Wrestlers behaviour after shows?

shivvyban

The other thread is locked but just wanted to say went out to the airport after the show on thursday. Mike Knox is a really nice man. He was so sweet to the kids and the same goes for Primo and Kofi Kingston... As for John Cena... its pretty bad when one of the main good guys treat kids (and female fans, *ahem*) that way. Got a pic of me and him but he looks so unhappy to be there! I used to wonder why people didn't really give him a chance to rpove himself but I am definitely in the 'Cena Sucks' camp now! Will stick up a few pics later. Got a great video of Rey Mysterio's 619.


Thank you ShawnRaven!

Also I understand that they were probably tired, but he was the only one that was crabby (granted the big show made a quick exit, but wasn't rude about it!). And, it wasn't as if there were 1000's of people there. About ten kids and a few adults!

ShawnRaven

I initially deleted this from OTB, then thinking maybe too much of a rash decision, i decided to resurrect it and stick it in its own topic. I know some people talk about their good, bad and ugly experiences with wrestlers.

So i figured this would be a good way to get that portion of discussion going. It's been done a few times, but then, this is PW, so has everything else!

shivvyban

shivvyban wrote: »

As for John Cena... its pretty bad when one of the main good guys treat kids (and female fans, *ahem*) that way. Got a pic of me and him but he looks so unhappy to be there! I used to wonder why people didn't really give him a chance to rpove himself but I am definitely in the 'Cena Sucks' camp now!

Why should he be nice, though?

Fair enough, its probably the only time you will see him in an ariport, so it's probably pretty special for you, but for him it's every day of the week. The guy is probably mobbed with people 24/7. I'm sure the novelty of being a "celebrity" wore off a long time ago for him.

I'd fully expect all the roster to be nice at any formal or advertised event, or event sponsored/promoted/organised by WWE. In their airports, hotels, etc. I don't feel they should have to be nice to people. Leave them to have their own space.

Gerard.C

Deleted User wrote: »

Why should he be nice, though?
Fair enough, its probably the only time you will see him in an ariport, so it's probably pretty special for you, but for him it's every day of the week. The guy is probably mobbed with people 24/7. I'm sure the novelty of being a "celebrity" wore off a long time ago for him.

I'd fully expect all the roster to be nice at any formal or advertised event, or event sponsored/promoted/organised by WWE. In their airports, hotels, etc. I don't feel they should have to be nice to people. Leave them to have their own space.

Because he'd be nothing without fans?

Must be awful being so rich that you have thousands of fans who want a picture with you cos they idolise you that much. What dickheads. Kurt Cobain knew the score

Gerard.C

Gerard.C wrote: »

Because he'd be nothing without fans?

Same can be said for every famous person walking the planet, but it doesn't mean they should have their entire life consumed by fans 24/7.

How would you feel if people were constantly asking you for pictures? You walk down the road, and people want pictures with you. Go into a pub and people want pictures with you. Go to your hotel and people want pictures with you. Eat in a restaurant and people want pictures with you. enter or leave an arena and people want pictures with you. Try to spend some time with your close friends/family and people want pictures with you.


I'm sure it's not as much fun as it's cracked up to be.

Rjd2

Deleted User wrote: »

Why should he be nice, though?

Fair enough, its probably the only time you will see him in an ariport, so it's probably pretty special for you, but for him it's every day of the week. The guy is probably mobbed with people 24/7. I'm sure the novelty of being a "celebrity" wore off a long time ago for him.

I'd fully expect all the roster to be nice at any formal or advertised event, or event sponsored/promoted/organised by WWE. In their airports, hotels, etc. I don't feel they should have to be nice to people. Leave them to have their own space.

Agreeed, Cena along with Hunter have established a reputation for been awesome with the fans. Cena was probably just tired, cant really blame him as the man eats and sleeps wrestling. I don't see why people over 14 care about what wrestlers are like personally, if they are entertaining you in the ring that should be enough for you.

