For The Record 4.12.09: Is Austin the BEST EVER?

Before we begin…

A Reader’s Response to the “Cena Speaks for Millions” Article

I caught your article about how Cena speaks for the millions on 411mania, and I have to say while you make good points, I have to strongly disagree.

In your article, you cite how Rock has not given back to pro wrestling, when such is far from the truth. When his movie career was just starting to gain legs, he was putting over people like The Hurricane, Brock Lesnar, etc… and again after his career had fully blossomed by coming back to team with Mick Foley and put over Evolution[Orton and Batista], and gave them some legitimacy.

Cena is mad and speaking out because he feels The Rock abandoned pro wrestling, when such is far from the case again. The Rock didn’t abandon pro wrestling. He simply made the best choice for him career wise, and health wise. Think about this. When The Rock is 50, he’ll be earning 5-15 million a flick for roughly 1-2 months work out of his life, able to walk upright without the aid of pain killers, and enjoying time with his family and giving them his undivided attention. John Cena if he holds true to his word, when he is 50 will be a near cripple, attempting to hang on for that last payday like so many wrestlers now because they can’t seem to let it go, and have multiple divorces because pro wrestling and marraige do not mix. Cena is a hypocrite and does not see the big picture. The differences between The Rock’s movie career, and Cena’s movie career, is that Hollywood came looking for The Rock because he has a natural charisma, amazing personality and screen presence, and has gone on to show he’s not a 1 trick pony action star. Cena wouldn’t have a movie career if WWE did not have it’s own film production studio. Hollywood is not calling for John Cena, no hollywood directors are rushing to put John Cena in a REAL film. Not even direct to DVD films are looking for John Cena.

John Cena simply put is a company man. He has no girlfriend. He’s not married. He has no significant personal life outside of professional wrestling. IE he’s the perfect person for Vince McMahon to put his muscle behind, because he knows whatever he asks of John Cena, John Cena will not turn him down and can delve 100% into it. But I guarantee you if Cena’s rap career had taken off[Cena is a horrible rapper and got clowned on Hot 97 when he went on there to promote his album, and Funkmaster Flex rated his skills a 4/10 which in the eyes of any legit rap/hiphop fan is a substandard artist], or some non WWE produced film came looking to cast him in it, and his career balooned from there, I gurantee you John Cena would be looking for the escape hatch and distance himself as far as possible from the WWE. Hulk Hogan of all people gave The Rock the greatest advice he could have given another person looking to make it in Hollywood. “Distance yourself from your wrestling persona, and the WWE because Hollywood is not looking for wrestlers.” And he was right. From someone who tried to make it in the main stream movie business, to someone who was a fledgeling actor at the time, Hogan was 100% right.

Also, The Rock did what was right for his family. I am sorry to say, but the professional wrestling claimed the life of another marraige. So many marraiges have been claimed by professional wrestling, and so many kids alienated due to not having their fathers in their lives on a full time basis. Infidelity, drug use, absentism, physical and mental abuse, the list goes on and on why wrestlers cannot maintain relationships. And all are side effects of being commited to your craft on a top level like the WWE. Examples include The Rock[Married to Danny and then seperated then finally divorced], Steve Austin[married 3 times], Undertaker, Jerry Lawler, Hulk Hogan[seperated numerous times during his wrestling career and finally divorced], Lex Luger, Randy Savage, the list is endless. The Rock did what was best for his family. While no longer married, his daughter does not have to suffer because her father is not there due to work, or being a part time father as it were. Sorta like how The Rock grew up himself with his mother and father constantly fighting as outlined in his own book due to his father’s indescrations and life on the road.

As for John Cena’s wrestling career, the guy isn’t as popular as one would think. If you’ve ever been to the WWE live when he wrestles, there’s a strong 55/45 – 50/50 cheers to boo’s ratio. Little kids love him, but older fans hate him. And the hate is not heel heat hate, it’s “X-Pac heat” hate as in Go away, we don’t want to see you. During televised events, you can clearly hear piped in cheers, in the same manner that Goldberg’s cheers were piped in during the final days of WCW because the fans had grown weary of his 1 trick pony style but WCW continued to shove him down the fans throats. The same holds true for John Cena. He’s getting shoved down the fans throats to the point where WWE confiscates anti-Cena signs during televised events. I can’t even say he’s this generation’s Hulk Hogan, because Hogan was adored by fans young and old, and when he felt he was getting stale, he re-invented himself. I don’t think Cena has that ability because he is a 1 trick pony. He doesn’t even have his own personality, as he’s heavily scripted.

I hope to get a responce from you regarding this, and I’d like for you to post the flipside of this on 411 if you can.

David A. Scruggs

David offered many valid points. And though I might not agree with everything he said, I appreciate his opinion. He formulated a well-reasoned and persuasive argument.

