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| Article: |
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| A Laughing Stock |
Simon Gallagher |
Can comedy wrestlers ever make it to main event level?
Making people laugh is never easy, but in wrestling it’s become something of an art form. Being able to bring an audience of various different ages and opinions together in shared laughter, but it’s as important part of the WWE package as the in-ring action and other more serious soap-like storylines. Like an epic over-the-top pantomime, the comedy sketches are meant to give WWE programming the perfect balance, relieving the constant pressure of the violence in the ring and tension between stars outside of it. It’s what makes wrestling so unique, the ability to go from hilarious comedic high to downright violent lows all in the space of a two-hour rollercoaster.
Through the years, making the WWE Universe laugh has been a great way for both new and established WWE superstars to get over with the ever-opinionated crowd. How that superstar makes them laugh, though, is a different matter and the character they portray is crucial to the longevity of both the superstar and his role in the company. Take The Rock, for instance – after dropping his atrocious Rocky Maivia gimmick, he embraced the role as ‘The Rock’ and had fans eating out of his hand whether he was a heel or face. Being a naturally charismatic and funny guy helped Dwayne Johnson through his WWE career and beyond, even though he was far from the most talented wrester in the locker-room. Unfortunately, The Rock is a rare breed and many other wrestlers have found themselves the butt of the company’s jokes thanks to the gimmick given to them by Vince and his creative team. Worse yet, the majority have never recovered.
The obligatory comedic role has been portrayed by many over the years, and has worked equally well whether it’s the funny heel everyone wants to see got the better of or the fun-loving face who‘s billed as the underdog. But what has it done for the careers of these people in the long run? What could have the likes of Simon Dean or Eugene gone on to become if they weren’t given a comedic role right off the bat? Sure, it’s seen as big success to get over in the industry’s premiere company regardless of your place in the roster, but there has to come a point where these superstars want to move up the card and feel some gold around their waist; usually, that’s the point when the crowd gets tired of laughing at them. And what happens then?
For the rest of this feature, check out issue 46 of FSM - available at WH Smith and all good retailers. (For US readers we are now carried at Borders and Barnes & Noble, so check for local availability or click here to subscribe.)
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