“One!”
“Two!”
“Thr – OHHHH!”
Such was the scene during the past August 22nd Raw, in a match that was incredible. That match is Shelton Benjamin versus Kurt Angle. Two similar, but not identical, styles were going at it in the ring. Move after move, counter after counter, and submission after submission, the match was truly being competitive. However, the best part of that match may not have even been the action, but the electric crowd. They were totally engulfed in that match, yet it was not for the storylines, not for the promos, but only for the action and the story that was being told in the RING.
In an instance that is rarer and rarer in today’s era of wrestling, the storyline of the feud was actually told, well, in the match. Beforehand, there were no interviews, no promos, and no soap opera—in fact we didn’t know who was wrestling who until they were both in the ring. Without any of that build up, the crowd still got into the match. Sure they weren’t at first, but as the match progressed, they saw the story unfolding. Two wrestlers were in the spirit of competition, trying to one-up each other. By the end of the match, everyone in that building had picked who they wanted to win, and they wanted to see how the story ended.
It was a surreal moment. Now, does this mean that every storyline and/or feud that wrestling promotions come up with should be this way? No, not at all. The product would certainly be boring if that was the case. However, there should always be at least one match like this on almost every show. It’s the excitement that kind of match generates which is the reason that I watch wrestling, along with many others. Sure the entertainment factor of wrestling, such as storylines, promos, and “talk shows” are fun and entertaining, but pure athletic matches are what make wrestling what it is.
Now many will argue saying if this was done too much, it wouldn’t be as exciting. I tend to disagree. First, this type of match has a different feel, and that is a competitive one. It’s the age old “spirit of competition” which dates back as early as history is recorded. Early tribes competed in hunts, and the Greek Olympics were based solely on competition. It’s human nature to be competitive, and wrestling is a way that true competition can be expressed. It doesn’t always have to be about fun and games.
Second, straight wrestling competition appeals to the wrestling purist. This type of fan hates diva searches, custody battles, and prosthetic moles. While they may be in the minority, they are the type of person who will stick to wrestling through thick and thin. It doesn’t matter if the ratings are in the zeroes or the tens; they are glued to the television when wrestling is on. If these types of fans aren’t appealed to, wrestling may lose its foundation fan base. Without pure wrestling enthusiasts, wrestling will never be mainstream entertainment again. Kurt and Shelton proved this right, as every single fan in that building was into the match. They got the purists AND the casual fans to care about their story.
Third, the “spirit of competition” certainly makes the life of creative easier when they don’t have to think of some second rate gimmick to fill time in. If they always have one good match that they can put together that will take up at least fifteen to twenty minutes on a program, the story will already be told! Plus the crowd will be pumped, and creative can concentrate on more important angles. In fact, these matches can even prove to be testing grounds for future feuds. Eddie Guerrero versus Rey Mysterio was a pure match on Smackdown! earlier this year. The feedback on the match was so great, that a huge angle was developed and the feud has lasted several months while being highlighted by four blockbuster pay-per-view matches. Perhaps we will see Shelton and Kurt go at it in the future, under the spotlight of a pay-per-view as well.
The spirit of competition is deep seeded in all of us. Whether we are trying to get the best girl or guy over someone else or trying to be on the winning team, humans are competitive by nature. That’s where wrestling can find its roots as well and it should pay homage to that on a more frequent basis.
*****
If you just read this, thank you very much for your time. I appreciate everyone who sends feedback, as it tells me what I’m doing wrong, and will hopefully make me a better writer. So if you have the time please send me an email or drop me a quick line on AIM!
And until next time, this has been From the Eye of the Dragon …
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Email: timothywronka@yahoo.com
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