I originally planned on writing responses to readers’ comments from last week’s article. But around Tuesday or Wednesday I changed my mind. My style as a writer is to pick one topic, expand upon it, and let the readers have the final word. Sure, I am not always faithful to that formula. But for the most part, I prefer to start fresh and address one subject per column.

I decided to post David’s messsage in my column because he sent it by email. It was a great counter to last week’s article and I wanted to make it available to all visitors. For future reference though, I ask all “For The Record” guests who wish to respond to please post on the comment section; not by email. Posting on the comment section is the quickest and easiest way for all of your views to be expressed to the 411 community.

McMahon’s Loaded Statement

During the April 4th Hall of Fame ceremony, something noteworthy happened. Vince McMahon paid Steve Austin the ultimate compliment. The chairman said:

“There’s no question he is, if nothing else, the greatest WWE Superstar of all time.”

There’s a very short list of WWE Superstars who can be considered the best ever. Among the all-time WWE greats are the following: Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, Bret Hart, The Undertaker, and Shawn Michaels.

Okay, some people might add or subtract a few names from that list. A case can certainly be made that Macho Man, The Rock, Mick Foley, Kurt Angle, Andre The Giant, Bruno Sammartino, and Bob Backlund belong in the above group. I completely respect and understand those who hold such beliefs. But in my view, Hogan, Austin, Hart, Taker, and Michaels were the most important characters of the post-1983 wrestling era.

Why am I drawing a distinction between WWE’s pre and post-1983 time frames? Because 1983 was the year Hulkamania was born. And the birth of Hulkamania helped lead to the creation of Wrestlemania. And the creation of Wrestlemania changed the whole tone and tenor of wrestling forever. After Hulk Hogan and Wrestlemania began, WWE became the sports entertainment product. WWE was no longer trying to paint pro wrestling as a legitimate sport. McMahon’s approach worked and his success forced rival promoters to either evolve their products or shut their doors.

The early to mid 80s became the most consequential time in televised wrestling history. Since that time, the main characters have been Hogan, Austin, Hart, Michaels, and Undertaker… at least in my view.

We’ll now examine their careers. Who’s the best ever? You decide.

Hulk Hogan

The Hulkster was WWE’s centerpiece for over a decade. During his reign as WWE’s top guy, he revolutionized professional wrestling forever. He was the face of Hulkamania, the top draw of Wretlemanias, the reason for WWE’s mainstream prominence, and the man who both set an indoor attendance record and slammed Andre on the same night.

Hulk Hogan made WWE tons and money, and in the process made his cohorts a lot of money. Wrestling on the undercard of a Hogan-headlined event had to be better than wrestling on events when Hogan was absent. Wrestlers were paid in part by how well WWE did at the gate. And if wrestlers wanted to showcase their talents before sellout crowds, there was no better wrestler to compete beneath than Hulk Hogan.

Hogan was the face of wrestling. Vince McMahon and all of today’s WWE performers owe a great deal debt to the Hulkster. Hogan helped bring to fruition McMahon’s image of what the professional wrestling business should be. The WWE owner and visionary could not have commissioned a better artist.

Bret Hart

The Hitman became WWE’s top dog at a crucial point in the Fed’s history. Hulk Hogan left WWE in 1994 and signed with WCW. Wrestlemania X was the first Wrestlemania WWE would produce without the presence of Hulk Hogan. On that night, WWE had to make a statement. A new, post-Hogan era of WWE was about to begin.

McMahon chose Bret Hart to be the focus of Wrestlemania X. The Hitman started the night by putting on a five star classic with his brother Owen. He would close the night by defeating Yokozuna for the WWE Championship. But Bret did not stand in the WWE ring alone. He would be congratulated by the company’s top stars. He was even hoisted on the shoulders of Lex Luger and Razor Ramon.

On that night, in Madison Square Garden, Bret Hart became the embodiment of WWE’s new generation. At Wrestlemania X, WWE symbolically told its audience that they would continue to flourish without Hulk Hogan. The rally of WWE Superstars around Bret Hart was one of the company’s all-time signature moments. That remains one of the primary reasons why Wrestlemania X is so fondly remembered by old school fans.

Bret Hart brought in a style of main eventing that focused on technical wrestling and workrate. Bret Hart wasn’t a media ham; he didn’t pander to the audience for cheers. He won over the fans by competing as an underdog and a fighting champion.

But besides Hart’s influence on WWE’s main event style, the full body of Hart’s career reveals that he’s one of pro wrestling’s all-time great technicians. Just look at Hart’s encounters with Mr. Perfect and the British Bulldog at Summerslams ’91 and ’92. Those were pure classics and one of the reasons why Bret Hart deserves the title “Mr. Summerslam.”

Hart had what many believe to be the best opening match in WWE history when he put over his brother Owen at Wrestlemania X. That same year, Bret Hart defended his WWE Championship against Bob Backlund on WWF Superstars in what I consider to be the best Superstars match ever aired.

