On a recent edition of his “My World” podcast, Jeff Jarrett talked about his belief that pro wrestlers today can’t connect with fans the way they used to. He said,
“Not because they’re lazy and don’t want to do high spots and don’t wanna work, I’m talking about, take your relationship with the fans and figure out how to connect.”
Jarrett recalled being around Dusty Rhodes during the final days of WCW and how the American Dream captivated fans even while past his best years. He said,
“Dusty had to do that because he had to draw money because if he didn’t draw money he wouldn’t be booked, period, like so many others. You know, at this stage Dusty is way past [his prime]… Down to, I’m gonna pull my draws down, show my big fat a** and enormous red briefs and I’m gonna entertain them this way. Classic Dusty, classic!”
Dusty Rhodes was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by his sons in 2007. He passed away in June 2015 at the age of 69 years old.
In a recent episode of his podcast, “My World,” Jeff Jarrett expressed his belief that modern professional wrestlers struggle to connect with fans in the same way as their predecessors. Jarrett’s comments shed light on an important aspect of the wrestling industry and highlight the unique ability of legendary wrestlers like Dusty Rhodes to captivate audiences.
Jarrett emphasized that the issue does not stem from a lack of effort or skill on the part of today’s wrestlers. Instead, he suggests that they need to focus on building a strong relationship with the fans and finding ways to connect with them on a deeper level. This connection is crucial for drawing money and securing bookings in the highly competitive world of professional wrestling.
To illustrate his point, Jarrett recalled his time working alongside Dusty Rhodes during the final days of WCW. Despite being past his prime, Rhodes was able to captivate audiences and draw money for the promotion. Jarrett described a memorable moment where Rhodes, in an effort to entertain the crowd, humorously revealed his big, red briefs. This classic Dusty Rhodes moment showcased his ability to connect with fans and keep them engaged, even when his physical abilities were declining.
Dusty Rhodes, also known as the American Dream, was a legendary figure in professional wrestling. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007 and left an indelible mark on the industry. Rhodes’ ability to connect with fans was a key factor in his success and longevity as a wrestler.
Unfortunately, Dusty Rhodes passed away in June 2015 at the age of 69. His legacy lives on, and his impact on the wrestling world continues to be felt.
Jarrett’s comments serve as a reminder to today’s wrestlers about the importance of connecting with fans. While high spots and impressive athleticism are undoubtedly important, building a strong relationship with the audience is equally crucial. Wrestlers must find ways to engage fans emotionally, whether through their character, storytelling, or other means.
In conclusion, Jeff Jarrett’s recent comments on his podcast shed light on the challenges modern wrestlers face in connecting with fans. He highlighted the unique ability of legendary wrestlers like Dusty Rhodes to captivate audiences, even when past their prime. Wrestlers today can learn from Rhodes’ example and strive to build a strong relationship with fans to ensure their success in the industry.