Guest Blogger 1: Cameron Matthews (Wrestler4Hire/Hero Hunks)

Guys,

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)

Cameron says …

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)

Cartoon-like superheroes work for me, too.
(Image from Hero Hunks’ Superman vs. Zodd)

I don't watch nearly as much wrestling as I used to. At my peak viewing, I was doing 8 hours Sunday through Thursday. Now I see so much of it that I’m down to a less embarrassing couple of hours a month, but that's not counting the time I'm filming or editing my own videos.

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.

There's nothing like attending a local event, especially when it is stacked with talent. I don't catch shows like this often. Don't let it come across as too much arrogance, but most of the "new stuff" is similar to the stuff my friends and I used to do in 2006/2007 ... maybe not as good and certainly not in front as many people. I'm glad wrestling is becoming more accepted. Sure, it can be corny and outlandish, but that's part of its greatness. There are endless ways to do a pro wrestling match.

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.

It's odd to see Kenny Omega be so successful. I knew he had talent but didn't see him being the huge star he is these days. Definitely neat to say you hold victories over one of the best in the world. Also, did I beat Seth Rollins? I'll have to look into that. Life is funny sometimes.

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)

Olympic style wrestling is starting to up their "production" and adding a little entertainment to the mat game as well. So, I have some expectations that will grow, too. Although, the costumes/singlets scare some guys off whether they are afraid of showing their manhood or their manhood showing themselves to others, but we're getting to a more accepting part of society.

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