Dancor

IMO all entertainers from all backrounds should be friendly with fans. There are exceptions such as when they are having a meal or with their children. As for hotels, airports, walking down the street all they have to do is be curtious for a moment smile in the photo and shake a hand. These entertainers are doing pretty well off the same people who want a photo, They are the people who buy PPV's, cd's merchendise and dvd's. Sure it may happen 100 times a day but thats part of the job and what you should expect when you are in the public eye.

ShawnRaven

I really don't know why I didn't think of making this a seperate thread during last week during stalkerfest 2009 when everyone was camping at the hotels and stuff!

Gerard.C wrote: »

Because he'd be nothing without fans?

Must be awful being so rich that you have thousands of fans who want a picture with you cos they idolise you that much. What dickheads. Kurt Cobain knew the score

While I agree to a certain extent, he, along with anyone else on that roster or any musician, actor, whatever. Would be pretty much nothing without the paying consumer.

Fans buy merchandise
Fans buy tickets
Fans attend shows to create atmosphere tapings.

Fans however, do not own any member of the roster, be it whole or part. They're paid to perform on the day, anything after that is off their own backs. If they entertain anyone at their hotel, airport, or walking down the street during their private time, it's because they want to, not because they're being paid to. Sometimes they want to, sometimes they don't.

Respect works both ways guys, the talent has to respect the fans, but likewise, the talent don't get a lot of private time when they're on the road. Shouldn't their private time be also respected? Personally I don't think it's a lot to ask.

Not that most of the guys here would know much about that though (and it's nothing personal, I also include myself at that, the only difference is that I don't go hounding celebs when they're off duty).

Rjd2

dancor wrote: »

IMO all entertainers from all backrounds should be friendly with fans. There are exceptions such as when they are having a meal or with their children. As for hotels, airports, walking down the street all they have to do is be curtious for a moment smile in the photo and shake a hand. These entertainers are doing pretty well off the same people who want a photo, They are the people who buy PPV's, cd's merchendise and dvd's. Sure it may happen 100 times a day but thats part of the job and what you should expect when you are in the public eye.

Yes but they also put their body through the mill in an demanding schedule to entertain you, so they can be forgiven for not getting excited everytime someone comes up to them. Wrestling fans have a reputation for been quite intense which does them no favors.

ShawnRaven

dancor wrote: »

IMO all entertainers from all backrounds should be friendly with fans. There are exceptions such as when they are having a meal or with their children. As for hotels, airports, walking down the street all they have to do is be curtious for a moment smile in the photo and shake a hand. These entertainers are doing pretty well off the same people who want a photo, They are the people who buy PPV's, cd's merchendise and dvd's. Sure it may happen 100 times a day but thats part of the job and what you should expect when you are in the public eye.

Go through two weeks of constantly having a camera stuck in your face, or being mobbed constantly during the little time that you have when you're not working. The fact of the matter is, being an entertainment industry is often a thankless job.

If you're a wrestler and put on a match for 30 minutes, SOMEONE will always bitch about it, even if you put on the match of your life, someone on the internet, dirt sheet, or magazine will find some fault with it.

If you spend too much time at an appearance, there'll always be someone who'll claim that it wasn't enough. If you don't spend enough time because an organiser miscalculated the time and you have to be at another appearance or a show in an hour, you're seen as the biggest bastard on the planet.

If you're a musician, and release too many albums in five years, you're considered "in it for the money" and bitched at because fans "feel compelled to buy the albums and go to the tours", however if they don't tour or record an album for five years, they're considered to be neglecting their fans and not giving a sh*t.

It's a double edged sword from an entertainers point of view at the end of the day. Not everyone will share the above views, but SOMEONE will. And if that someone's the one that happens to writing a magazine piece or an article on YOU, and you've had a rough day, you're not going to always want to please the fans either.

Just some food for thought. You don't have to agree with it, but it's quite often the case. Read a few interviews or documentaries about anyone that has spent life on the road. They'll tell you exactly the same.

