Tag Archive for Pro Wrestling

WWE: How Many Fans Go Too Far in Pursuing Wrestlers for Autographs?

The pursuit of autographs has always characterized celebrity culture.

The celebrities targeted for their “John Hancocks” have usually been athletes, film/TV stars, music mavens and even those on the fringe of pop culture—like pro-wrestlers.

Many wrestlers, particularly the ones who made their names in the WWE, have been objects of fans’ affections and—in unfortunate instances—greed.

For instance, some followers go to great lengths to garner an autograph out of appreciation for a grappler they grew up watching, admire and/or identify with on an emotional level.

More or less, such fans will cherish the signatures they acquire—and accompanying photographs—of their favorite WWE superstars.

On the other hand, some fans are compelled to seek out autographs not so much for their sentimental value, but financial potential.

These eBay enthusiasts will have their wrestler-specific programs, T-shirts, DVDs and posters ready—in hand, no less—to shove right into the wrestlers’ faces.

In most scenarios, autographs are sought out at socially acceptable venues like autograph signings and “fanfest” conventions.

The WWE, specifically, has always been forward-thinking in bridging the gap between the audience and the talent, facilitating interaction between the two groups at “Axxess” events.

However, those driven by the selling-potential of autographs overstep the unwritten rules of social decency by often times vigilantly staking out an opportunity to accost a wrestler in public.

In public places, especially, most civilians try not to stare, make a fuss about or even acknowledge a renowned person in their midst.

The reason being is to ensure that the natural order of things continues without a hitch so as to prevent the possibility of awkwardness or embarrassment for either party.

Examples of this include scenarios in which a celebrity—in this case, a wrestler—is spotted in a restaurant, cafe, restroom, movie theater, at a concert, on a sidewalk or at the airport.

Usually, most fans who come across one will suppress their giddiness and do their best to not disturb them—because, after all, there is a difference between knowing their “images” and being familiar with them on a personal basis.

We don’t approach people we don’t personally know, so why should it be any different just because we’ve seen them on TV?

That being said, most wrestlers tend to accept and be tolerable of instances when they’re politely asked to scribble their autographs for a fan who was coincidentally in the area.

Where appearances become sketchy, though, is when wrestlers are purposely attempting to mix in with the crowd—and not stand out by any means—yet are rudely interrupted by a fan who just happened to have a piece of merchandise bearing his or her likeness.

CM Punk, for example, has lamented being hounded by the autograph paparazzi who don’t bother to notice he is intentionally crouched in a corner of an airport, with his head down and ears plugged with headphones.

Making the experience all the more unpleasant is that it could transpire at the wee hours of the morning when someone like the “Straight Edge” superstar just wants to be left alone and get some shut-eye.

Perhaps an even more uncomfortable situation than this is being agitated by an autograph fiend in a restroom.

Mick Foley, in his inaugural book Have a Nice Day, recounted an anecdote in which a fan waited outside of his stall with a pen and something to write on.

All in all, scoring the signatures of wrestling heroes is OK as long as it occurs at a “sanctioned” venue or in a socially welcome context.

However, if the act blatantly impedes upon the personal space of a performer—who, judging by his or her body language would rather go unnoticed—then it is an irksome intrusion of privacy.

Exacerbating this are socially-deviant autograph dwellers who have absolutely no intention of retaining the memorabilia, instead opting to “flip” them for a profit on eBay.

TNA Impact Wrestling Preview: Knockout Title, the Wild Card, Angle/RVD and More

TNA Wrestling presents its final show of 2011 and will look to go out with a bang.

TNA usually confirms an equal amount of matches and in-ring segments each Thursday but tonight is different.

The company has confirmed five matches for the show, and while we are sure to get an in-ring segment or two, nothing is confirmed in terms of that.

Let’s see what matches TNA has in store for the fans!

Zema Ion vs. Anthony Nese: Match Three of a Best-of-Three Series

Over the past two weeks, Zema Ion and Anthony Nese have been going at it for a spot in the fatal four-way X-Division Championship match at Genesis.

Two weeks ago Ion picked up the first victory with a beautiful 450 Splash, but Nese managed to take advantage of Ion’s showboating last week with a roll-up to tie up the series.

Both matches were quite good showing that these two wrestlers are the future of the X-Division.

Tonight will be the tiebreaker and the winner will have the chance at X-Division glory.

Will the charismatic Zema Ion pick up the victory or can the stronger Anthony Nese once again take advantage of Ion’s showboating ways?

 

The Semifinals of the Wild Card Tag Team Tournament

Two weeks ago TNA began the Wild Card tournament to determine the No. 1 contenders for the TNA Tag Team Championship.

Each team was randomly put together, some of which were enemies being forced to partner up.

When the tournament started Samoa Joe and Magnus advanced as did Abyss and Scott Steiner.

Last week the fans saw Eric Young and ODB and the team of A.J. Styles and Kazarian advance as well.

Tonight the finalists of the tournament will be determined as Young and ODB take on Joe and Magnus, and Abyss and Steiner go up against Styles and Kazarian.

