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If you're a casual wrestling fan and would pay $20 for a card that featured
Rikishi, Diamond Dallas Page, Vampiro, Konnan, and Chyna, then you might
want to pick up 101 Reasons Not to be a Pro Wrestler. If you're slightly
interested in becoming a wrestler, you're already established, or you're
a die-hard fan who's always wanted to sneak a peek backstage, 101 Reasons
is a must-own DVD that gives the viewer an intense glimpse into the volatile
world of professional wrestling.
The DVD features wrestlers who are not exactly lighting the wrestling world on fire these days, so I figured that they would be a bunch of whiners crying sour grapes about how they were never given the right opportunities to shine,and to a certain extent, I was correct. However, some of the interviewees are so surprisingly honest and brutally blunt that it will definitely raise your eyebrows quite a few times during viewing. Featuring wrestling's most outspoken performer, New Jack, as well as many familiar and not-so-familiar faces, 101 Reasons is a chair shot to the head that will change your views on wrestling, especially if you have a fan's perspective.
Two of the most honest wrestlers featured on the DVD are Konnan and Vampiro, who apparently are the 'Eddie Van Halen and David Lee Roth' of Mexican wrestlers, according to Konnan. Great analogy! Konnan discusses frankly the state of the industry today and trashes JBL as WWE Champion. He also openly discusses WWE and its political locker room and office yet is political enough himself to possibly leave the door open for one more run with Eddie Guerrero or Rey Mysterio. Hey, you can't blame the guy for trying to make a living, right? Vampiro, on the other hand, seems to care less about ever working for Vince McMahon and pulls no punches when talking about the business.
Vampiro discusses drugs, politics, sexual politics (yikes!), and the pressures of wrestling. He talks honestly about injuries, gaining and losing one's spot, and many other negatives of the business. Vampiro, who for some reason showcases his very bizarre-looking pectorals throughout his interview, does lose credibility as his buddies throw objects at him and distract him as he's being interviewed. Although he looks very childish at times, Vampiro speaks with a great deal of conviction, and he definitely has the experience to know what he's talking about. However, he does admit that 'drugs are good,' so one has to wonder if he's bitter because he may have never reached his full potential due to his personal choices.
Chyna is also heavily showcased, and her storied past is openly discussed. As lucid and well spoken as she sometimes comes off in this documentary, there are many clips where she is acting unprofessionally, and that overrides any credibility she has. We won't even factor in her performance on The Surreal Life. However, her track record does speak for itself as far as her career goes, so you can't argue that she has the experiences from which to draw. It's sad to see someone so broken by the business, although, to her credit, she really doesn't blame wrestling for her downfall. She blames Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. Her brother, who unfortunately makes a cameo, is a complete and utter buffoon. You'll get slightly uncomfortable every time you watch him try to add something to the commentary.
New Jack, as can be expected, holds nothing back and releases a profanity-laden tirade like only New Jack can. While sipping a very large vat of alcohol, the Original Gangsta speaks candidly about promoters, drugs, paydays, and the Internet. He claims that wrestlers are 'men who pretend to be boys' so they don't step on promoters' toes, and he discusses the industry today in great detail. The camera follows New Jack around California , where the video is set, and he is never at a loss for words. 101 Reasons also contains a match (I use this term loosely) that New Jack has against an old, feeble wrestler (again, loosely). If you can watch this match and not feel at least slightly awkward, you may be a heartless person. New Jack literally beats this guy senseless and drags him all over the gym, where a small number of odd-looking fans have gathered to witness this debacle. The guy, who I believe is named Gypsy Joe, is old, flabby, and seems to be under the influence of something because he barely reacts to the beating and doesn't seem to comprehend what's happening. You have to see this to believe it.
Other participants in the video are Rikishi, Sean O'Haire, and Diamond Dallas Page. Each is very cautious when answering questions and presents the business in a positive light. However, Rikishi and DDP have both had successful and high-profile careers and may not have too much complaining to do. O'Haire, who claims to be done with wrestling, is smart enough to realize he is young enough and athletic enough to break back into wrestling in the future, so he's understandably careful not to burn any bridges. DDP, aware that many people will see this DVD, plugs everything he is currently involved with! Free publicity can't be beaten, and Page knows that.
Some less-famous faces also appear on 101 Reasons include Tylene Buck, who spends the entire DVD in a make-up chair (very annoying to watch) and offers no real insight whatsoever. The camera operator must've realized this and seems to zoom in on her torso quite a few times as she's babbling. Predator, a fighter from Zero-One who claims to have rejected a WWE contract, offers lots of opinions and speaks freely. To his credit, he has a strong vocabulary and speaks with conviction. On the other hand, Babi Slymm, a slovenly independent wrestler who will annoy you with his nonsensical chatter and repeated use of the word 'dawg,' offers nothing to the viewer but a desire to scan through his screen time, of which he receives way too much. Although rather unaccomplished, these guys do offer a different side to the wrestling business, and it's clear why the director/writer added in these clips.
101 Reasons Not to Be a Pro Wrestler will definitely give you some further insight into the wrestling business, but I'd be highly surprised if it actually steers people away from becoming wrestlers. A big problem with the industry today is that it contains many people who should be in the crowd rather than behind the scenes, but this DVD won't scare away those individuals. While Moody's offering only highlights the negatives of the business and it is can be argued that the individuals airing their gripes are somewhat hypocritical and/or soured, 101 Reasons is definitely worth a peek.
Email comments to Mason@MasonRaige.com
For more on the author, check out www.MasonRaige.com
Mason Raige
Professional Wrestling's Premier Powerhouse
www.masonraige.com