Mitch Connor

there is an attitude of entitlement with fans in some cases. I do think these guys should try to be courteous at all times, but then fans have to understand that it is tough going keeping up that kind of attitude 24/7. The OP is now firmly in the Cena Sucks camp because of one instance, where from what i can gather Cena stopped for the photo's and whatever but didn't bend over backwards for everyone. Can you imagine having to deal with that kind of attitude?

FutureGuy

Mitch Connor wrote: »

there is an attitude of entitlement with fans in some cases. I do think these guys should try to be courteous at all times, but then fans have to understand that it is tough going keeping up that kind of attitude 24/7. The OP is now firmly in the Cena Sucks camp because of one instance, where from what i can gather Cena stopped for the photo's and whatever but didn't bend over backwards for everyone. Can you imagine having to deal with that kind of attitude?

Met Cena twice. After WM24 I met him and he was awesome...he spent 5 hours signing autograph and had plenty time for a chat, photos and autographs when we met him at the end.

The second tome was this week. We had the room beside him and while we only exchanged pleasentries, it was obvious he was shattered. Definately wouldn't judge him for that.

Mitch Connor

FutureGuy wrote: »

Met Cena twice. After WM24 I met him and he was awesome...he spent 5 hours signing autograph and had plenty time for a chat, photos and autographs when we met him at the end.

The second tome was this week. We had the room beside him and while we only exchanged pleasentries, it was obvious he was shattered. Definately wouldn't judge him for that.

Exactly, that is how it should be. From everyting I have read Cena gives what he can to the fans, and more. However, some people (unlike yourself) think that people like Cena should be 'on' 24/7, they don't seem to accept that sometimes the person is just too tired and wants nothing more than some down time, or to do their own thing.

ShawnRaven

People, especially parents of kids aren't always clued in to how rough the pro wrestling environment is either. Fact of the matter is, while the rings might bounce a little bit, they're not exactly made foam and rubber either. When you spend a tour bumping and taking falls on that, it's going to tire you out. Same with ground bumps. Those rubber mats outside the rings won't do a lot of use either if you take a bump from the apron onto one of them.

Remember falling on them in PE? You felt it, but it didn't hurt right? Try falling 5-10 feet onto one then see how you feel about socialising after your night is over with and done. I've never done it personally, but i've talked to many guys on a local and independent level who have! Hell even Bret Hart said it himself that his last book tour was the easiest one he ever did because it didn't involve being slammed.

Just because it's staged or prempted, doesn't mean it's not gonna hurt. Some people just want to get to their room and sleep it off, some may not have slept at all, or are working through an injury and just want to get checked into the airport with hopes of getting an hours sleep on the plane.

But heaven forbid people take their feelings into consideration, eh? :rolleyes:

Dancor

ShawnRaven wrote: »

Go through two weeks of constantly having a camera stuck in your face, or being mobbed constantly during the little time that you have when you're not working. The fact of the matter is, being an entertainment industry is often a thankless job.

If you're a wrestler and put on a match for 30 minutes, SOMEONE will always bitch about it, even if you put on the match of your life, someone on the internet, dirt sheet, or magazine will find some fault with it.

If you spend too much time at an appearance, there'll always be someone who'll claim that it wasn't enough. If you don't spend enough time because an organiser miscalculated the time and you have to be at another appearance or a show in an hour, you're seen as the biggest bastard on the planet.

If you're a musician, and release too many albums in five years, you're considered "in it for the money" and bitched at because fans "feel compelled to buy the albums and go to the tours", however if they don't tour or record an album for five years, they're considered to be neglecting their fans and not giving a sh*t.

It's a double edged sword from an entertainers point of view at the end of the day. Not everyone will share the above views, but SOMEONE will. And if that someone's the one that happens to writing a magazine piece or an article on YOU, and you've had a rough day, you're not going to always want to please the fans either.

Just some food for thought. You don't have to agree with it, but it's quite often the case. Read a few interviews or documentaries about anyone that has spent life on the road. They'll tell you exactly the same.

