Saturday, February 19, 2011

Austin Aries Re-evaluating His Wrestling Career

Sayonara, A-Double?
Via his Facebook page

If you scoured around the dirtsheets, C&P sites or not, you know Austin Aries was passed up for a shot to be on WWE's reincarnation of Tough Enough. He confirmed that on his Facebook and dropped the bombshell that he's reconsidering his career path as a wrestler and may not continue. He hasn't confirmed anything, but the fact that he's even considering leaving the wrestling business legitimately bums me out. Given that he's one of my favorites, this shouldn't surprise you. I mean, I understand his motivations; he's done all there is to do in the indies, and now, like anyone who wants to sign with WWE, he wants the financial compensation for it.

Honestly, unlike other head-up-their-ass hipster-type fans, him going to WWE wouldn't be selling out to me. In fact, I want my favorites to get paid cash money and to get the exposure. Aries should get his money, just like Danielson is getting, just like Bourne is getting, just like Punk is getting. It's not like he's a slug, either. He's one of the most gifted all-around performers in the game today, and the fact that he had to try out for TE to get noticed by WWE is ludicrous. The guy should be in Smackdown's main event... but ooh, I forgot he's too short. Fuck that.

Furthermore, I'm not really even sure what he'd do on TE. He's a multiple year veteran of the business, has been in TNA, has headlined ROH and PWG cards and has a better grasp than mostly anyone on the indie scene and even more than some in WWE about how to be a well-rounded WWE "superstar". TE is for guys who don't have the seasoning. For example, Soldier Ant from Chikara was trying to get on TE. The show is for guys like him. It's for Rima Fakih, the former Miss USA who's been the only one confirmed for the show so far. It's NOT for Austin Aries.

So now, here we are, with a guy as talented as Aries ready to leave the wrestling business because he can't get bookings that will get him the financial security he needs to continue. It sucks, it absolutely sucks. The selfish fan in me hopes he reconsiders, but if he doesn't, I don't think I can in good conscience blame him if he does go.

Photo Credit: Scott Finkelstein - Please visit his site to view the plentiful amounts of pictures he's taken for DGUSA, ROH and other indie feds: Get Lost Photography

Remember you can contact TH and ask him questions about wrestling, life or anything else. Please refer to this post for contact information. He always takes questions!