WWE Recruiting "Real Athletes"

[Guest ShooterJay]

Jim Ross mentioned, while commenting on the development cuts, that they hope to recruit more amateur wrestlers based on the success of Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar (please don't turn this into a thread about how Lesnar isn't a success.)

 

WWE seems to be shifting their focus away from guys who paid their dues on the indy circuit, and towards growing their own stars from "real athletes," a trend that started with Mark Henry and Ken Shamrock, and peaking with Angle, Lesnar, Chris Nowinski, and others in OVW.

 

Benoit, Storm, Jericho, the Guerreros, Mysterio, Edge, Christian, the Hardys, and John Cena are the last of a generation that came up the old-fashioned way, working their way around the country (and with the exception of Cena and the Hardys, internationally) to earn a shot. Now, if you aren't from ECW's dying days, a WCW holdover, a contest winner, or have some "legit" cred, you aren't getting that WWE contract.

 

This philosophy, in my opinion, is incredibly dangerous for the business as a whole, as you are essentially closing the door to the only profitable living a wrestler can make in a America. I'm also pretty sure not too many aspiring wrestlers think, "my dream is to work for All-Japan." Schools will close, indys will die, and the business is dead and gone in a few years.

 

This philosophy frustrates the hell out of me, knowing we'll never see an American Dragon, Chris Daniels, Low Ki, or Mike Modest on a global stage, even though they could get over pretty quickly. It disgusts me.

 

I'm really glad I can see some of these guys on NWA-TNA, so I can occassionally remember what real balls-out wrestling, from guys who simply love to be pro wrestlers, is like.

[Guest CanadianChick]

I don't really mind amatuer wrestlers coming up, if they respect this business and they are entertaining. I DO NOT want former pro football players, ect. to come up though. The only reason why they would be in WWE is because of their name and reconition.

[Guest y2jailbait]

It does bother me. As someone who would actually like to pursue a possible life in pro-wrestling, it does bother me that the WWE would look past potential talent that have wanted this there whole life over some "great" athlete that mostly doesnt have much of a clue about the in's and out's of pro wrestling until they have there formal training. It does bother me that the heart and will to want to succeed is being looked past for the WWE's credibility. I just think that the reason some like Mike Sanders and such are being cut in favor for pro football players and amature athletes is to gain a character right outta the gate for the WWE's promotion machine, and i just dont like it. But, ya gotta deal with it, so on forth!

[Guest MrRant]

I think amature wrestlers isn't so bad. I would imagine it would take less training for someone to go from that to pro wrestling. They would also probably be well conditioned. But remember this.... Vince doesn't care what you did as long as you will make money for him. You could have been flippin burgers and never moved faster than walking but if you will draw he will hire.

[Guest thebigjig]

This is nothing new. Some of the greatest wrestlers of all time were amateurs. Flair was a state champion

 

Hell, I hate to go into another wrestling history lesson but for years and years, if you didn't have any actual wrestling knowledge, then the boys that did have the actual wrestling knowledge took alot of pride in beating the shit out of you. I'm sure most of you know this.

 

But anyway, I have no problem with the WWE recruiting amateurs. If it works, it works. As for guys working their way up through the indy's... thats a different time, and a different place. Back when you had ECW, WCW, WWF, it was easier because if you were good enough, you could go to one of the "big 3" and move up from there. That time is passed of course, so now you've pretty much got a snowballs chance in hell of making it in the WWE if your an indy wrestler. That's life I guess... it sucks but what can ya do

[Guest HollywoodSpikeJenkins]

This philosophy frustrates the hell out of me, knowing we'll never see an American Dragon, Chris Daniels, Low Ki, or Mike Modest on a global stage, even though they could get over pretty quickly. It disgusts me.

Didnt WWE have Lo Ki, American Dragon, and Spanky under contract, and then LET THEM GO.

 

 

 

Damnit.

 

American Dragon vs RVD - CATTLE MUTILATION~!

 

and Lo Ki vs. Tajiri - have them stiff kick each other the whole match.

 

And Spanky......could get jobbed on Veocity to D-Von and Mark Henry every week.

[Guest Storm Tracker]

Pro wrestling has always been about Good vs. Evil. It's the storylines that draw. The greatest athlete in the world with a monkey crap gimmick and shitty storyline isn't going to draw. I'll take an average talent that loves the business over an amateur wrestler in it just for the money any day. I think Kurt Angle is the exception rather than the rule.

[Guest Ph34r Tha Leaf]

I do believe the storylines are very important. They are like the mashed potatoes that hold the peas of good ringwork together.

 

Wait.. no. I can say that better.

