Something we often talk about in the wrestling community is that there aren’t any big stars in wrestling anymore. I think this sentiment comes out of a combination of things, including looking at the top wrestlers of our childhoods with rose-colored glasses and the news ways in which we define success today. Wrestling is getting some of the best mainstream attention it’s gotten since the Rock and Wrestling Connection of the 19802 with talent doing movies, walking red carpets, doing all kinds of media appearances, and even hosting shows.
Inside the ring, we’ve somewhat gone away from larger than life personalities in favor of those that are more relatable to the audience. However in that quest to be relatable, there are a lot of wrestlers who have forgone having a real character at all, instead choosing to just constantly remind us that they are a good wrestler.
Okay and like, what else?
Just saying that you’re a good wrestler (or hiding behind good wrestling abilities) does not work as a character. If you’re just good at wrestling, what is the reason that people should get invested in you as opposed to one of your other coworkers? Surely most of the people on the roster should be at least decent in the ring?
This “I’m a good wrestler” bit is also oftentimes immediately overshadowed if their feud partner has more charisma, charm, or character development. There have been several wrestlers whose in-ring abilities were lackluster but got over on the mic or through their character portrayal. These things are icing on the proverbial cake that is wrestling. Many times, the “I’m a good wrestler” character is juxtaposed with a more outlandish character in a way that’s supposed to make the simpler one seem like it’s better. But let’s be honest, it just comes off as a self-righteous excuse to not have any sauce.
As a disclaimer, I do have to mention that the simpler good wrestling ability character does work in certain audiences. In Japan and more indie environments, being a good wrestler can be enough to get you over with fans. Unfortunately that doesn’t always translate to big name promotions with a more mixed fan base. A wrestler’s body of work can hyped up to infinity but if they don’t have as much of a cause or a character, they might flounder when faced with larger, more diverse audiences.
Be a good wrestler. If you’re trying to be a professional wrestler, you should always strive to be good and safe. But don’t expect that shtick to be your be-all end-all character. It doesn’t work. Fans want to be entertained and just being a good wrestler is not always entertaining.
