Letter To An Old Friend

Dear Wrestling,

I know we haven’t always been on the best of terms, but for 28 years, we have had a relationship in which we always knew we would find one another once again. We’ve seen a lot of good times including the WrestleMania 30 “Miracle on Bourbon Street” where Daniel Bryan won the WWE Championship. I’ve been with you through the bad as well. It still pains me to bring up the Invasion angle. We have certainly disagreed on the ugly. Nobody in their right mind wanted anything to do with David Arquette being WCW World Champion. Through everything, I have enjoyed all that you have offered me, but I think our relationship is only going to grow stronger into the future. I can remember everything you’ve taught me, all the stories you have told and the characters that you introduced me to.

Since 1990, you have given me the memories that my childhood will always thank you for. I cheered every time I heard the riff of the guitars for The Ultimate Warrior’s and Bret Hart’s entrance themes, even if I was a true Hulkamanic. I’d tap out to the Scorpion Deathlock and the Figure Four. (Woooooo!!!) You had no problem giving me the ultimatum of either putting my hands up into four fingers or giving my brother a “Too Sweet.” Sometimes you’d make me scream “Suck It” when the time was appropriate. In the face of fear, I’d put two middle fingers up and start chugging my fruit punch like it was a Steveweiser. Everyone knew that at any moment, someone “playing the game” would “feel the bang” regardless if you were a “Brahma Bull,” an Olympic gold medalist or an “American Badass.”

In the past, you blessed me with many great matches like Hogan vs. Warrior (WrestleMania VI, not Halloween Havoc) and the amazing Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio from Halloween Havoc 1997. You made me a fan of a new renegade company after the death of WCW and there was nothing but “Total Nonstop Action.” In the timespan of 2004-2007, little did I know that the stars of the future would be some of my favorites today.

I wonder a lot about whether the stars of today actually realize they are also the stars of the past. While watching TNA from 2005, I watched in amazement of the Unbreakable triple threat between Samoa Joe, Christopher Daniels and AJ Styles, all of which are currently at the ages of 39, 47 and 41, respectively. Meanwhile, top guys like Kenny Omega, Okada, Cody and Roman Reigns all sit in their early 30s with long careers ahead of them.

I’ve been blessed with the gift of “The Rainmaker” and “The Best Bout Machine” trilogy. The daughter of “The Nature Boy” has created her own legacy as “The Queen”. When The Shield debuted, it began a new revolution by introducing us to an “Architect,” a “Lunatic Fringe” and a “Big Dog.” In ROH, you gave us “The American Nightmare” living the “American Dream.” I’ve yelled “SUPERKICK” during every Young Bucks match. I would cheer for the “ACE” of New Japan while staying “Tranquilo” with L.I.J. You gave me a “Lethal Injection” of the next generation of ROH wrestlers while “Chasing The Dragon” BAY BAY.

You have always given me hope during the down times by showing me that there is a future in wrestling. While right now may not be one of those down times, it’s just not quite IIconic enough just yet. Meanwhile, I, along with many fans, will sit back and watch the “Punishment” from Martinez that takes place in ROH, “Breath with the Switchblade” in New Japan and celebrate everyone’s favorite day in WWE. (Speaking of which, I almost forgot to tell you to have a Happy Rusev Day!) The future of wrestling definitely looks bright, but I also know that it takes the proper storylines, matches and characters to pull it off correctly. It’s something we have always discussed and something we always “D.R.E.A.M.” about. We may argue and bounce ideas back and forth to each other like a “Ricochet,” but we always say “Goodbye and Goodnight” while waving to each other like Ciampa does to Gargano. I know one day I’ll eventually “Fade to Black” while you continue to flourish. In the meantime, lets “Hangman.” You and I both know that our relationship will be forever “Undisputed.”

You’re giving me so much to look forward to over the next few months. The past, present and future of wrestling will come together to entertain myself and millions of other diehard fans. We may disagree on the gifts you give me every year, but you always know how to make it up to me. As a fan and longtime friend, I just want to say to thank you for everything you’ve done for me. Keep up the good work and the amazing fighting spirit that entertains me every day. Cheers to many more exciting and memorable years to come.

With Much Appreciation,

Your Biggest Fan

P.S. I did forget to say one last thing, SCU!