If its some hot chick that wants to **** the entertainer im sure they will get the energy. But when its a photo with a fan ''Not today mate'' Surely a person looking for a photo appreciates the work these people do?
Again I feel its part of the job, Your not a normal person anymore.

ShawnRaven

dancor wrote: »

If its some hot chick that wants to **** the entertainer im sure they will get the energy. But when its a photo with a fan ''Not today mate'' Surely a person looking for a photo appreciates the work these people do?
Again I feel its part of the job, Your not a normal person anymore.

Obviously not enough that they can't respect their privacy at the appropriate times.

Dancor

ShawnRaven wrote: »

Obviously not enough that they can't respect their privacy at the appropriate times.

As I said earlier:

There are exceptions such as when they are having a meal or with their children.

Usually seen your idol is a once in a life time chance, may as well take that chance IMO. If they say no, feel how you want, I personaly wouldnt give a ****.

Diabhal Beag

ShawnRaven is completley right. You can't really expect them to be all jolly and nice after taking sore bumps or having a stiff match with somebody.
If they are supposed to mingle with fans, then yeah they should be nice but if they are in an airport you should let them be. If they wanted to meet you they would have a sign with them ala.........

ShawnRaven

dancor wrote: »

As I said earlier:


Usually seen your idol is a once in a life time chance, may as well take that chance IMO. If they say no, feel how you want, I personaly wouldnt give a ****.

Yeah, but here's the bit you're not getting. The talent tells the fans when they're available for appearances, not the other way around.

We understanding how the celebrity thing works yet?

G-Money

That Virgil thing, was it a setup or did no-one really show up?

ShawnRaven

grandmaster wrote: »

That Virgil thing, was it a setup or did no-one really show up?

It was taken before the doors were open. But that's been a long running joke for about six years now.

lynnsback

Poor Virgil

I met Ric Flair, Earl Hefner and Trish Startus backstage at a WWE event in 2005. All really friendly. I then went up to J.R. and talked about how I had been a fan of wrestling for years, that I liked his commentating etc. Well the bastard then got the security to tell me to leave!!! So J.R. is horrible, but everyone else was really friendly.

Shaneomac

lynnsback wrote: »

Poor Virgil

I met Ric Flair, Earl Hefner and Trish Startus backstage at a WWE event in 2005. All really friendly. I then went up to J.R. and talked about how I had been a fan of wrestling for years, that I liked his commentating etc. Well the bastard then got the security to tell me to leave!!! So J.R. is horrible, but everyone else was really friendly.

Thats hilarious

CMpunked

Gerard.C wrote: »

Because he'd be nothing without fans?

Originally he was nothing.
Until mcmahon or someone noticed him and pushed him higher than what hogan was.

So of course he will get fans if your all thats seen when someone puts on anything WWE.

lynnsback wrote: »

I then went up to J.R. and talked about how I had been a fan of wrestling for years, that I liked his commentating etc. Well the bastard then got the security to tell me to leave!!! So J.R. is horrible, but everyone else was really friendly.

Did he talk into his wrist while you were talking to him? Or was it more of a visual signal to them to get you out?

lynnsback

Comic-Book-Guy wrote: »

Did he talk into his wrist while you were talking to him? Or was it more of a visual signal to them to get you out?

My bf at the time was a chef and his company were catering for WWE while they were in town. So I got backstage passes. I just went up and talked to J.R. and he was very quiet, just nodded his head and said little. I got the message and went over to talk to my boyfriend. A few seconds later some big heavy comes over and tells us to leave. I was REALLY upset.

D.Q

JR bbq had hoped to get the catering deal.

CMpunked

lynnsback wrote: »

My bf at the time was a chef and his company were catering for WWE while they were in town. So I got backstage passes. I just went up and talked to J.R. and he was very quiet, just nodded his head and said little. I got the message and went over to talk to my boyfriend. A few seconds later some big heavy comes over and tells us to leave. I was REALLY upset.

