On a recent edition of his “Grilling JR” podcast, AEW broadcaster Jim Ross discussed the wrestling industry shifting from rehearsed matches to the more free-form, ad-lib approach in the modern era.
Ross explained that having wrestlers respond to their opponents in real-time creates a more natural and believable experience for the audience.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On moving away from a fully-rehearsed execution: “A lot of talents just don’t want to change. They like the match-by-memory scenario. I don’t, quite frankly. Because my guys get off their script, or off their set pattern of moves, and they have to deviate sometimes [if] things go awry … [otherwise] the match becomes sloppy and somewhat predictable. So, it was time to … I just think talents are so much better off if they are connected emotionally and psychologically to each other in a match, instead of going by memory.”
On the benefits of a more reactive performance style: “It gets awkward sometimes, and that’s what you don’t want. You want it to seem like a natural progression in a match. I like the fact that talents are calling it in the ring and they’re using the material that works to make their match more believable, and that’s always been the key. You do that by not memorizing your spots. [Steve] Austin was one of many who wanted to go back to doing what they believed was the right thing for the match.”
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In the world of professional wrestling, there has been a noticeable shift in the way matches are executed. Gone are the days of fully-rehearsed sequences and predetermined outcomes. Instead, wrestlers are now embracing a more free-form, ad-lib approach to their performances. AEW broadcaster Jim Ross recently discussed this evolution on his podcast, “Grilling JR,” shedding light on the benefits of this new style.
According to Ross, the move away from a fully-rehearsed execution has been met with some resistance from wrestlers who prefer the match-by-memory scenario. However, Ross believes that deviating from a set pattern of moves can actually enhance the overall quality of a match. When wrestlers respond to their opponents in real-time, it creates a more natural and believable experience for the audience.
One of the key advantages of this reactive performance style is that it prevents matches from becoming sloppy and predictable. When wrestlers stick too closely to a script, any deviation or unforeseen circumstance can throw them off, resulting in a less polished performance. By calling the match in the ring and using material that works in the moment, wrestlers can make their matches more believable and engaging.
Ross also emphasizes the importance of emotional and psychological connection between wrestlers during a match. When performers are solely focused on memorizing their spots, they may miss out on opportunities to connect with their opponent and create memorable moments. By embracing a more ad-lib approach, wrestlers can tap into their instincts and react authentically to the flow of the match.
This shift in wrestling style is not without its challenges. Ross acknowledges that it can sometimes lead to awkward moments in the ring. However, he believes that these occasional hiccups are a small price to pay for the overall improvement in match quality and audience engagement.
As the wrestling industry continues to evolve, it is clear that the ad-lib approach is gaining traction. Wrestlers like Steve Austin have been vocal about their desire to return to a more reactive style, believing it to be the right thing for the match. By breaking away from the confines of a rehearsed routine, wrestlers are able to create more organic and exciting performances.
In conclusion, the wrestling industry has seen a shift from fully-rehearsed matches to a more free-form, ad-lib approach. This change allows wrestlers to respond to their opponents in real-time, creating a natural and believable experience for the audience. By deviating from set patterns and memorized spots, wrestlers can enhance the quality of their matches and connect with each other on an emotional and psychological level. While there may be occasional awkward moments, the benefits of this new style far outweigh the challenges. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this ad-lib approach shapes the future of professional wrestling.