Hart also made Diesel look good at Survivor Series ’95. Those two competitors put on an all out war that ended when Hart, after playing “possum”, cradled Diesel for the three-count.

On Hart’s last two Wrestlemanias, Bret put over two fellow legends. At Wrestlemania 12, Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart battled in an iconic Iron Man Match. In a match that the wrestling world will never forget, Hart put over Michaels and gave HBK that historic moment when Michaels dropped to his knees and gazed reverently at his newly won world title.

The following year, Hart and Austin absolutely saved Wrestlemania 13. Hart and Austin put on what many modern fans believe to be the best match ever. In that match, Hart proved that a wrestler does not necessarily need to lose to put an opponent over. Simply put, their match left an indelible mark on the wrestling business and there’s not need to elaborate further.

Let us not forget though about Survivor Series ‘97. On that infamous night, Hart was double-crossed. He would never return to a WWE ring again. Hart’s absence from the WWE and his refusal to step foot in McMahon’s ring has created a mystique around the Hitman. It is his mystique, his off-air feud with Shawn Michaels, and his charge that Ric Flair sabotaged his matches that make Hart one of the most controversial figures in all of wrestling lore.

Shawn Michaels

The Heartbreak Kid, along with Bret Hart, helped to usher in the use of workrate main eventing in WWE. But before Michaels joined the Hitman as a top of the card performer, he also had an impressive mid-card career. He is the only wrestler in Wrestlemania history (other than Finlay if I recall) to be in the opening bout of three straight Wrestlemanias. He also competed in the highly acclaimed Ladder Match with Razor Ramon. HBK was also the first WWE Superstar to win a Royal Rumble after drawing #1. He went on to Wrestlemania XI and pushed Diesel to the limit in what I still maintain is an underrated match. I would also be remised if I forgot to mention that Michaels had caliber matches with Marty Janetty, Mr. Perfect, Bret Hart, Owen Hart, and Jeff Jarrett before HBK even won his first world title.

But finally, the time came when Michaels and Hart crossed paths at Wrestlemania. Going into that match, Michaels and Hart had several similarities. Both were accomplished tag team wrestlers. Both were amazing Intercontinental Champions. Both were exceptional workrate performers. However, there were some glaring differences. Michaels was charismatic and flamboyant; Hart was conservative and reserved. Michaels was somewhat of a high flier; Hart was more mat-based. Hart came from a well established wrestling family; Michaels was a self-made star. Those similarities and contrasts made for a very entertaining build to Wrestlemania 12. Eventually, Michaels prevailed while Hart stepped aside for a while.

Michaels had a decent title run and had quality matches with the British Bulldog, Vader, and Mankind before dropping the title to Sid. During this time, HBK had the unenviable task of competing with the newly founded and red-hot NWO. Michaels felt the pressure, and a combination of injuries and personal life struggles resulted in Shawn surrendering his title one month after beginning his second WWE Title reign.

Michaels would eventually return to the ring as referee for the WWE Championship match at Summerslam ’97 after a summer of heated exchanges with the Hart Foundation. He then began the most entertaining 6-7 month run I’ve ever seen. After Summerslam, Michaels would go on to feud with The Undertaker, resume his feud with the Hart Foundation, and eventually put over Stone Cold Steve Austin at Wrestlemania 14.

In the course of that time, Michaels became a founding member of Degeneration X. DX changed the tone of WWE and pushed the envelope. They were edgy, sophomoric, and comedic in an odd way. They helped to usher a new attitude into wrestling (pun intended). Their styles clashed with the Hart Foundation’s and eventually the two leaders of those factions would face off at Survivor Series ’97. HBK won, but that was only part of the story as we know.

All and all, HBK’s involvement in the Montreal incident made him a part of wrestling history. He will always be tied to that event. It’s an association that is impossible to shake.

However, Michaels was not defined by that event. It didn’t change the course of his life, unlike Bret Hart. Michaels would pass the torch to Austin at Wrestlemania 14, and then retire as an in-ring competitor due to back problems. The back injury that prematurely ended Michaels’ tenure as a wrestler was a life-altering event in more ways than one. In Michaels’ time away from the ring, he grew up. He married a good woman, started a family, and found God. He eventually returned to the squared circle with a heightened sense of purpose. For his second time around, he wouldn’t fall subject to the fast and dark life that so many wrestlers experience. He was grounded. And he became a better performer for it.

Michaels has improved with age. Since his return he has participated in superb matches with the likes of Kurt Angle, John Cena, Shelton Benjamin, Ric Flair, The Undertaker, Triple H, Chris Benoit (in the triple threat matches), Randy Orton, and Mr. Kennedy. Michaels is leaving a legacy as the best performer in WWE history. He might not be the biggest star, or possess the best win-loss record, but he is defining success in a new way to the next generation of wrestling fans.

