Generation Wrestlers: Is The Price and Pressure To High To Make It?

Hello everyone. As always, thank you for spending a few minutes with me today.

I can't help but notice these days that there is a lot of talk about the current second generation wrestlers today in the business.

This is expected though when you look at the talent guys like Rhodes, DiBiase Jr., Orton and Smith possess in the ring.

Here is the thousand-dollar question though folks: Are we putting too much pressure on these guys to make it?

This is not a question that has never been asked before people. Over the many years pro wrestling has been around there have been many who have had this cross to burden them.

I have noticed a few things when it comes to second and third generation stars. They, for the most part, either become failures or surpass their respected fathers.

Even if they have what most consider a nice career, but are unable to meet what their fathers accomplished it is looked at as a failure. A perfect example of this would be Dustin Rhodes better known as “Goldust”.

How is it even remotely fair to ask a man like Ted DiBiase Jr to live up to his father? Lets face it folks, the “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase is one of the greatest heels to ever step into the ring.

I am going to run a few names by you guys, let me know if they ring any bells in your head. Does anyone remember Warren Bockwinkell, Lanny Poffo, Scott Putski, or Kendall Windham?

If none of these names stand out in your head that’s ok. Those names just mentioned are just a few of the many who were cursed because of their father’s last name.

The sad facts are my friends, its most likely the current second generations have a much greater chance at failing then succeeding.

Some times the pressure to make it as a second-generation grappler can even lead to tragedy. Just look up the Von Erich or Duncum family.

That isn’t to say it’s destined for them to fail in the business. We have had a fair amount of guys who either met or passed their dads.  A few just of the top of my head are guys like Curt Henning, Randy Orton, The Rock, and Eddie Guerrero.

Most of them will tell you though that it was a very hard journey. Having a big last name may get your ticket stamped to get into the show. Once you’re in though it’s a whole other story.

I pulled up an old quote from Eddie Guerrero that seemed fitting. He as asked about the struggles of being a second-generation star and this is what he had to say on the issue.

“Having the name Guerrero opened up doors for me but at the same time I have to live up to the expectations of my brothers and my dad," explained the WWF's Eddie Guerrero. "It's the hardest thing because people expect you to live up to the name."

-Interview with Slam Wrestling

You not only have to be able to make it as a wrestler, but it is just assumed you will be great because of your family’s history.

While this may seem unfair to put this kind of pressure on someone right out of the gate, most, second generation guys know this before they get in the business. So in some ways we cant feel to bad for them.

Today’s current second generation stars have just as much chance of making as they do failing. No matter how it pans out for them though I have a tremendous amount of respect for them.

They like their fathers are giving their lives and bodies so that us fans can be entertained. I just hope they are smart enough to not let the business consume their lives.

So to answer the question is the price to high to succeed is not a fair one to ask. Neither you, nor I can answer that one.

 It is not ours to answer only the wrestlers themselves can do so. After all it is them not us who have to look into the mirror everyday and decide what is right for the lives.

Thank you for taking the time to read my latest article.

As always, good day and good bless.