Did they give a reason?

Its not like you werent allowed be there, like you had a pass!?

Dancor

ShawnRaven wrote: »

Yeah, but here's the bit you're not getting. The talent tells the fans when they're available for appearances, not the other way around.

We understanding how the celebrity thing works yet?

Oh I understand it very well, its some celebritys that dont understand how it works

lynnsback

Comic-Book-Guy wrote: »

Its not like you werent allowed be there, like you had a pass!?

Yeah I know! Obviously J.R. held more sway than me!!!

ShawnRaven

lynnsback wrote: »

Poor Virgil

I met Ric Flair, Earl Hefner and Trish Startus backstage at a WWE event in 2005. All really friendly. I then went up to J.R. and talked about how I had been a fan of wrestling for years, that I liked his commentating etc. Well the bastard then got the security to tell me to leave!!! So J.R. is horrible, but everyone else was really friendly.

That's not the first time i've heard that. I've heard Ross is a complete cock who looks approachable, but is basically smiling death.

I've also heard this head is the size of two bowling balls put together, but that's a whole other issue altogether.

ShawnRaven

dancor wrote: »

Oh I understand it very well, its some celebritys that dont understand how it works

Clearly not.
Again, exactly the reason why wrestling fans are often described as obsessive nutcases, because they don't know when to quit at the best of times.

Rjd2

Lads you are lucky not to be around in the days when wrestlers were in character 100% even in public.

ShawnRaven

Rjd2 wrote: »

Lads you are lucky not to be around in the days when wrestlers were in character 100% even in public.

Some still are today. Flair, JBL and HHH all remain in character when they work heel.

Rjd2

ShawnRaven wrote: »

Some still are today. Flair, JBL and HHH all remain in character when they work heel.

Yeah I think HBK was the same when he was heel.

ShawnRaven

Rjd2 wrote: »

Yeah I think HBK was the same when he was heel.

They're kinda forced into it though. If you're the top bad guy, and then seen swigging beers with the fans, especially if there's news media there. Vince would hit the roof, and rightfully so.

PW is seen as a joke to a lot of people, the last thing Vince wants his boys to do is add fuel to the fire.

Not asking people to like that decision, but at least try to understand it.

Rjd2

ShawnRaven wrote: »

They're kinda forced into it though. If you're the top bad guy, and then seen swigging beers with the fans, especially if there's news media there. Vince would hit the roof, and rightfully so.

PW is seen as a joke to a lot of people, the last thing Vince wants his boys to do is add fuel to the fire.

Not asking people to like that decision, but at least try to understand it.

Never a truer word spoken. It is kind of ironic though that Jericho when not smacking fans is meant to be brill with fan no matter what character he plays. CM Punk who has been face in his whole tenure is meant to be brutal with autograph hunters.

ShawnRaven

Rjd2 wrote: »

CM Punk who has been face in his whole tenure is meant to be brutal with autograph hunters.

Straight Edge man... must be hard knowing you can't take a junior disprin after a bump!

Degag

ShawnRaven wrote: »

Yeah, but here's the bit you're not getting. The talent tells the fans when they're available for appearances, not the other way around.

We understanding how the celebrity thing works yet?

To be honest, if a fan is polite and courtious, i see no problem in him or her asking for an autograph as, like dancor said, it is often a once in a lifetime experience. I'm sure that most of them would sign an autograph and wouldn't mind doing so in these circumstances. Please and Thank you make a big difference!

Dancor

ShawnRaven wrote: »

They're kinda forced into it though. If you're the top bad guy, and then seen swigging beers with the fans, especially if there's news media there. Vince would hit the roof, and rightfully so.

PW is seen as a joke to a lot of people, the last thing Vince wants his boys to do is add fuel to the fire.

Not asking people to like that decision, but at least try to understand it.

I didnt think this still happened with the internet age that we are in these days.

