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Did wrestling needlessly chase off a lot of good talent?


BigBadMick

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Kevin Nash likes to claim that the guaranteed contract is his legacy, but I'm not so sure about that, as Luger was the first guy to really negotiate his contract in a smart, all-encompassing way.

 

Marc Mero had a garanteed contract in the WWF before Nash even jumped. That's usual Nash bullshit. And really, Hulk Hogan anyon

 

Guys like Foley still give Mero grief for getting a guaranteed contract in 1996, but don't say anything about Pillman or Mark Henry getting them also.

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Guys like Foley still give Mero grief for getting a guaranteed contract in 1996, but don't say anything about Pillman or Mark Henry getting them also.

 

The way "the boys" in general have piled on Mero over the years is something I've always found disgusting and hypocritical.

 

Today, most of them are on drugs, broken down, or worse, while Mero is inspiring people all around the world with his motivational speaking.

 

It seems Mero got out with his health and self-respect intact.

 

I know which set of boots I'd rather be in.

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So going off on a tangent here, why is it that there are so many people involved in this "respect for the business" cult of pro wrestling? I love pro wrestling, but I can say that if I was a young guy with the right physique I'd definitely look at it as a business deal on my end. That's not to say I wouldn't work hard at it, because I think if I'm getting paid to do something I damn well better work at it. But that's besides the point. Is this mindset there because of the harsh training meant to weed out those who were only in it for the money? Is it something that comes from certain old timers? Did it come from the old "kayfabe" code or something?

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Well Mero was the one trotted out on every news show post-Benoit who wasn't carrying water for WWE so I'm sure that's seen as a betrayal.

 

I don't recall exactly what Mero said back then. Was it that bad? I'm suspecting he was out of the "bubble" by then and told the truth people didn't want to hear?

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I have the podcast downloaded in my "To listen" file but I haven't heard it yet.

 

Anyway, I also think we need to challenge the notion that if a guy only has a 2-3 year run, he is a failure. I don't think it is that unhealthy to have some flash in the pan superstars. Guys who burn bright and flame out.

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This thread has moved nicely into all the hypocrisies, contradictions and mixed messages sent to talent in wrestling. Great stuff.

 

I remember Kevin Kelly discussing what a mindfuck of doubletalk trainees and young wrestlers are subjected to in WWE. I think it was the last of his 6 month reviews of WWE with Justin and Scott. I'll check, it was fascinating listening.

 

Also, JR has gone off about wrestling being like joining the mafia - difficult to get in, but once there you're a lifer. I think a lot of old timers genuinely believe this.

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Mero did not escape with his health intact.

 

He looks pretty good to me now. Yeah, he had drug problems, injuries, etc. But he got out, made positive changes in his life, and is doing pretty well for himself from all accounts. Hard to call that anything other than a success story - especially by wrestling standards.

 

And since it's relevant to this topic, I'm curious if anyone listened to Bill DeMott on Talk is Jericho this week?

 

Here's a recap. Seems like more of the same old BS from DeMott and the usual softballs from Chris "Conversation Between Friends" Jericho.

 

http://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2015/6/12/8772305/bill-demott-defends-wwe-nxt-training-philosophy-chris-jericho-podcast

 

 

Anyway, I also think we need to challenge the notion that if a guy only has a 2-3 year run, he is a failure. I don't think it is that unhealthy to have some flash in the pan superstars. Guys who burn bright and flame out.

 

Agreed! Goldberg and Warrior's subsequent comebacks did nothing for them. Imagine if they'd had just their one big run. Even so, they're still perfect examples of this, and their superstar status remains more or less intact anyway.

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Here is a clip from an All Japan Women's "training" session. Torture is the correct word:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqVmDUZEIq8

 

Japan was always way worse about it compared to USA, since it is institutionalized and expected. Sumo training is even worse. I think every All Japan Womens trainee ran away at some point and the process of being slaves to older wrestlers doesn't sound very fun.

 

It happens because:

 

- It's allowed and expected

 

- It's some symbol of showing how tough you are to deal it out and to take it

 

- Wrestlers are extremely immature

 

- Wrestlers are trying to protect spots

 

- Wrestling don't want "outsiders" in

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Mero did not escape with his health intact.

He looks pretty good to me now. Yeah, he had drug problems, injuries, etc. But he got out, made positive changes in his life, and is doing pretty well for himself from all accounts. Hard to call that anything other than a success story - especially by wrestling standards.

He's had well documented heart problems from steroid and painkiller abuse. It was kind of his entire platform when making the talk show rounds. No clue how he's doing now but he was facing a very serious heart surgery as recently as last year.

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