On a recent edition of his “The Hacksaw Hour” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan shared his opinion on title reigns and why winning a championship is not mandatory to be a successful wrestler.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On why you don’t have to be champion in wrestling: “That’s not the idea of wrestling, holy sh*t, it’s a work. You don’t have to be champion, you don’t have to win all the time. Bruiser Brody told me he’d put anybody over at any time, 1, 2, 3 dead in the middle, just let him get his stuff on after. Boom, get up, get your 2×4, chase the guy out of the ring, chase the referee out of the ring.”
On how becoming champion isn’t as important in wrestling as in real sports: “It’s a job. People look at it, it’s not the way to look at our profession.”
In the world of professional wrestling, winning championships is often seen as the ultimate goal for wrestlers. It signifies their success and dominance in the industry. However, WWE Hall of Famer “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan recently shared his opinion on title reigns and why winning a championship is not mandatory to be a successful wrestler.
Duggan, known for his iconic 2×4 and patriotic persona, expressed his views on his podcast, “The Hacksaw Hour.” He emphasized that being a champion is not the essence of professional wrestling. He stated, “That’s not the idea of wrestling, holy sh*t, it’s a work. You don’t have to be champion, you don’t have to win all the time.”
According to Duggan, the concept of wrestling is different from that of real sports. In real sports, becoming a champion is often considered the pinnacle of success. However, in professional wrestling, it is more about entertaining the audience and telling a story. Duggan highlighted the words of his late friend and fellow wrestler, Bruiser Brody, who said he would put anyone over and let them win, as long as he could showcase his moves afterward.
Duggan’s perspective sheds light on the fact that success in professional wrestling can be measured in various ways. While winning championships can certainly elevate a wrestler’s status and provide them with more opportunities, it is not the only path to success. Wrestlers can make a significant impact on the industry through their character work, in-ring skills, and ability to connect with the audience.
In recent years, there has been a shift in the wrestling landscape where championships are not the sole focus. Promotions like All Elite Wrestling (AEW) have emphasized long-term storytelling and character development over frequent title changes. This approach allows wrestlers to showcase their abilities and engage with fans on a deeper level.
Duggan’s comments also highlight the importance of the overall experience for both wrestlers and fans. Professional wrestling is a form of entertainment that combines athleticism, storytelling, and larger-than-life characters. While championships add an element of prestige, they are just one aspect of the larger picture.
Ultimately, success in professional wrestling should be measured by the impact a wrestler has on the industry and the lasting memories they create for the fans. Whether it’s through memorable matches, captivating promos, or iconic moments, wrestlers can leave a lasting legacy without holding a championship belt.
In conclusion, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan’s opinion on title reigns brings a fresh perspective to the world of professional wrestling. While winning championships is often seen as the ultimate goal, it is not mandatory for a wrestler to be considered successful. The essence of professional wrestling lies in entertaining the audience, telling compelling stories, and leaving a lasting impact on the industry. Championships may come and go, but the memories created by wrestlers endure for years to come.