WCW and the Two-Class Society: Experiences of Former Pro Wrestlers

TLDRFormer pro wrestlers share their experiences in WCW, including the two-class society, backstage politics, and challenges faced by midcard wrestlers. They discuss the lack of upward mobility and how top guys often blamed midcard wrestlers for low attendance. The wrestlers also talk about the difficulties of navigating the wrestling industry and the impact of backstage politics on their careers.

Key insights

💰WCW had a two-class society, with top guys treated differently from midcard wrestlers.

🤼‍♂️Backstage politics and personal relationships often influenced push and opportunities in WCW.

🚫The lack of upward mobility and limited opportunities frustrated midcard wrestlers in WCW.

🎟️Attendance at house shows was seen as a measure of a wrestler's drawing power and could impact their push.

🤝Navigating the wrestling industry required strong relationships with promoters and bookers.

Q&A

What was the two-class society in WCW?

—WCW had a hierarchical structure where top guys received preferential treatment and better pay than midcard wrestlers.

How did backstage politics affect wrestlers' careers?

—Backstage politics and personal relationships often influenced push and opportunities in WCW, and those without connections faced challenges in advancing their careers.

Why was there a lack of upward mobility in WCW?

—The two-class society in WCW made it difficult for midcard wrestlers to move up and get better opportunities, leading to frustration and limited career growth.

Why did attendance at house shows matter in WCW?

—Attendance at house shows was seen as a measure of a wrestler's drawing power and could impact their push and opportunities within the company.

What did it take to navigate the wrestling industry successfully?

—Navigating the wrestling industry required strong relationships with promoters and bookers, as well as the ability to navigate backstage politics and make strategic career decisions.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Former pro wrestlers discuss their experiences in WCW and the challenges they faced as midcard wrestlers.

02:28WCW had a two-class society, with top guys receiving better treatment and pay than midcard wrestlers.

06:12Backstage politics and personal relationships often played a role in push and opportunities in WCW.

09:45Midcard wrestlers in WCW struggled with limited upward mobility and frustration with their lack of opportunities.

14:56Attendance at house shows was considered a measure of a wrestler's drawing power in WCW.

19:40Navigating the wrestling industry required building relationships with promoters and bookers.

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