What Have You Done For Me Lately?
March 6, 2003
I am always interested in hearing views contrary to mine, in fact I welcome them. It helps me see other perspectives, and helps me grow as a person. That is when the opinion is based on some factual basis, or knowledge on the topic at hand.
However, a pet peeve of mine is when people make strong comments, with absolute certainty. However, the reality of the situation is that they have little, no, or simply a total misunderstanding of the topic that they feel they truly know.
One such case is when I was reading a website, and encountered a question regarding professional wrestlers in general, and insulting undercard workers in specific. The person said, what has XYZ, drawn dollar wise for the company.
On the surface one might nod their head, jump on the bandwagon, and agree. And rest assured there is some validity to that comment. However, I am here to say that is not exactly the end all, and be all statistic of one in sports entertainment. And following is why I personally feel that way.
If given the ball, and a chance to run with it, many wrestlers would be able to draw more, and realize more of their potential, than often allowed to otherwise. That is not a knock on them not fulfilling their own potential mind you. Rather that can often be attributed directly to the nature of the politics of the business. Not to mention, there is room for only so many people on the top of the food chain.
Thus, I propose the question of, how much money did some earn the company be modified, to the following. How much did they person in question, whether financial, visible to the public eye, or not, did this person add to the company.
Reality is this. Undercard workers are the backbone of the roster. It is they who allow those on the top of the card to shine. They are the unsung heroes, who help teach and elevate talent to new heights that might just not have been possible otherwise. And it is in turn those rising stars, who make the headlines, who gain the lion's share of the glory.
Anyone remember the story of Megaman Magee? Once upon a time, he was thought to be the heir apparent to Hulk Hogan. Why? Cause a certain undercard worker at the time, named Bret Hart, was able to guide him, and carry him, to a solid match. However, as time went on, it became painfully obvious that Magee would be nowhere near able to fill those boots.
My point being, sometimes, though not always obvious to the untrained eye, it is the undercard, underutilized, talent that allows to the stars the ability to shine brightest. And as witnessed by Bret, if given a chance to shine on their own, as he was years later, they too can truly be allowed to showcase their many talents.
So to write off, or overlook this, to me, is a total disservice to so many, who have given so much, to something they so clearly love.
I say this not to be a jerk, but to play devil's advocate. And it is my hope, that maybe the next time you watch pro wrestling, you can do so in a different light than before.
Bottom line, you can't have a skyscraper, without a solid foundation there to support it.
Peace.
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