Post-WrestleMania, the only thing to talk about is the usual parade of cuts. This year, it’s all about Fandangoing. The annual tour of Europe means some WWE star(s) get(s) bombed and make(s) an ass out of themselves and this year is no different… Rosa Mendes, c’mon down! Something tells me there was more than just her but she got sent home.
WrestleMania had the highest gross ever and despite the tepid reviews of the show overall, this type of financial success is hard to argue. Next year in Louisiana, equaling or exceeding the cash receipts will be difficult, especially if we have no Rock.
Speaking of The Rock, is he or was he on performance-enhancing drugs during the making of “Pain & Gain”? Do fans care?
In the wake of everything that unfolded last week in Boston and West, Texas, real news serves another reminder that what we do in pro wrestling really doesn’t matter. It’s escapism.
But, I think it’s more important than ever to bring fans, young and old, quality entertainment. Fans know what we are. We have to be there for them when we need them.
Jon Jones in 2nd Rd TKO… that’s my pick.
ROH hosted a tryout camp last weekend and we saw nearly 40 athletes who busted their asses over two intense days of work. What I learned is that being larger than life is hard.
Jay Lethal, one of the guest trainers, made the great observation as we rode to the building for Day 2… the guys will do better today because it will be easier to express themselves. Yesterday, they were just getting to know one another… no crowd, it’s tough. Today will be better.
And it was.
I’d like Bill DeMott to come and watch one of our Tryout Camps. The trainers don’t make anyone do squats in hopes of making them puke. No mixed messages. I like Bill a lot but I disagree with his training philosophy. He puts the auditioning wrestler in positions of exhaustion to see how badly the wrestler wants it. I am sure there are other trainers who are much worse and know a whole lot less than Bill but the Zen-like atmosphere of the ROH tryout would be a good experience for Mr. DeMott.
The big theme of the camp, especially in promos, is connecting with the audience emotionally. I’ve written about this before but wrestling is sales. It’s all about asking for the business. Once the business has been asked for, shut up. You hit the close, now be quiet. Let them make the first move.
Stop making everything sound so “scripted”… do you speak so perfectly with the adrenaline flowing? One reason why post-match promos at ringside worked so well. Super believable!
So I have a lot going through my mind but it’s a great time for reflection. And appreciation. I am damn lucky to live in this country, work in this business and have the family and friends with which I have been blessed.
Thoughts? Reflections? Predictions? @RealKevinKelly
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