 

Wrestling is the mashed potatoes, the real body of the dinner but NOTHING without good gravy, and storylines is that gravy. If the gravy is nasty (bad storylines) then the mashed potatoes (wrestling) will suck and make for a bad dinner (show).

 

Bad gravy of the absence of can screw up some potentially great mashed potatoes and make for a bad meal...

 

...as can bad storylines mess up great wrestling and make for a horrible show.

 

Or something. I'm hungry.

[Guest evenflowDDT]

I don't have any problems with the WWE recruiting guys who come from an amateur wrestling background. If they get enough guys like that, they could integrate that into "the WWE style" and it could make for some more interesting technical/mat-based matches. I doubt "real athletes" extends to athletes from other sports who can't work, because WWF tried that a few times in the past and it didn't work too well, and I think they realized it because they haven't done it since.

[Guest Sakura]

Uh, whatever. They just brought in Cena, Island Boys and Orton. There's no reason for the doomsday talk.

[Guest Ph34r Tha Leaf]

Uh, whatever. They just brought in Cena, Island Boys and Orton. There's no reason for the doomsday talk.

Was that a joke?

[Guest evenflowDDT]

Uh, whatever. They just brought in Cena, Island Boys and Orton. There's no reason for the doomsday talk.

I don't fully understand this comment, but I also don't understand where the "doomsday talk" is coming from either. There will always be indy feds, and if NWA:TNA plays its cards right, it'll be #2... a far #2, perhaps, but still something for would-be wrestlers to aspire for.

[Guest Sakura]

I meant they just brought in the Island Boys so what is the point of this rambling...

 

 

 

WWE seems to be shifting their focus away from guys who paid their dues on the indy circuit, and towards growing their own stars from "real athletes," a trend that started with Mark Henry and Ken Shamrock, and peaking with Angle, Lesnar, Chris Nowinski, and others in OVW.

 

Benoit, Storm, Jericho, the Guerreros, Mysterio, Edge, Christian, the Hardys, and John Cena are the last of a generation that came up the old-fashioned way, working their way around the country (and with the exception of Cena and the Hardys, internationally) to earn a shot. Now, if you aren't from ECW's dying days, a WCW holdover, a contest winner, or have some "legit" cred, you aren't getting that WWE contract.

[Guest y2jailbait]

Uh, whatever. They just brought in Cena, Island Boys and Orton. There's no reason for the doomsday talk.

Island Boys and Orton have that advantage over most due to the fact that they have it in there blood. I mean decendents of former WWF employees almost are thrust into the WWE spotlight even when not ready. Now, Orton is good, but do any of us think he's really absolutley ready for the big time? The Island boys may be ready, time will tell that, but the point remains, If its in the blood, the chances are increased over others such as Spanky, Low Ki, American Dragon and such just due to the name brand factor.

 

Everything that has been said in this post is true, amature athletes have an edge over newcomers and such, and marketability is the only thing that matters nowadays, its just so disheartening to see a dream shatter without even being able to give it a try.

[Guest Human Fly]

I hope the WWE doesn't waste their money though. They tried to give Rulon Gardner a million dollar contract. That fat boy would've been the next PN News. If they want to go after an amateur wrestler they should go after Cael Sanderson. He is lightning fast, has an awesome rep in the world of sports, and could really build up the CW division.

[Guest Ph34r Tha Leaf]

They should "cut the fat" to save money. Drop all of the guys who don't draw.

 

Albert, Val, Test, CENA...ehh just everyone I personally dislike. Then they'll have a small enough roster so the guys can be on both shows.

[Guest Trivia247]

Remember when WCW dumped their Power Plant Trainees onto WCW tv? like a Dozen guys just appeared one day on Nitro and Thunder. Natural Born Thrillaz Kwee Wee etc etc was a last ditch effort to make them look interesting. WWE at least hasn't flooded their shows with whats left of their OVW training talent onto TV yet.

[Guest The Ruthless Aggressor]

You have to remember that the WWE until last year considered Billy Gunn "The best Real athlete" in the fed.

[Guest razazteca]

Cael Sanderson

isnt he undefeated in NCAA? Put him in an Iron Man match with Kurt Angle & Brock Lesner now.

 

I have no problem if WWE goes after real athletes that want to become wrestlers but not people who just want to be on tv just for the spotlight.

[Guest Trivia247]

Real Wrestlers in the WWE would be like the Thread on the Puro Forum about Shoot and MMA fighters in NJPW as long as they don't mix to much with the regularly trained seasoned wrestlers. Get to far from the roots of the wrestling business is bad for the image of existing wrestlers. You throw in a bunch of Real Amateur wrestlers against Pro wrestlers the outcome maybe uncertain. Kurt Angle came in from Ametaur backgrounds but he transitioned himself well to a Total pro Wrestling moveset. Only when he goes into Clinics with the Likes of Benoit does he bust out the Olympic material. They would have to match them with similar wrestlers with abilities like them. Brock is NCAA Champion prove it against them

[Guest Nezbyte]

WWFe can have all the "pure" athletes, and a new rival promotion can have all the guys with heart, dedication, and a wrestling dream.

