WWE Executive Bruce Prichard has said there is a large difference between a wrestler being able to get a pop and actually getting over.
On a recent edition of his “Something to Wrestle” podcast, Prichard spoke about the difference between the two and used some WWE legends as an example. He said,
“You have these younger kids that they realize, ‘Well, when I take a bump, the crowd pops, so I get a reaction. That’s a good thing! And if I take more bumps, I’ll get more of a reaction’. And they mistake that sometimes for getting over. As the business evolves, you’ve got to change with it, and sometimes you’ve got to do more things, but there [are] ways to do it safely. There [are ways] to do more by doing less.
“I think Jim [Neidhart] and Bret both were pretty good examples of that. Bret would ground you. Bret would set the pace. [He] didn’t do a lot of crazy stuff, but his work was exciting. It was still good because he did it when he needed to do it, and that was the key.”
Prichard works as part of WWE’s creative team and has appeared on-screen as Brother Love. He is seen as one of WWE’s most powerful figures outside the McMahon family.
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In the world of professional wrestling, there is a distinction between a wrestler being able to elicit a positive reaction from the crowd and actually achieving long-term success and popularity. WWE Executive Bruce Prichard recently discussed this difference on his podcast, “Something to Wrestle,” using some WWE legends as examples.
Prichard highlighted the misconception that some younger wrestlers have, believing that if they receive a positive reaction from the audience when they take a bump or perform a high-risk move, they are automatically getting over with the fans. However, Prichard emphasized that this is not always the case. While getting a reaction from the crowd is important, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the wrestler is truly connecting with the audience and becoming popular.
According to Prichard, as the wrestling business evolves, wrestlers need to adapt and find ways to stand out without compromising their safety. He mentioned two WWE legends, Jim Neidhart and Bret Hart, as examples of wrestlers who were able to get over with the crowd without relying on excessive high-risk maneuvers.
Bret Hart, known for his technical wrestling skills, would ground his opponents and set the pace of the match. He didn’t rely on flashy or dangerous moves but instead focused on delivering exciting and impactful moments when necessary. This approach allowed him to connect with the audience and become one of the most beloved wrestlers of his time.
Prichard’s insights are valuable because he works as part of WWE’s creative team and has a deep understanding of what it takes for a wrestler to succeed in the industry. His experience and knowledge make him one of WWE’s most influential figures outside of the McMahon family.
As fans, it’s important to understand that getting a pop from the crowd is just one aspect of a wrestler’s success. True popularity and longevity in the industry come from connecting with the audience on a deeper level and consistently delivering compelling performances.
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