The world of professional wrestling is known for its dramatic storylines, intense matches, and larger-than-life characters. However, behind the scenes, it’s a cutthroat industry where egos can clash and careers can be made or broken.
In a recent exclusive interview with Sportskeeda’s The Wrestling Outlaws, Vince Russo, a veteran WWE writer, shared a revealing anecdote about his experience with John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL) during the late 1990s.
Russo recalled how he had expressed his honest opinion to JBL and his tag team partner Barry Windham about their persona, The New Blackjacks.
Russo believed that the gimmick wouldn’t resonate with fans, but instead of receiving a constructive response, he was met with resistance and eventually “heat” from the duo.
This incident highlights a pervasive problem in the wrestling industry – the inability of some talents to take constructive criticism.
Russo’s comments underscore the importance of being open to feedback and willing to adapt in the fast-paced world of professional wrestling. As he aptly put it,
“In any job, I’m sure you wanna know where you really stand. If there is a chance of you getting fired, what do I need to work on? What can you smarten me up to?”
Unfortunately, not everyone shares this mindset, and it can lead to stagnation and ultimately, failure.
The New Blackjacks experiment was short-lived, and JBL went on to form a successful tag team with Ron Simmons, aka Faarooq, known as The Acolytes Protection Agency.
While JBL’s career flourished in the years that followed, including a WWE Championship win in 2004, Russo’s experience serves as a reminder that ego and pride can sometimes get in the way of progress.
In an industry where image and perception are everything, it takes courage to receive and act upon constructive criticism. By sharing his story, Russo hopes to impart valuable lessons to aspiring wrestlers and industry professionals alike – that honesty, even if uncomfortable, is essential for growth and success.
As the wrestling terraincontinues to evolve, it’s essential for talents to develop a thick skin and be receptive to feedback. Only by doing so can they hope to navigate the ever-changing tides of the industry and achieve long-term success.
