In my Four Years post, I mentioned that I’d made an offer for guest bloggers to some of the producers I’ve interacted with. The first one to answer is Cameron Matthews from Wrestler4Hire and Hero Hunks.
I gave everyone some sample topics. When Cameron asked which ones I thought he should write about, I suggested that given his background, he might have some interesting insight on pro wrestling, its enduring appeal and finding new talent. He answered a lot, so I’ll share one section of his post this month and more next month.
Cameron takes a break from breaking in beefcakes (Image from W4H’s Cameron Matthews vs. Dax Carter) |
Wrestling really endures because it connects with a lot of different types of people. Whether you're in it for the storylines or the cartoon-like superheroes or the costumes or the athleticism or the muscles or the silliness or whatever. It's great entertainment that's both complex and simple at the same time. I enjoy the no-limit aspect of it. Sure, there are some parameters but those can add to the possibilities.
Athleticism and muscles keep wrestling going. (Image from W4H’s Maverick vs. MarkO) |
I'll always be into the alternative brands. I get why WWE is popular, but I was into Memphis Wrestling, ECW, Ring of Honor and now I'd say I prefer the NXT events.
NXT has a lot going for it. |
You may catch me at an Evolve or FIP event. I've been to a couple Ring of Honor events and a WWE Live event. All thanks to people I've met in wrestling. I think I may enjoy Kaiju Big Battel the most though. It's obscene and silly. I'd beg to do a show for them!
The wrestlers make wrestling. There’s plenty of great talent out there. It's funny how when you want to name names they slip your mind. I have a Top 5, but it mostly consists of my friends and it is based on their technical grasp on things. Nick Justice & Chase Sinn are on that list.
I just watched Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch on NXT. I've seen both up-close-and-live and was very impressed. Burch took on Austin Theory at a local event and while the future is definitely Austin's, I noticed how smooth Danny was in his movements. I've enjoyed just about every Darby Allin match that I've seen. Do I dare say that he's unmatched in his uniqueness?
Danny Burch vs. Oney Lorcan on NXT. |
I can buy the theory that the future is Austin’s. |
Kenny’s big in Japan and now, big everywhere. |
I couldn’t find a win over Tyler, but Cameron definitely faced him. (Images from Cyberfights 140: Cameron v Tyler Black & Marek Brave) |
The biggest challenge is probably people's perceptions that it is still like it was in the late 90s. You know, when it was all sex and violence. Don't get me wrong, there are still places for sex and violence, but different audiences want different things. You can't go into a high school or be on a kid's tv network with those things, but some folks don't know what wrestling is (and can be) because they remember what it was.
Wrestling is the highest-rated show on television. I don't think it's going anywhere any time soon.
- Cameron Matthews
Cameron is such an icon in so many ways, it'll be really interesting to read these installments. What a great idea for a continuing series!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I hope it’ll be interesting. I don’t know how continuing it’ll be. I remember doing the guest blogger thing at Bard’s and it made me feel like I could never blog because it was hard work and stressful. LOL.
DeleteUnderstood. I'm all about minimizing stress. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI would love to hear more from Cam about his journey from the fresh-faced kid of his BGEast debut to becoming the "Speedo Wrestling King" and "King of Underground Wrestling". I imagine it's quite a story!
ReplyDeleteIt's been so awesome watching Cam grow from teenager to successful businessman over the years. It's a true "American Dream" tale, and the fact that he has so many different wrestlers from so many different underground, indie, semi-pro, and even professional wrestling companies wanting to work with him says a heck of a lot about his character. He seems like a hard worker, a creative thinker, and a heck of a great guy with a terrific sense of humor. I'm real happy for him and very proud of his success. It makes me feel good when good things happen to good people! :)
-JS
Maybe he should write an autobiography! I’d love to read a lot of guys’ stories. Kid Leopard would be super-fascinating.
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