7-11 thoughts on finishing the story
or the shared sub-stories in the long moment that is human experience (that is brought to life in professional wrestling and other popular mediums)
For years, I have wondered why pro wrestling and comicbooks have hit crossover peak into popularity across the masses despite the theatrics and larger than life characters and suspension of disbelief required to believably follow.
And it all comes down to the story being told.
Early April saw the closing of one of professional wrestling’s most popular angles that has played out largely over the past three years, but began about a year earlier when Roman Reigns, your Tribal Chief, made his return amidst the changing life circumstances we all faced during the twists and turns of covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
Reigns and recently inducted WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman connected to create one of the most amazing characters in the history of the industry, The Tribal Chief. The Head of the Table of The Bloodline would go on to elevate the genre via the historic, modern-era record-shattering 1316 day reign as the Undisputed Universal Champion of the World. Only three champions have held the championship longer and this run has not been seen in over three decades.
It was so huge, even Hollywood came back into the mix or as Reigns put it:
“Hollywood came to me.” - Roman Reigns
as two former WWE champions, The Rock and John Cena, returned home to the squared circle to take part in the cinematic approach to the storytelling that was unfolding as the Bloodline ruled the airwaves.
Along with the megastars and professional athletes and entertainers like Snoop Dogg, even a certain grandson of a plumber made his own return. Afterall, we wouldn’t be talking about finishing the story if it weren’t for Cody Rhodes, would we?
While arguably a pretty good marketing campaign, Rhodes’ journey from what he termed as going from “undesirable to undeniable” is an inspirational one. He left the WWE after feeling underutilized and capable of so much more, and famously and virally made a list of who’s who on the independent circuit and other (mid)major dream matches that he wanted to have. Then Cody went around the world making it happen. Along the way, he became one of the co-founders of AEW, which has grown to be the WCW (with both the highs and lows) to WWE in today’s wrestling scene.
While we no longer have the Monday Night Wars (and that’s probably a great thing becaise alot of that hasn’t aged well), wrestling professionals, from the wrestlers to those behind-the-scenes like the writers and production team and all the people it takes to create each show (live and televised), have so many opportunities now to create and enjoy the craft and build more steady livelihoods.
For partners and fans, the opportunities to consume, crowdsource booking, and enjoy being a part of the product in different ways feels fresh, which says alot IMO for something that can often be predictable.
It’s fitting that the downfall of Vince McMahon rides alongside all of this. In order to elevate to a new level, the old things that might be foul and/or no longer fit, need to be cleared.
When something is removed, it makes space for something new, something better to fill that void. - One of my many teachers.
I’m going to go on record that I was all in on Roman Reigns continuing his run. And whether he did or not, I was thinking as soon as Wrestlemania concluded, I wouldn’t keep up with the storylines as much I have over the past couple of years.
But then I watched all of it, both nights, culminating with the Wrestlemania Night Two Main Event, being fought under Bloodline Rules, meaning you knew there would be interference because there were no disqualifications!
As I heard the entrance songs of the additional combatants entering into the fray, including the two Hollywood Legends, and one other fan favorite, The Undertaker, I couldn’t help but appreciate, put down my preference for the reign to go another year, and just enjoy the show, to see where it led.
If there’s one match that elevated the long-form storytelling and payoffs in being a part of the ride, it was this. There was literally a moment, the turning point of the match, that was so well-executed and nuanced because it wound back ten years.
Where Cody’s story became about redemption and fulfilling a promise, Roman’s “greatness on another level” that rose like the tide elevating his family around him ultimately fell victim to the blindness of rage. A rage that had festered due to a betrayal, leading to subsequent hurt that he has been unable to let go of, which cost him the coveted top spot.
And yeah, now I’m curious.
Where does the next chapter take these characters?
How will it speak metaphorically to the deeper challenges we all encounter in life?
Because that’s what good stories do, no matter the format where they come to life.
soul my friend, why not do yourself a favor, grab something amazing to drink, perhaps a refreshing Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Water, take a seat, pop some popcorn, maybe throw in some delicious Noms, and enjoy the show.
If you’re looking for an entry point, start with The Bloodline and watch through Cody’s return, his falling short, only to claim a spot no one in his family had occupied before. It’s the perfect jump off and there’s already a sequel that’s just getting starting.
They aren’t your only starting points either.
Perhaps it’s watching the evolution of the Judgement Day, who now boast both the Women’s and Men’s World Champions, after an amazing title defense by Rhea Ripley and successful Money in the Bank cash-in by Damian Priest.
And if you want something even deeper, heartfelt, and tragic, there’s some great documentary content out there like “The Dark Side of Ring” series and the recently released film streaming now about the late Wyndham Rotunda, who created the iconic Bray Wyatt character.
Wherever your entry point, if you allow yourself a moment to indulge, I think there’s a great chance, you’ll tune in for more.
Let me in. - The Fiend (Bray Wyatt)