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British Wrestlers Vs American Wrestlers |
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Tuesday, 17 January 2006 |
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I was asked to write another column about some of the differences in the British talent and the American talent. I have sat here and racked my brain, trying to come up with ways to relate this, when I realized that there are 3 distinct groups of wrestlers just in the states. While in Britain, there was only one type I was ever around. Sadly, when I was there last, I saw signs of another group creeping in. And in the past 4-5 years, I'm afraid they've multiplied in number. Here in America, the 3 groups are fairly simple. There are different levels in each group. But each and every wrestler I've ever met here falls into one of the following. The largest group... and the saddest. Those that have no clue about the wrestling business. The past, the present or the future. All they know is that they can do a 360 and a moonsault. They know their friend will put them on the odd show. And that night, they get to dress up and play wrestler. No matter how out of shape they may be. Or how thin and anorexic they look. Doesn't matter that they don't own one piece of proper gear. Training?? Don't be ridiculous. They can do a moonsault and a 360. Payday??????? They know they're worth nothing, so that's what they ask for. This talent is also content with what they are and where they are. Sooo, they end up dragging the business down to fit their definition, knowing full well this is as good as it will ever be in their world. The next largest group. These are the fellows that grasp the concept, but haven't caught that break that takes them to WWELand. Mixed in with the older guys that have already been that direction, and won't be back. This group knows what it takes. And they do what it takes every night they wrestle. Some nights, it's on shows filled with talent like I've just described. Some nights in on truly professional shows. Most nights, it's on shows mixed with all kinds of talent. This group is capable of being booked by real promoters. This group still takes pride in what they do. It's just a sad fact that they sometimes have to swallow pride in order to pay the bills. These guys know what's what, where and how. They just aren't getting that big exposure and constant check. Then the smallest group. The talent in the WWE(and to an extent TNA). These men and women live for the wrestling business. They eat according to the wrestling business. They train for the wrestling business. They sleep according to their training schedules. Wrestling is an obsession with them. These aren't always the best. Just watch, you'll see what I mean. But, they live the life Vince expects from them. The huge money is gone for most, but they still make that decent check every 2 weeks. And get to see themselves on TV. The majority have no concept of the wrestling business itself. Vince keeps it that way. But they've made it to the top. In Britian, I saw one type of wrestler. A wrestler. Men and women that understand the concept of what we do. Talent that knows what they do is their profession. Talent that's proud of what they do. And proud of themselves. But for the most part, the British talent understands it is all about asses in the seats and money in the pocket. They didn't have some of the petty arguments I've seen on the indy scene here in the states. I have watched men bitch about doing a favor in their hometown. Or in front of someone. In Britian, it was always business. And THAT is what it's all about. Business. Once business is taken care of, life becomes enjoyable. Another concept lost forever on this side. A concept guys like Drew, Robbie, Doug, and a few others embrace. I mentioned earlier that I saw signs of the larger US group beginning to catch hold in Britian. That's sad. I hope that the real talent has kept a tighter rein on that situation than here. If so, you fans in Britian will always have it so much better than the fans here. Your wrestling talent understands.
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