Never ask Bob Backlund for anything unless you know your American presidents

ShawnRaven

dancor wrote: »

I didnt think this still happened with the internet age that we are in these days.

Unlikely as it sounds, there are still a lot of wrestling fans who still don't bother reading smarky sites and forums. Hell, we were all one at some point. Hell most kids who attend the shows wouldn't understand half of what we talk about here.

Pieces of the puzzle regarding wrestlers keeping character fitting yet?

Never ask Bob Backlund for anything unless you know your American presidents

I knew you could be funny.
It's just too bad a lot of people don't know Bob Backlunds work before his 1993 comeback.

ShawnRaven

Degag wrote: »

To be honest, if a fan is polite and courtious, i see no problem in him or her asking for an autograph as, like dancor said, it is often a once in a lifetime experience. I'm sure that most of them would sign an autograph and wouldn't mind doing so in these circumstances. Please and Thank you make a big difference!

I agree, but just not during their private time, when they're trying to get to their hotel or on a plane!

I'm the same with musicians after a gig, i'll try to approach them, talk to them and maybe get a CD signed and/or a photo with them. If they agree, i don't keep them for any longer than 90 seconds, enough time to ask them a question (ie - how's the tour going for them so far), and a photo taken. That's on the grounds they agree.

If they say "not tonight please", i'll just say "no problem, take it easy", as the chances are i'll get them again the next time around. Now if it gets habitual like the same guy declining, then i'll start bitching about it. At the end of the day, for their celebrity status, they probably work a lot harder than any of us posting on this forum to earn their money. And i genuinely think their private time should be respected as a result.

But i would never hound anyone at a hotel, airport, or if they're spending time with their family. That's just out of order in my opinion.

Dancor

ShawnRaven wrote: »

Pieces of the puzzle regarding wrestlers keeping character fitting yet?

Well then whats the excuse for Cena, the most over face on the roster, being a moan about about a photo? Tiredness? Sorry Johnny, but you wanted this live, this is just one of the harsh realities that come with it.

ShawnRaven

dancor wrote: »

Well then whats the excuse for Cena, the most over face on the roster, being a moan about about a photo? Tiredness? Sorry Johnny, but you wanted this live, this is just one of the harsh realities that come with it.

Glad you finally caught on, as i stated earlier, he may not have gotten much sleep at the hotel and probably wanted to get checked in ASAP to get some sleep on the plane.

Either way, neither of us know for sure, but if you mob someone at an airport, don't expect sweetness and light.

mehfesto2

I agree that they need their free time - I mean imagine getting this all day just because you're portraying a heel:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye58AXJwKgQ

It's just nuts. No other professional entertainer would get this from 'fans'.

kyp_durron

That's pretty nuts alright. I can't say I blame him for defending himself.

Creeping-Death

Too true.. Had a few pints with JBL and Batista in Newcastle a few years back, nice enough guys, just walked into the bar, sat down and drank like any regular customer would..

lynnsback

This is a better video of the same event http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZjjMnCxOfs&NR=1

fatal

I think you just met cena on a bad day.I've met him 3 times now, and out of all of the guys on the tours, hes been the most approachable for pics and autographs

Dancor

ShawnRaven wrote: »

Glad you finally caught on

Shawn, My opinion on the matter has not changed

CMpunked

ShawnRaven wrote: »

Straight Edge man... must be hard knowing you can't take a junior disprin after a bump!

He's straight edge, not a jehovahs witness! :pac:

Hyndsy85

Let me try and summarise what's being complained about.

Cena performs on raw in USA on monday night. He catches a flight either monday night or tuesday morning over to ireland either way he doesnt arrive til tuesday midday. Probably has to put in some promotional work. Performs wed and thursday night. Heads to the airport thursday to fly on to somewhere else in europe more than likely doing another show that night. While at the airport fan(s) come up to him for an autograph/photo, he dose so but because he wasnt chatty with the fan(s) he is deemed an asshole.

Now if you cant see why it is wrong to think he's an asshole then there is just no getting through to you people