 

This is a bad idea.

[Guest buffybeast]

Business is business guys. If the company feels that an indy wrestler can make them money and be a star, they will hire them. If not, too bad.

 

WWF is in the position to be highly selective about whom it decides to hire. If they don't feel the guys like the Lo Ki's and Spanky's of the world won't draw a dime so why bother, that is their decision.

 

The business is sure as hell not going to die because the WWF is not taking guys from the indies who did not "pay their dues".

[Guest Nezbyte]

Business is business guys. If the company feels that an indy wrestler can make them money and be a star, they will hire them. If not, too bad.

 

WWF is in the position to be highly selective about whom it decides to hire. If they don't feel the guys like the Lo Ki's and Spanky's of the world won't draw a dime so why bother, that is their decision.

 

The business is sure as hell not going to die because the WWF is not taking guys from the indies who did not "pay their dues".

Low Ki will be a Benoit like talent, he's even got charisma and a personality! Spanky is the definition of charisma, and he damn talented.

 

I hope none of these pure athletes look and work like fucking Albert or Henry though. Those 2 wastes of fucking money.

[Guest BorneAgain]

You have to remember that the WWE until last year considered Billy Gunn "The best Real athlete" in the fed.

How sad is that?

[Guest Kid Kablam]

You have to remember that the WWE until last year considered Billy Gunn "The best Real athlete" in the fed.

How sad is that?

And we of course had to put up with Jim Ross shilling for him all the freakin time!

[Guest Kid Kablam]

You have to remember that the WWE until last year considered Billy Gunn "The best Real athlete" in the fed.

How sad is that?

And we of course had to put up with Jim Ross shilling for him all the freakin time!

[Guest pinnacleofallthingsmanly]

I saw Low Ki and liked him, but unless he has improved since his Jakked/Metal matches, I think he's overrated. Cael Sanderson isn't a very big guy, so I don't see the WWF giving him any serious consideration. As far as real athletes go, I hate to see shoot fighters brought in. You basically are implying that the other wrestlers are phonies because you rbing in a guy that got his fame from doing legit fights.

[Guest thebigjig]

WWFe can have all the "pure" athletes, and a new rival promotion can have all the guys with heart, dedication, and a wrestling dream.

 

This is a bad idea.

So are you saying that "pure" or "real" atheletes (and I really hate that term... pro wrestlers are atheletes as well) don't have heart and desire and the dream to succeed? Come on, give me a break.

 

Business is business, and whether we choose to believe it or not, Vince McMahon knows a hell of alot more than we do about running a wrestling company.

[Guest Nezbyte]

WWFe can have all the "pure" athletes, and a new rival promotion can have all the guys with heart, dedication, and a wrestling dream.

 

This is a bad idea.

So are you saying that "pure" or "real" atheletes (and I really hate that term... pro wrestlers are atheletes as well) don't have heart and desire and the dream to succeed? Come on, give me a break.

 

Business is business, and whether we choose to believe it or not, Vince McMahon knows a hell of alot more than we do about running a wrestling company.

Some people DREAM of being a pro wrestler, other DREAM of playing pro football. The people who DREAM of being a pro wrestler will always have more heart and more desire than someone who has always wanted to have a super bowl ring around their finger, but got injured along the way.

 

THAT's what I'm saying; Angle might be the exception, because he's pretty great.

[Guest Vyce]

I'm also pretty sure not too many aspiring wrestlers think, "my dream is to work for All-Japan."

 

That's my dream.

 

No, really.

 

But I get Shooter Jay's message here.....some of you may not seem to grasp his meaning.

 

True, amateur wrestlers & "real" athletes can often transfer into good / great pro wrestlers (i.e. Angle, Flair, etc.).

 

But what I think Shooter Jay is trying to say is that.....they're not going to be working around the country, around the world, gaining valuable experience and perfecting their craft for years. They'll be in some WWE training camp learning how to perform sleeper holds & spinebusters and all the other safe, boring moves that the WWE mandates in their "style". Lesnar is an NCAA champion, but you don't exactly see him busting out his moves, do you? I think that's what ShooterJay is trying to say. This may not be such a great thing, because these "real" atheletes aren't going to have the experience that someone like Jericho or Benoit or RVD have had, working around the world against different styles, learning techniques. They'll just be learning the same old, boring WWE style.