Alright, ladies and gentlemen – this one may come across as a rant, but it’s an important rant we need to have. And, let’s face it – if you’re on a SoBros Network piece, you should know it’s not the first rant you’ll read, nor will it be the last. I usually try not to chime in on Internet tirades, but this one just hit me in the right spot about a week ago, and I’ve been sitting on top of it ever since.
I’m flat out tired of reading people accuse guys like Joey Ryan of “killing the business.”
I don’t usually keep track of these things, so I don’t have any specific examples of this phenomenon. And, let’s face it – this is a comedy blog, not a fucking professional news outlet. Anyway, maybe you’ve noticed, too, but let’s take Jim Cornette’s take (which I hate doing) on Mick Foley selling for the penis flip for example (courtesy of Cageside Seats):
His basic argument hasn’t changed: spots like this are killing the business, destroying whatever credibility it has left to the point that it’s no longer believable and never can be again. Fans were smiling, sure, but it’s because they were laughing at the silliness of it all, not because they were legitimately invested in the action in the ring in any meaningful way.
“I’m not mad at Mick Foley, and I’m not gonna knock Mick Foley, and I still love Mick Foley. But I have never said these words before in public: I’m disappointed in Mick Foley. … He did it because Mick Foley is too nice to be in the wrestling business.”
Two things – first, pro wrestling has always faced issues with credibility, going all the way back to the circus days (seriously, read David Shoemaker’s book). Second, if fans are at a show, they are fucking invested. Literally. They literally gave money to be there. Besides, what gives him the right to speak on Foley’s behalf? As if he knew Foley’s intentions…makes no sense.
I hate using Cornette’s take because it’s bullshit – I mean, as a community, we have to stop paying attention to the guy. I don’t know how much of his nonsense is genuine and how much is him just trying to stay relevant. It is 2017, and we’re still talking about Cornette. Would that be the case if he didn’t come out with these hot takes? I doubt it.
Look, I’ll be the first to admit…I prefer the WWE style to the indy style. I’m not a fan of all the no-selling and there aren’t too many acts with real gimmicks/characters. There’s not the same level of pageantry/production, but I still find certain aspects of indy wrestling more enjoyable than WWE. It’s like a lot of things – there’s a give and take. I enjoy feeling like I’m “in” on someone before the masses catch on. For the most part, the action itself is a lot better…most of the talent on the show is allowed ample time to perform. But, really – the two almost seem like completely different products. It’s like apples and oranges.
Factor in that it’s 2017, and the era of wrestling most critics hark back to would fall completely flat today, and it doesn’t make sense. It’s hardly fair to call the business dead. I think the business is doing just fine and continues to evolve. That’s actually exactly how you keep this industry alive – adapt to the times. The bottom line is that people are obviously enjoying themselves and there’s a market for what guys like Ryan do. I don’t understand why ‘mad online’ people have to rain on the parade.
Why are we trying to compare everything to something else? Can’t WWE be something completely different from indy wrestling? How bland would indy wrestling be if every promotion out there simply stuck to the WWE formula? What would happen if indy wrestlers never tried to find new ways to entertain fans?
I find the penis flip hilarious. The fact that the move went viral tells you that I’m far from the only one who did find it hilarious. Because of that clip, I actually started paying attention to Ryan…seeing where he was working each weekend and trying to catch a match or two wherever I could. It’s helped his brand, and the guy is making a living being incredibly entertaining doing what he loves. It. Fucking. Worked.
Why do we want to continue to shit on guys like this? Same can be said for Joey Janela, who is apparently killing the business by receiving Canadian Destroyers from Virgil – another asinine point. My God, have you seen Virgil? You think Janela had any choice but to backflip on top of his head? I don’t think that was planned at all. Like, Virgil used his legit strength to torque the Bad Boy into a concussion. Anyway, I’m straying from my point…
I can’t put it any clearer than this: Quit hating. Let the artists create. If you don’t like it, find something you do like.
I’m all about #BeBetter, and people really need to remember that the only real leverage they have is with their remote. You don’t like it, fine – don’t watch it. But, don’t try and turn something that’s positive for so many people into a negative.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. A strong advocate of GSD (get shit done) and #BeBetter, he’s down to talk Tennessee Titans and Alabama Crimson Tide football over a beer any day. Check him out covering the WWE for WrestlingNews.co. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley, @WrestlingNewsCo
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