Konnan: A Rare, Selfless Legend
He’s shaped lucha libre in the U.S. for 25 years.
Has anybody given back to pro wrestling more than Konnan?
At MLW FIGHTLAND last month, the 32-year veteran gave the rub to 10 wrestlers within a half hour. He interrupted The Dynasty, indicating that Richard Holliday, Alexander Hammerstone and especially Gino Medina were worth his valuable time. Konnan previously pitched his managerial services to Medina, ending up in a brief bidding war with Salina de la Renta and The Dynasty. By showing interest in the second-generation grappler (his father El Sanguinario and Konnan were members of the iconic Gringos Locos), he instantly established Medina’s credibility and potential. Of course, Medina turned down his services and The Dynasty put the boots to the lucha libre’s elder statesman.
When it looked like another beating was coming in Philadelphia, Mance Warner rescued Konnan, bringing Savio Vega and Logan Creed as reinforcements. As one of the most popular members of the MLW roster, it made sense that Ol’ Mancer would respect his elders. Saving Konnan also served as a transition from his bloody war with Jimmy Havoc to now feuding with The Dynasty. Meanwhile, Vega, a fellow veteran, didn’t need the rub as much as the others, but siding with Konnan against the disrespectful youth provides the Puerto Rican star with some much-needed direction in the company. As for Creed, he’s so young and fresh to the scene that he needs all the “Konnan dust” sprinkled on him.
Just when you thought the coast was clear, Injustice came out to insult the legend. After all, Konnan’s a natural target for the treacherous trio hellbent on rebelling against the establishment. They mocked his age, history and lucha libre as a whole; Konnan responded by hoping Jordan Oliver is never in prison with him because “I would trade you for some Cinnabons.” When the master of the mic busts on you, it’s like being roasted by Don Rickles. It’s often hilarious and always an honor.
Once again, Konnan got rescued – this time by Brian Pillman Jr. Although Pillman has had his own issues with Injustice, his reverence for the old guard makes sense considering who his father was. After losing in the finals of the Opera Cup, Pillman could definitely use the rub to gain a little more favor back with the fans.
When’s the last time you’ve seen a wrestling legend put over so many young guys? For the past two decades, it feels like the next generation has been sacrificed for “one more pop” for those of yesteryear. The biggest offenses have happened in WWE, where part-timers and returning Hall of Famers are more highly regarded than the current crop. Every time there’s a D-X reunion, you know somebody will taste Sweet Chin Music and eat a Pedigree. At over 50 years old and barely able to bump, Goldberg squashed Kevin Owens and Dolph Ziggler. Odds are you’ll see him squash The Fiend at Super Showdown and D-X bury a millennial at their return to Madison Square Garden next month.
Konnan understands his role at this stage of the game; hell, he sees it as an obligation. With his vast knowledge and expertise, he’s able to teach and groom tomorrow’s stars. That’s why he’s been instrumental behind the scenes in various promotions, such as AAA, Lucha Underground and Aro Lucha. His mind and his mouth are in such high demand that he contributes to both Impact and MLW simultaneously.
Of course, this altruism isn’t something he’s developed with age. His legacy is tied to lucha libre’s entry into the United States. Paul Heyman sought his counsel in bringing Rey Mysterio, Psicosis and Eddie Guerrero to ECW. Eric Bischoff picked his brain on which luchadores to feature in WCW. For the past quarter century, what American wrestling fans have seen on TV regarding the Mexican art has been largely influenced by Konnan.
Heralded for his verbal skills, creativity and ability to draw money, perhaps Konnan’s greatest asset is his vision. He sees the future and, unlike most of his contemporaries, is helping to build it.
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Thank you very much for the write up…Konnan