Below are highlights from Jim Ross’ latest blog…
Curtis Axel
It’s amazing the feedback that I have received on Curtis Axel since he aligned himself with Paul Heyman last Monday night on Raw. The feedback as ran the gambit of skepticism, cynicism, to outright joy. All I know is that the young man has been working very hard, he steered the course and never gave up on his dream to become a star in WWE just as his father, Mr. Perfect, did years ago. Old school fans also remember that Larry “The Ax” Hennig was a huge star in the AWA for years as well. I know this…Curtis Axel will do all that he can to elevate to the next level and at the end of the day that’s all a talent can do. Even if that means working through creative plans that some fans don’t like. Curtis is a big, athletic kid who is tough and who has been aligned with Paul Heyman who can be a tremendous asset to the Perfect son. @HeymanHustle has a skill set that is a lost art in today’s genre.
Curtis Axel’s match quality down in NXT turned heads and helped facilitate the young man’s current status.
I suggest giving this new, paring of Axel & Heyman a chance before all the fortune tellers and wresstling savants immerse us with what’s going to happen in the future.
NFLPA Stars Joining WWE
I flew to Washington , D.C. Tuesday evening and met with the NFLPA on Wednesday morning. It was a productive meeting as the NFLPA group is in contact with literally hundreds of high level athletes who become detached from the NFL and are looking for their next career opportunity.
Obviously, not every former football player will fit into WWE Developmental but some will and those that do have a chance to use their God given athleticism and their extroverted personalities to fit into the system and hopefully become WWE stars some day.
Over the years, the wrestling business has been dotted with stars who have had a football background including Bronko Nagurski who was a former NWA Champion and is a member of the NFL’s inaugural Hall of Fame class.
Some critics say that WWE is making a mistake going this route to which I wholeheartedly disagree. We are looking for athletes who have outgoing personalities and who are fans of the genre of sports entertainment and who WANT to become WWE Superstars. Great athletes who don’t have any emotional investment in the world of sports entertainment need not apply.
The great thing about a former NFL player, no matter their level of league experience, is that we know that we are getting an athlete of a high level and their pedigree and background can be thoroughly checked to make sure that it’s a good ‘marriage.’ There are literally scores of talented, educated young men who have lived their football dreams and are now ready to embark on another career course. If we are successful matching athleticism with the necessary aptitude of a given talent, then WWE and its fanbase wins.
Time will tell how this potential arrangement works out for all involved but WWE will continue to look far and wide for potential WWE talents including other sports groups and organizations worldwide, the independent wrestling circuit, and beyond.
