Billy Gunn Criticizes Modern Wrestling: A Lack of ’Working’
During a recent interview with All Real Wrestling Podcast, Billy Gunn offered a blunt assessment of what he feels is missing from modern professional wrestling, particularly when it comes to connecting with the audience beyond flashy moves.
The Lost Art of ‘Working’
The AEW veteran explained that while the business has evolved far beyond the style of the 1980s, he believes many performers have lost sight of the fundamentals that make fans emotionally invest in a match. He argues that modern wrestlers frequently enough prioritize impressive athleticism over compelling storytelling.
“Nowadays, nobody knows how to work. They don’t know how to work in general.Working is like yes, we get it, back in the ’80s isn’t going to work now. As they’ve taken it so far to the extreme that you have to have very good basic storytelling for me to follow along, for me to see somebody actually wrestle.”
What Does ‘Working’ Mean?
Gunn’s use of the term “working” refers to the art of building a match through psychology, pacing, and ring awareness. it’s about creating a narrative within the contest that draws the audience in, making them care about the outcome. This involves:
- Selling: Making opponents’ moves look impactful and conveying the appropriate level of pain.
- Pacing: Controlling the speed and intensity of the match to build drama.
- Ring Psychology: Understanding how to use the ring to tell a story, such as isolating a babyface or cutting off a comeback.
- Facial expressions & Body Language: Communicating emotion and intent without words.
The Impact of High-Spot Culture
Gunn’s criticism highlights a common concern among wrestling fans: the increasing emphasis on “high spots” – risky and visually impressive maneuvers – at the expense of overall match quality. While spectacular moves can be exciting, they lose their impact if they aren’t built up to and don’t serve a larger narrative purpose.
Key Takeaways
- Modern wrestling frequently enough prioritizes athleticism over storytelling.
- The fundamental skill of “working” – building a match through psychology and pacing – is becoming lost.
- An overreliance on high spots can diminish the emotional impact of a match.
- Connecting with the audience requires more than just impressive moves; it requires compelling narratives.
Looking Ahead
Billy Gunn’s comments serve as a reminder that the core principles of professional wrestling – storytelling,psychology,and emotional connection – remain vital. As wrestling continues to evolve, it will be crucial for performers to balance innovation with a respect for the fundamentals that have captivated audiences for generations. The future of the industry may depend on rediscovering the art of ‘working’.
