As I watch TV on Monday, Thursday, and Friday nights, I see a lot of familiar faces. Not because the same people are being given a push (different blog, for a different day), but because there are a lot of wrestlers who have been around this business their whole lives.
These are 2nd and 3rd generation performers. Most of them have seen everything there is to see about this business and are now ready to take it over.
This is not a new concept. For years, wrestling has been a family business. Back in the day, before you had wrestling companies (WWE, TNA) you had wrestling territories. Back then they were family run. AWA, WCCW, and even Jim Crocket Promotions (which later went on to become WCW), were all run by men who for the most part were wrestlers. They had their brothers, cousins, sons, and yes even some daughters, work for them. For the most part, it is because, family were the only people you could trust back then. Pro wrestling was a very cut throat business at that time.
One man who did this was AWA owner Verne Gagne. Gagne was a former a 2-time NCAA wrestling champion, before becoming a profession wrestler. He wrestled in the NWA (if you have any question, I will do a future blog about the NWA) from 1949-60, before he decided to start his own organization, the AWA. He ran the company for 30 years. In that time, Gagne brought his son into the company as a wrestler. His first role was as a jobber (someone who always gets beat), but in time he became a top draw for that company. As much as Verne wanted his son to be the champion, the fans would never accept it. So he made his son-in-law, Larry Zbyszko, champion instead.
WCCW was not much different. It was formed from a territory in Texas, in the 1960s. Fritz von Erich was a wrestler, who unlike Gagne, never made it to the top as a wrestler. He was able to stay on as a writer and booker (the person who arranges matches) until his sons become old enough to be stars. And stars they were. The Von Erich’s were very famous in Texas in the 80s. So much so, that David Von Erich was in line to become the NWA World Heavyweight Champion, defeating Ric Flair, in the process. Unfortunately he passed away before he got the chance. Then David's brother Kerry Von Erich, actually did win the World title from Flair, 3 months after David passed.
Fast forward to modern day. There are no more territories. So now we have a lot of 2nd and 3rd generation guys (and women) in pro wrestling, mainly WWE and TNA. But don’t forget that the man running the most powerful, and profitable organization in wrestling, Vince McMahon is a 2nd generation promoter.
Take Randy Orton. Another 2nd generation wrestler. Obviously Randy is one of the biggest starts in the WWE, and I’m sure you all know by now that his dad is a Hall of Famer. But I believe his presence in the industry for his whole life has helped. Natalya, the Diva’s champion is the daughter of Jim the Anvil Neidhert. David Hart Smith’s dad was The British Bulldog, Davey Boy Smith. You also have the Usos, who are the sons of Rikishi, and their manager Tamina is the daughter of Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka. Michael Mcgilicutty, and Husky Harris, two guys who competed in NXT, and are now on RAW, as members of the Nexus, are the sons of famous fathers, Curt Henning(Mr. Perfect), and Mike Rotunda(I.R.S.)
With all of the wrestling pedigree out there, I am sure that wrestling is in great hands
The answer to last's week did you know question, of "Who is the youngest Champion in WWE history"? Randy Orton
This week's Did you Know question: Who is the oldest Champion in WWE history?
AND THAT'S THE BOTTOM LINNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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