On a recent edition of the “Busted Open Radio” podcast, ECW legend Tommy Dreamer reacted to the Blackpool Combat Club getting cheered despite acting like heels and assaulting FTR on AEW Dynamite.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On how the Blackpool Combat Club reminds him of John Cena: “Listen, I always look at wrestling as good vs. evil. At times, and I’ve broken this down many times, there was one anomaly to the rule, and that was John Cena. But then the moment John Cena started…during the US Title, he really turned the corner, and…now it came to the part of ‘Hey, we’re not going to have John Cena anymore?’ We appreciated him.”
On how Batista was good at being heel or babyface: “I think the wrestling business owes Batista a lot of love, because they kind of turned on Batista when that’s not really his doing. And he went with the flow, being a good company person. [The] same will be said…if, again, I don’t have the pencil. BCC could be top babyfaces, [or] top heels…I just look the overall picture. If I look the overall picture, I say ‘Okay, my future looks pretty damn bright because I have all these people coming in.’”
The Blackpool Combat Club’s Jon Moxley and Claudio Castagnoli will battle FTR tonight on AEW Dynamite.
In the world of professional wrestling, the dynamics between good and evil, or faces and heels, play a crucial role in captivating audiences. However, there are times when certain individuals or groups blur the lines and create a unique connection with fans. One recent example of this is the Blackpool Combat Club (BCC) in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), who have been cheered despite their heelish actions. ECW legend Tommy Dreamer recently discussed this phenomenon on the “Busted Open Radio” podcast.
Dreamer drew a parallel between the BCC and legendary WWE superstar John Cena. He explained that while wrestling traditionally revolves around the conflict between good and evil, Cena was an exception to this rule. Cena’s character underwent a transformation during his US Title run, which led to fans appreciating him even more. Dreamer believes that the BCC’s ability to garner cheers despite their heel tactics is reminiscent of Cena’s unique connection with the audience.
Another wrestler who Dreamer mentioned in relation to the BCC is Batista. He expressed his belief that the wrestling industry owes Batista a great deal of love because fans turned on him, although it was not his fault. Despite this, Batista remained a loyal company person and adapted to the situation. Dreamer suggests that the same could be said for the BCC, as they have the potential to become top babyfaces (good guys) or top heels (bad guys) based on their overall impact and fan reception.
Tonight, fans will witness an exciting clash between the BCC’s Jon Moxley and Claudio Castagnoli (also known as Cesaro) against FTR on AEW Dynamite. This match will serve as a platform for the BCC to further showcase their abilities and continue to captivate audiences with their unique blend of heelish actions and fan support.
The phenomenon of a group like the Blackpool Combat Club receiving cheers despite their heelish behavior highlights the evolving nature of professional wrestling. It demonstrates that fans are not solely driven by traditional face-heel dynamics but are also drawn to compelling characters and storylines. The BCC’s ability to generate such a reaction speaks to their talent and the potential for long-term success in the industry.
As wrestling continues to evolve, it is essential for promotions like AEW to embrace and capitalize on these unique connections between wrestlers and fans. The BCC’s journey in AEW serves as a testament to the ever-changing landscape of professional wrestling and the importance of adapting to fan preferences. Whether they ultimately become beloved babyfaces or despised heels, the Blackpool Combat Club’s presence in AEW is undoubtedly contributing to the excitement and unpredictability of the wrestling world.