Throughout the years, professional wrestling has seen its fair share of legends, each contributing uniquely to the sprawling history of the squared circle. Now, as some of these stars look back on their careers, they're highlighting not just the triumphs but also the missed opportunities they encountered. From dream matches never realized to moments overshadowed by circumstances, these reflections provide insight not only for fans but also for aspiring wrestlers.
One such poignant tale came from Diamond Dallas Page, the former WCW champion turned WWE Hall of Famer. Reflecting on his career, Page spoke about one of his greatest missed chances: sharing the ring with The Rock. Discussing this with Metro, he stated, "I wanted to do People’s Champion versus People’s Champion. That would have been insane money." The match seemed destined to happen, especially considering Page's own rise as one of WCW's flag bearers and The Rock's undeniable charisma. Yet, as fate would have it, the opportunity faded, leaving Page to wonder about the match-up's potential impact on his career.
This sentiment resonates not just with Page but with many veterans of the industry. WWE's current programming has also seen several returning legends like Rob Van Dam, who highlighted his own disappointments surrounding his 2021 Hall of Fame induction during the COVID-19 pandemic. RVD expressed how significant it was to receive the honor but felt the experience was marred by the absence of fans and the restrictions imposed during the pandemic. He shared, "It was very validating, you know, to be thought of on the Mount Rushmore of wrestlers. That’s something they can never take away from me now." But the lack of audience interaction left him craving the energy and connection he had witnessed every year as a fan. His speech, initially capped at three minutes, extended much longer, yet Van Dam explained, "You’re playing off of somebody turning the volume up and down on a response…"
While opportunities missed are often seized upon by the narratives of victory, they create a unique dialogue for the legends who prioritize connection with fans. Other wrestlers have also shared their musings on what could have been, exploring different storylines or matches they wished had materialized. Magnifying these reflections, wrestling great Kurt Angle discussed his career during the peak of the Attitude Era, emphasizing the pressure performers faced back then to consistently outdo themselves. According to Angle, "I was very lucky to get in the business right at the peak of the Attitude Era. It was the best era in wrestling." Given the substantial roster, he recalled, it didn’t matter if you were at the beginning or end of the card – everyone shined brightly. Yet, the change since then to fewer standout stars creates different expectations for today’s wrestlers. A tougher industry, these stars echo the want for collective recognition.
Angle also emphasized the importance of self-advocacy, reflecting on how he wished he had been more business-savvy during his wrestling days. "I wish I would have [been]. Steve Austin was great at it… Me, I came in, I was just like, I just want to wrestle." His reflections serve as both cautionary tales and encouraging words for current and future generations. Angle underscored the significance of carving out unique personas and business tactics to secure longevity and success within the industry.
This drive for uniqueness is echoed by another veteran, as wrestling fans eagerly await the potential comeback of Brock Lesnar. Known for his brute strength and compelling storylines, Lesnar’s return has become increasingly probable as rumors swirl around his possible matchup against Gunther, WWE's current dominant force. Wrestling icon Magnum T.A. recently expressed enthusiasm for this possible contest, labeling Gunther as the ideal opponent. The anticipation builds as Lesnar's absence stretches beyond notable timelines, which some speculate were impacted by external circumstances surrounding management. T.A.'s pressing desire for this match demonstrates how dream matchups can reignite fan enthusiasm, potentially revitalizing interest across television and live events.
Gunther himself has echoed admiration for Lesnar, awaiting the day he can step inside the ring with the ferocious competitor. "He’s my final boss," Gunther remarked, as he contemplates the legacy and pressure associated with facing such a formidable figure.
Wrestling is more than just athleticism; it’s storytelling, connection, and creativity. The reflections of past and present stars provide rich tapestries of tales from the ring, blending aspirations, struggles, and the weight of unfulfilled matches. Indeed, every missed opportunity brings forth another chance for reimagining, which adds to the narrative depth of not just individual careers, but of professional wrestling as a whole. The conversations sparked by these legends' unknown trajectories create anticipation and speculation for what lies next on the card.
Both the wrestlers’ stories and the anticipation for upcoming matches weave the fabric of the wrestling community tighter, ensuring even those missed moments are cherished for their potential. The legacy of wrestlers like Page and Angle, combined with the rising currents of stars like Gunther, keep fans hopeful for the future curves of their beloved sport's storylines.
