How do you look at your Champions? When you watch wrestling, whether it’s on the independents or the big time, do you look up to the Champions of the companies you watch? WWE and TNA may be a little different because I don’t think anyone would argue that leading one of the world’s largest wrestling companies is a big deal. We all KNOW that’s a major accomplishments. But what about in the indies?
Is it a big deal to carry the Championship in a local, independent wrestling company?
There’s a few ways to look at this. I know a few bookers who say that their Champion doesn’t have to be the strongest draw on the card. Some even go as far as saying that their best draw or talent should NEVER carry the belt because they’re already over with the crowd. The belt should be given to someone who needs it to actually get over and stay over. (Getting over means the fans react to you the way you want them to. That you’re relevant.)
I’ve always disagreed with this method of booking. Reason why? Simple – when I was growing up watching wrestling, I always thought being the Champ was a big deal. Jerry Lawler was a big deal with or without the USWA Championship but I never believed it when Colorado Kid beat him for it. Even as young as I was, I still knew that they were trying really hard to make Kid a big deal… I just wasn’t buying it. It never went over with me or anyone else for that matter.
On a larger stage, what about when Rey Mysterio won the WWE title? Did you believe in him at first? No. Well, for one, he lost all his matches even as Champion. But two, he was given a well-deserved run at the title, but it always seemed like a transitional run. They just didn’t sell the fact that he was THE MAN. Look at Randy Orton in comparison. They know he’s THE MAN.
Do you look up to the Champions of Dyersburg, Newburn and Ripley? Rocker, Stan Lee and lord only knows who the Champ is in Newburn. Is it a big deal for such a small company to choose you to carry their show on your back?
I’ve personally thought than many of the titles in the area are given to the wrong guys. It’s not a knock on them… I just feel like it’s absurd to have your Champion not even be able to main event a show because of the lack of reaction they receive on any given night. You can’t just give the guy a Championship belt and expect people to start caring. That doesn’t work. It’s been proven time and time again.
Guys get crucified for being proud of winning a title, anyway. It’s frowned upon to be proud of your accomplishment. And really, can you call it an accomplishment? It’s all in how you look at it. If the business is a work, then why stop the working when you leave the arena?
I know two guys who won the Tag Team Championships in a larger company and took them to the bar with them that night. Not only did the ladies love the guys… but they loved the belts. In fact, things went so well that one half of the Tag Team Champions actually left the tag title belt in the hotel room! He showed up to his next booking WITHOUT the belt! Talk about a freak-out moment! Luckily, the belt was returned… but it proved that things got a little out of hand the night before.
I guess it’s good to be Champion, no matter how you look at things.