Who will make it to the finals and battle for a shot at the Tag Team Championship?

 

Gail Kim vs. Mickie James: Knockout Championship

Karen Jarrett is gone and now the Knockout division can get back to normal.

Well, maybe not completely.

Before Karen left she gave Madison Rayne her position of power.

Last week Madison raised a bit of hell and forced Tara and Brooke Tessmacher to go one-on-one. It backfired on her, though, when TNT attacked her and walked out.

Karen’s other lackey Gail Kim will be in action tonight as she defends her title against former champion Mickie James.

With the alliance Gail shares with Madison it leads me to believe that the new VP of the division didn’t make this match.

Did Sting remove Madison from power and make this match?

No matter who made it, this should be a great match between two great wrestlers.

Can Mickie James end Gail Kim’s reign or will Gail stay on top of the Knockout division?

 

Kurt Angle vs. Rob Van Dam

Here we have two veterans of the ring going at it.

Kurt Angle has been dealing with James Storm as of late and lost a match to the Tennessee Cowboy at Final Resolution.

The Olympic Gold Medalist wanted a rematch but neither James Storm nor Sting would give it to him. Angle now has his rematch at Genesis but tonight he must contend with Rob Van Dam.

RVD has been feuding with Christopher Daniels with the Whole F’N Show defeating the Fallen Angel at Turning Point and Final Resolution.

Tonight Van Dam gets to take a break from Daniels.

Who will be able to pick up a victory here? Will James Storm or Christopher Daniels get involved?

This should be a great show as TNA looks to end 2011 with a bang.

The fans are also sure to see the continuation of the Bobby Roode/Jeff Hardy feud as well as Sting’s involvement in it.

Tune in tonight to see what happens!

TNA Impact Wrestling Preview: Knockout Title, the Wild Card, Angle/RVD and More

TNA Wrestling presents its final show of 2011 and will look to go out with a bang.

TNA usually confirms an equal amount of matches and in-ring segments each Thursday but tonight is different.

The company has confirmed five matches for the show, and while we are sure to get an in-ring segment or two, nothing is confirmed in terms of that.

Let’s see what matches TNA has in store for the fans!

Zema Ion vs. Anthony Nese: Match Three of a Best-of-Three Series

Over the past two weeks, Zema Ion and Anthony Nese have been going at it for a spot in the fatal four-way X-Division Championship match at Genesis.

Two weeks ago Ion picked up the first victory with a beautiful 450 Splash, but Nese managed to take advantage of Ion’s showboating last week with a roll-up to tie up the series.

Both matches were quite good showing that these two wrestlers are the future of the X-Division.

Tonight will be the tiebreaker and the winner will have the chance at X-Division glory.

Will the charismatic Zema Ion pick up the victory or can the stronger Anthony Nese once again take advantage of Ion’s showboating ways?

 

The Semifinals of the Wild Card Tag Team Tournament

Two weeks ago TNA began the Wild Card tournament to determine the No. 1 contenders for the TNA Tag Team Championship.

Each team was randomly put together, some of which were enemies being forced to partner up.

When the tournament started Samoa Joe and Magnus advanced as did Abyss and Scott Steiner.

Last week the fans saw Eric Young and ODB and the team of A.J. Styles and Kazarian advance as well.

Tonight the finalists of the tournament will be determined as Young and ODB take on Joe and Magnus, and Abyss and Steiner go up against Styles and Kazarian.

Who will make it to the finals and battle for a shot at the Tag Team Championship?

 

Gail Kim vs. Mickie James: Knockout Championship

Karen Jarrett is gone and now the Knockout division can get back to normal.

Well, maybe not completely.

Before Karen left she gave Madison Rayne her position of power.

Last week Madison raised a bit of hell and forced Tara and Brooke Tessmacher to go one-on-one. It backfired on her, though, when TNT attacked her and walked out.

Karen’s other lackey Gail Kim will be in action tonight as she defends her title against former champion Mickie James.

With the alliance Gail shares with Madison it leads me to believe that the new VP of the division didn’t make this match.

Did Sting remove Madison from power and make this match?

No matter who made it, this should be a great match between two great wrestlers.

Can Mickie James end Gail Kim’s reign or will Gail stay on top of the Knockout division?

 

Kurt Angle vs. Rob Van Dam

Here we have two veterans of the ring going at it.

Kurt Angle has been dealing with James Storm as of late and lost a match to the Tennessee Cowboy at Final Resolution.

The Olympic Gold Medalist wanted a rematch but neither James Storm nor Sting would give it to him. Angle now has his rematch at Genesis but tonight he must contend with Rob Van Dam.

RVD has been feuding with Christopher Daniels with the Whole F’N Show defeating the Fallen Angel at Turning Point and Final Resolution.

Tonight Van Dam gets to take a break from Daniels.

Who will be able to pick up a victory here? Will James Storm or Christopher Daniels get involved?

This should be a great show as TNA looks to end 2011 with a bang.

The fans are also sure to see the continuation of the Bobby Roode/Jeff Hardy feud as well as Sting’s involvement in it.

Tune in tonight to see what happens!