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| He's on his way to WWE, folks Photo Credit: Scott Finkelstein |
It's happening. PWPonderings broke the news last night via podcast that El Generico has signed a contract with WWE. There are no other details at this time other than that he has signed. Keep checking back throughout the week for any pertinent additions to the story.
There is no doubt that this signing is both well-deserved for the Generic Luchador and a huge blow to the indie wrestling community. When Generico appeared on a card, you knew that there would at least be one outstanding match on the slate. The man is a frenetic ball of energy who has come closest to breaking the STAHP ZIGGLER STAHP scale of scary bumping with some of the falls he's taken. His grasp of psychology and in-match storytelling is outstanding, and his offense is among the most jaw-dropping in wrestling history. From an in-ring standpoint, he should be fine in WWE. Remember, moves don't make the wrestler, execution does.
The main question is with his character. The El Generico name and persona has been successful almost in spite of itself. On the surface, it's not something one might expect to get popular in a story-driven environment, and it could be argued that Generico was massively popular because he's an exceedingly talented wrestler in a community that rewards that kind of performance. However, it's undeniable that he has a certain charm and panache with his body language, from the flourish when he points his finger to the sky while looking at the crowd to the pensive anticipation when he's bouncing back and forth waiting for the match to begin.
Of course, that also is assuming that the name and character will survive the transition. The last time WWE made the exception and let an indie standout keep his former persona, it was seven-plus years ago for their current WWE Champion and Paul Heyman guy.
There are lots of questions floating around right now concerning what the future holds for El Generico. One thing is for certain. The man straight up killed his own body for the art of wrestling. If there's anyone who deserves to make that paper for what he does in the ring, it's he. Here's to yet another "indie darling" invading WWE and potentially joining CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, Evan Bourne, and Antonio Cesaro as the small-arena guys who made really, really good on kicking the worldwide leader in its ass.
There is no doubt that this signing is both well-deserved for the Generic Luchador and a huge blow to the indie wrestling community. When Generico appeared on a card, you knew that there would at least be one outstanding match on the slate. The man is a frenetic ball of energy who has come closest to breaking the STAHP ZIGGLER STAHP scale of scary bumping with some of the falls he's taken. His grasp of psychology and in-match storytelling is outstanding, and his offense is among the most jaw-dropping in wrestling history. From an in-ring standpoint, he should be fine in WWE. Remember, moves don't make the wrestler, execution does.
The main question is with his character. The El Generico name and persona has been successful almost in spite of itself. On the surface, it's not something one might expect to get popular in a story-driven environment, and it could be argued that Generico was massively popular because he's an exceedingly talented wrestler in a community that rewards that kind of performance. However, it's undeniable that he has a certain charm and panache with his body language, from the flourish when he points his finger to the sky while looking at the crowd to the pensive anticipation when he's bouncing back and forth waiting for the match to begin.
Of course, that also is assuming that the name and character will survive the transition. The last time WWE made the exception and let an indie standout keep his former persona, it was seven-plus years ago for their current WWE Champion and Paul Heyman guy.
There are lots of questions floating around right now concerning what the future holds for El Generico. One thing is for certain. The man straight up killed his own body for the art of wrestling. If there's anyone who deserves to make that paper for what he does in the ring, it's he. Here's to yet another "indie darling" invading WWE and potentially joining CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, Evan Bourne, and Antonio Cesaro as the small-arena guys who made really, really good on kicking the worldwide leader in its ass.
