Former WWE referee of over 20 years, Jimmy Korderas, has posted a new blog on CSRWrestling.com about the dynamics of being a 2nd or 3rd generation star in wrestling. Here is an excerpt from that blog:
You might think that these offspring have an advantage over others that do not have a legendary parent who was a major star in the wrestling business. This may be true in the sense that it gives them a high profile advocate to at least get them their foot in the door, looked at and put them on the radar. It does not automatically guarantee them a place in the company. Once that foot is in the door, they have to earn their own way. However, there is a debate as to whether being the son or daughter of a legend is a blessing or a curse. You can find examples both positive and negative, past and present.
Currently, there is one 2nd generation Diva that has some pretty big shoes to fill. Of course I am referring to WWE Divas champion Charlotte. When your father is the 16 times World Heavyweight Champ and two time Hall of Famer Ric Flair, the eyes of the wrestling world will undoubtedly be focused on you. Expectations are understandably lofty but sometimes unrealistic. In the case of Charlotte specifically, the bar has been set high. Unfortunately for her, having her father “managing” her career and accompanying her to the ring for matches while remaining at ringside casts a huge shadow that may prove to be extremely difficult for Charlotte to emerge from.
I do not for one minute believe that Ric Flair is trying to “hog the spotlight” from his daughter. Flair loves the bright lights and being in front of the fans but he loves his daughter much more. In fact, I truly believe he is conflicted because he wants to be there for Charlotte but in his mind knows that every time he appears with her, she takes a back seat and Ric becomes the focal point. Ric Flair is unwittingly hampering his daughter’s ability to evolve in the WWE.
To read the full blog, please click here.
