Vince McMahon’s drivel about WWE wrestlers failing to “grab the brass ring” was nonsensical, idiotic and exemplary of how old and out of touch McMahon came across in his interview with Steve Austin.
Either that, or it was a very extended senior moment.
McMahon still believes his way is the only way. His truth, the only truth.
Ironically, the last time WWE grew its business by leaps and bounds was the last time McMahon had self-doubt. That self-doubt caused McMahon to let Vince Russo call some shots, and the “Attitude Era” was born.
McMahon could use some self-doubt. But none exists, and none will develop, because McMahon is surrounded by sycophants, ass-kissers and yes-men.
The son-in-law is not necessarily one of those. Not all the time. Triple H is a fan of Cesaro, for example. But Triple H is a McMahon first, a creative force second. Triple H might have a different opinion, but won’t ruffle Vince’s feathers.
Wall Street, BTW, is terrified at the thought of Triple H assuming total control of the company. Vince has a track record. Triple H has zero business background. WWE stock could plummet when Vince goes down for the dirt nap.
Anyway, about that “brass ring”…
Wrestlers can grab for it all they want, but that doesn’t matter if it keeps being yanked out of reach. It’s hardly stationary.
Daniel Bryan couldn’t possibly have done any more to grab the “brass ring.” But, for the longest time, WWE just didn’t let Bryan get a grip.
Sure, Bryan got his WrestleMania moment. But “the Authority” had to be dragged there kicking and screaming in very legit fashion.
I always found the Bryan-“Authority” feud so intriguing. Not in a way that would draw money, but interesting to an old dirt-sheet goon like me because IT WAS A TOTAL SHOOT. Triple H and Chyna Jr. meant every word they said. Triple H couldn’t believe the fans responding to such a frail specimen. It was an insult to Trips and his magazine-cover physique.
Compounding the whole matter is that Bryan doesn’t care. Bryan thinks wrestling has been great to him. In most ways, it has. He makes good money. Does regular work. Married a Bella. He’s legitimately not worried about backstage politics. That likely inflames “the Authority” even more, because Bryan is tough to frustrate.
Bryan is a well-adjusted human being. How dare he?
BTW, Triple H calling Bryan a “B-plus wrestler” was born of Dave Meltzer calling Triple H a B-plus wrestler. MELTZER RUNS WRESTLING!
It’s not a matter of wrestlers not working hard enough or striving for the top.
It’s the machine’s job to get them over. It’s Vince McMahon’s job to get them over. It’s WWE’s job to get them over.
It’s not a matter of the boys not grabbing the brass ring.
It’s a matter of McMahon and WWE misplacing the brass ring.
What, nobody wants to be on top anymore? Or make main-event money? How asinine.
The boys are doing just fine. Vince McMahon is one that’s failing.
Follow Mark on Twitter: @MarkMaddenX
