Vince Russo's The Brand

Its difficult to understand a person without learning their story. Many times a man or woman will be falsely typecasted by those whom have not gathered the necessary details of their inner motivation. We always hear “it’s what is inside that matters” then we see their eyes overtake their lips which switches their minds into critiquing the surface. Can anyone argue that it is a natural reaction to enjoy dynamic physical combat? Its embedded in our DNA as descendants of warriors, barbarians & competitors. Growing up, we all hear stories of epic myths with ideological heroes battling the overbearing and fierce forces of the darkness in the never-ending fight for honor, recognition and/or control. Without a genuine emotional investment or relatable element, a fight is just a fight for fight’s sake, which is just a waste of energy and makes the aggressor look like a buffoon.

Behind every encounter lies a deeper purpose; underneath all major conflict rests a bleeding cause. Inside a bitter clash holds a hidden passionate agenda. When these reasons are colorfully addressed by impactful explanation, accompanied at times by relevant props, witty phrases, even verbal/physical intimidation in order to be considered the stronger principle, it makes for more interesting, tension-fueled warfare. Would Muhammed Ali’s fights have been as entertaining if he just shook every reporter’s hand and smiled saying “I’m gonna try my best, good luck to Joe Frazier, I like him he trains hard and he’s a swell guy”? He would’ve been considered “The Kindest” and nobody in the fighting world gives a flying flapjack about who’s nice and who trains hard…everyone who steps out into an arena to do battle trains as hard as a human being can possibly train in order to get the job done, that is common knowledge. Some find success, others fall to the wayside left to find their own way. Either way what they accomplish in their distinctive arenas are to be thoroughly respected. Another example: imagine if Roddy Piper didn’t shout at the top of his lungs that “Hulkamania” sucked back in the mid-80s. Would WrestleMania have been as well established in the beginning? If Dusty Rhodes and Ric Flair didn’t carry the NWA on their backs verbally, would we have even been able to see a Monday Night War?

With the groundwork learned and practiced until it becomes instinct, many in today’s combat sport (sports entertainment) fan base have majorly been subjected to the physical aspect and the showcasing of debating styles rather than developing superb verbal debating abilities. Even though there are numerous exceptions we have seen in recent years; such as John Cena, CM Punk and Conor McGregor to name a few off the top of the list. The days of anticipating the next Macho Man promo, thinking “oh man, what is Stone Cold going to say this week to leave egg on McMahon’s face?” or even “uh oh, Scott Steiner has the microphone, turn up the volume!” have long passed but the impact of their delivery sticks with a large number of us to this very day. Those who never got to enjoy The Rock doing a live promo where they laugh until tears come out of their face, an old-fashioned Sid Vicious yell or that excitable feeling when Hall and Nash crashed a match and got a hold of a mic to say nobody is safe, just won’t ever grasp the bigger picture of making a “great match” just that much greater by simply spicing up the bacon. All it takes is two minutes, the simple slide of a tongue and a spark of creativity. In my humble opinion, a little meaningful gab makes all the difference in the world. Until next time…