The Purpose of the Security

[White Stripes Sabin]

Look at my sig. Think of Mania 4 and 5 and some of the other big events. I can understand why they would do it for liz as she was constantly getting her boobs felt on, but why the other wrestlers? Why would Hogan come out with all this security? Where the wrestlers scared coming down the aisle? What was with the police escorts? Was it because of the era and the fact that so many marks were making death threats? I was always curious about this and this being WM weekend has caused me to watch tons of old footage. 30 security guards to escort Hogan to the ring for a match against Savage?

 

 

[Enigma]

I never understood why the rails were so close to the wrestlers as opposed to the way they are now.

[zhangmeijie]

It was partly the era. Some heels like The Sarge when he was anti US and anybody who faced Hogan really did need the security. In those pre internet days there were still s(mart)marks, but very few.

[Diamonddust]

In my opinion, it also added to the atmosphere of the event... making it seem that much more important.

[DangerousDamon]

I think that the crowd being makes for a more intimate atmosphere. It's easier for the crowd to make connections with the wrestlers.

[FroGG_NeaL]

Goldberg having all the security never made sense to me.

[White Stripes Sabin]

Goldberg had the security because the NWO attacked him one day (or a couple of times?) and so WCW wanted to protect their investment and champion (if not champion at the time, definitely their biggest star) from these gang style beat downs, so they had security escort him to the ring. It came off as a good idea then and even now when I watch old Goldberg footage, the entrance just looks intense.

[Diamonddust]

Goldberg had the security because the NWO attacked him one day (or a couple of times?) and so WCW wanted to protect their investment and champion (if not champion at the time, definitely their biggest star) from these gang style beat downs, so they had security escort him to the ring. It came off as a good idea then and even now when I watch old Goldberg footage, the entrance just looks intense.

 

I understand that, but when you think about it...

 

Goldberg was supposed to be this unstoppable machine so the security was kind of counter-productive. Still, it did make his entrance feel that much more important/special.

[Enigma]

I also remember early on in Goldberg's run, he was due for a match with someone. His music played but he never came out. The camera found him facedown backstage.

[Beto Chavez]

Goldberg had the security because the NWO attacked him one day (or a couple of times?) and so WCW wanted to protect their investment and champion (if not champion at the time, definitely their biggest star) from these gang style beat downs, so they had security escort him to the ring. It came off as a good idea then and even now when I watch old Goldberg footage, the entrance just looks intense.

 

I was about to ask "What was the deal with Goldberg being escorted to the ring by security when he was the WCW Champion?" in the Old School question. Thanks for the answering it before I did so.