Grappling With The Stars
Yes, we've seen some impressive performances from celebs as of late, but can we tone down the hyperbole just a bit?
FROM LOGAN PAUL to Bad Bunny, Snoop Dogg to Snooki, and the irresistible force that is Pat McAfee to the detestable Kevin Federline. We’ve seen numerous celebrities appear between the ropes over the years who, rather than simply cashing in on their considerable star power to collect an equally considerable paycheck, go out of their way to prove to loyal wrestling fans that they totally “get it.”
Through their work on the mic and, increasingly, on the mat, celebrities have proven that this once-gatekept industry is actually pretty welcoming to outsiders—at least, the ones who show both the commitment and the passion necessary. Wrestling enthusiasts can smell the stench of inauthenticity from a mile away, which means the cast of Entourage will likely never be greeted warmly at fan conventions.
But I’m not here today to dwell on the bad. Truth is, after years of mixed results, WWE has really mastered the whole “celebrity cameo” thing. World Wrestling Entertainment has created within its own universe a sort of wrestling version of Dancing with the Stars. Under the right conditions, mainstream celebrities are beginning to excel inside the squared circle, just as they have on the ballroom floor.
Just as on DWTS, much credit should be given to the celebs themselves for putting in the hard work needed to excel. Yet, as Dancing with the Stars has shown us, it takes two to tango (or lock up, as it were).
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Pro Wrestling Illustrated to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.