don't, an injury to a vital area can be fatal.
Here's a few examples of real life injuries that happened in the history of Pro-Wrestling: Undertaker vs. Mankind:
One of my favorite matches. It shocked WWE after Undertaker threw Mankind off hell in a cell. According to news reports via Wiki, the Undertaker had a broken foot. Mankind suffered the following injuries:
* A dislocated shoulder
* A concussion
* A dislocated jaw
* A hole in his bottom lip
* Loss of Consciousness Hulk Hogan chokes Richard Belzer:
Richard Belzer, a stand-up comedian, was mocking wrestler and calling it fake. Richard Belzer taunted Hulk Hogan into performing a real wrestling move. Hulk Hogan put him in a front-face lock, blocking his windpipe as his arms went limp. Hulk Hogan let him go as the back of Belzer's head hit the stage hard, causing it to bleed. Owen Hart breaks Stone Cold's neck:
As Stone Cold faced Owen Hart, he got his neck broken during a finishing move. He suffered temporary paralysis and Owen Hart had to stop the match.
Wrestling moves:
Punches and kicks do hurt no matter how they are delivered. The moves done in Pro-Wrestling require athleticism and power. They are choreographed but dangerous. That's why many of them are banned from pro-wrestling. There's a good reason why you should never try this at home.
The ankle lock - These are used in combat sports like MMA and submission wrestling. When applied with excessive force, these can tear muscle, tendons, and break bone.
Tombstone Piledriver - This is dangerous because of the compression from the neck to the head. This can cause paralysis as the body weight and force is transferred to the head on impact.
You must remember that the ring-mat is covered with a wooden plank. Though wrestlers are slammed on it, there's not much protection to ensure a soft landing.
Props:
While the use of weapons is limited, the injuries caused are still dangerous.
Chairs - Regardless of what anyone says, chair shots do hurt
Ladders - These can tear a wrestler's face wide open.
Ringbell - Using the back of it can split a wrestler's head open.
Thumbtacks - These are painful as they puncture the skin and must be removed afterwards.
Barbed wire - Real barbed wire is used with a fake one. When it's time for a wrestler to be cut, real barbed wire is used.
Bleeding:
Some claim that fake blood is used, but this isn't necessarily true. Pro-Wrestlers actually do bleed sometimes from impact of blows or from "blading." This is where a pro-wrestler takes a blade out and quickly makes an incision on their forehead. Chair-shots, punches, kicks, and other weapons further open the wound and causing more blood.
In conclusion, many features of pro-wrestling are not fake. This is a misconception that is unfortunately causing a degradation of the pro-wrestling business (as i will explain later). Educate your friends and family of the real dangers of Pro-Wrestling.
There are several people who claim that pro-wrestling is sexist and racist. They'll point out many examples such as WWE bra and panties matches, Machoism among male wrestlers, among other things. They will appeal to your sense of morality and argue that these are grounds to stop watching pro-wrestling all together.
However the media won't give you the full picture. They will claim that women are there for eye candy but ignore divas like Lita, a very dominant pro-wrestler among other women. They will claim that it's racist against blacks then use Mark Henry as an example although he stated it's not the company's fault. They will also ignore the many other things that also apply to men as much as women.
What is the main purpose of pro-wrestling? Entertainment. Ultimately, pro-wrestlers aren't there to be friends. They're not there to be role-models. They're not there to promote any morals. They're main goal is to entertain people in order to get paid. I don't watch pro-wrestlers to see how manly they are when they hurt others. I don't even watch pro-wrestling to see people get hurt. I watch pro-wrestling for the entertainment. It's the choreography and the art itself that i'm interested in.
With that in mind, everything that pro-wrestlers do regardless of gender or race is strictly to entertain the audience. Just as women are almost nude, so are the men. The reason being is that the less spandex you wear, the more mobile you become. It was not intended to degrade either gender.
While it's in my opinion that some WWE events like lap dances are irrelevant, they're not sexist. To judge them as slut-shaming is assuming that women are not sexual beings. What if a lesbian is turned on by the sight of woman in a bikini? What if a straight woman appreciates a Diva's curves? What if the Divas are comfortable expressing their sexuality? It is these kinds of questions rendering sexist arguments mute. They're not there just to please men, but also many other people. As for "manly" behavior, it's not restricted to one gender. Many women in the audience are fond of it while still keeping their femininity.
Some advocate for there being more women and races represented in the business. They argue there's so few blacks, Mexicans, or women in the business. This might strike you as concerning, but it's only because the media suggests that something is wrong. Being raised in a Hispanic family, i was never concerned about my race on T.V and neither were the audience. Many people of all races and ages loved Stone Cold, the Undertaker, Rey Mysterio, Jeff Hardy, Bobby Lashley, Kane, the Rock, etc. because of their talent, not the color of their skin. If you were to ask me: "Do you think WWE needs more pro-wrestlers of your race?" My answer is "No." I'm satisfied with my favorite Hispanic superstars: Rey Mysterio and the Mexicools. When i saw their entrances, i did not see racism. On the contrary, they made me feel proud of my Mexican heritage. However when it comes to pro-wrestling, race is out of the picture. I look at quality over quantity.
Let's face it - The word "sexist" and "racist" have been thrown around too much. These terms are dead until we bring them to life by giving them meaning. No matter what race or gender you put on T.V, the outcome is the same - People will protest. There will always be people trying to take down the business by using race and sex as a means to do so. In the world of pro-wrestling, we ought to look at the pro-wrestler's character above all. The problem is not WWE, the problem is you and your perceptions. When you stop trying to implant ideas into entertainment in the name of education and politics then it stops being enjoyable. Embrace pro-wrestling for what it was meant to be - Entertainment.
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