The Undertaker

The Deadman is perhaps the best WWE gimmick ever. Taker’s run with WWE has spanned almost two continuous and uninterrupted decades. Taker is WWE’s all-time best loyalist. When the going got tough, Taker never got going.

The Undertaker holds the distinction of being undefeated at Wrestlemania. That is the longest running and most compelling storyline in WWE. His matches at Wreslemania have now become more important than the title bouts. Several wrestlers have walked out of Wrestlemania as champion. None of them have either defeated The Undertaker or gone 17-0. His streak is as legendary as Sammartino’s seven year title reign because both accomplishments span many years.

Taker has evolved as a performer. That is part of the reason why the Undertaker’s gimmick has endured for so long. He is no longer the slow moving zombie that struck fear into the hearts and minds of fans in early ‘90s. After a few years, Taker started to work a more conventional wrestling speed and eventually began producing three to four star matches. He later engaged in great bouts with Bret Hart, Mankind, and Steve Austin before absolutely wowing the crowd at Bad Blood ’97. His Hell in a Cell Match with Shawn Michaels is still talked about today as a classic. It was truly a five star masterpiece that showed that The Undertaker was not only a scary character, but a gifted wrestler.

The Undertaker would go on to compete in outstanding matches with Triple H, The Rock, Mankind, Steve Austin, Kurt Angle, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, Batista, and Edge. He also stole the show at last week’s Wrestlemania by besting Shawn Michaels in an “instant classic.”

The Undertaker has been around forever. A large portion of the IWC wasn’t even born when the Undertaker made his WWE debut. His longevity earns him a special place in WWE. While he might not have been a revolutionary figure who changed the course of WWE history, his constant presence has made him one of WWE’s most respected and revered wrestlers. I wonder if The Undertaker was a little offended by McMahon’s praise of Austin.

Stone Cold Steve Austin

The Rattlesnake is a bona fide wrestling icon. He is one of those wrestlers who, like Hogan and Hart, carried the WWE during uncertain times. Hogan, Hart, and Austin were dices that McMahon rolled. Each man represented a change of course for WWE. Austin, for his part, was the lead character of the Attitude Era.

Exactly when the Attitude Era officially began is debatable. Some date it back to the 1996 King of the Ring. Others say Survivor Series ’97. Some argue that it began when Austin pushed Mike Tyson in January of ‘98. But the one night that undeniably saw Austin take the mantle as top WWE star was Wrestlemania 14. Stone Cold became the face of wrestling’s new age… and changed WWE forever.

In the years to come, WWE attained unprecedented success in pay-per-view buyrates and television ratings.

A surge in WWE popularity was sorely needed in the 1997-98 timeframe. WCW was becoming the dominant wrestling company and there were whispers that WWE was close to shutting its doors. WWE looked to be down and out. WCW had many big name stars including Hogan, Hall, Nash, Savage, and Hennig, just to name a few. Nitro was pulling in ridiculously high ratings and WCW’s executives probably believed that the Monday Night Wars were over. McMahon and Austin had other plans.

Together, Austin and McMahon saved WWE. Yes, they were aided by the amazing contributions of Mick Foley, The Rock, Triple H, and The Undertaker. But make no mistake about it; Austin and McMahon were the main characters of that crucial era.

But besides the historical nature of Austin’s work as the top star of the Attitude Era, Austin was also a great wrestler. In his WWE run, Stone Cold entertained the fans in matches with Bret Hart, Owen Hart, Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, The Rock, Triple H, Kurt Angle, Mick Foley, and Kane.

In the late 90s, Austin did something special. He was the only captain of a wrestling company to beat a Hogan-led promotion. Austin’s WWE beat Hogan’s WCW. Austin was on the right side of history, Hogan was not. And perhaps that is why Austin is remembered so fondly by Vince McMahon. Hogan went to WCW and worked for a rival company that almost put WWE out of business. Austin on the other hand saved WWE from an untimely demise.

If the Hogan experiment failed, McMahon would have merely gone back to the drawing board. If the Austin experiment failed, WWE would have shut its doors because there was no time for a “plan B.” Thus, Austin was more important to WWE than Hogan.

Who’s The Greatest?

It’s hard to say who the best is. If one is concerned with workrate, Hitman and Michaels were arguably the two best performers to ever lace a pair of boots. If one wants to debate who were the most important revolutionaries in wrestling history, Austin and Hogan will probably be the subject of discussion. If one considers uniqueness to be an essential quality, The Undertaker’s Wrestlemania streak, remarkable longevity, and gimmick mastery have put the Deadman in a class by himself.

No question though, Austin is honored among legends. To be named the greatest of all time by Vince McMahon is a compliment of the highest order.

Will that make a few legends envious? Probably.