PWI Weekly for February 24, 2025
Interviews With A Wrestler: The Art Of The Promo
WHILE WE HERE at the PWI Weekly still firmly believe that the action in the ring is what’s most important in the sport of wrestling, we are also big fans of a well-executed promo. That’s why in this edition, we are celebrating the silver-tongued savants and the masters of the microphone!
More than just trash talk or boasts, a great promo can ignite feuds, define characters, and elevate feuds. Get ready to explore the psychology, the delivery, and the sheer magic behind the spoken word that can turn a good wrestler into a legend.
PROMO MAN OF THE WEEK
While the landscape of wrestling promos is rich with talent, Drew McIntyre makes a compelling case for being considered among the best promo artists—if not the best—currently active. The Scot wields a unique blend of intensity, authenticity, and good old-fashioned whininess, which makes him a treat to listen to. Indeed, McIntyre’s view that he has been cheated by WWE management and wrestlers in recent years harkens back to some classic promos delivered by Bret Hart in the late-1990s.
Beyond his verbal gripes, McIntyre also showcases a remarkable ability for storytelling. He weaves narratives drawing on his own personal experiences, his family history, and his deep love for the wrestling business. When he speaks of his struggles, triumphs, and unwavering faith in himself, people believe.
Recently, “The Scottish Warrior” won the Wrestling Observer award for Best Interviews in 2024. We can’t argue. In a world of larger-than-life characters, Drew McIntyre’s authenticity and storytelling prowess make him a truly captivating promo artist.
TERRITORIAL DISSINGS
Steve Austin’s brief stint in ECW in 1995 was a pivotal moment in his career, marked by a series of fiery promos that laid the foundation for his future “Stone Cold” persona.
Austin arrived in ECW after being fired by WCW, and he wasted no time in unleashing his frustrations on the mic. He delivered scathing critiques of WCW, its management, and its top stars, pulling no punches in his assessments. Austin's promos were raw, unfiltered, and laced with a rebellious spirit that resonated with the ECW audience. He spoke his mind, challenging the status quo while showing a side of himself that most fans hadn’t seen before.
SPOTLIGHT ON …
Jake Roberts wasn’t just a wrestler; he was a storyteller, a manipulator of emotions, and a master of the psychological promo. While other wrestlers of his era relied on shouting and bombast, Roberts spoke in a measured, almost hypnotic tone that drew listeners in. His promos weren't about bragging or threats—they were about exposing the darkness within his opponents (and often, within those watching at home).
In his promos, Roberts would dissect his opponent’s psyche, revealing their insecurities, fears, and hidden motivations. He spoke in riddles and parables, and used metaphors and analogies to paint vivid pictures in the minds of the audience. His inimitable delivery was chilling, with his voice almost at a whisper. And yet, he was eternally able to command attention.
Roberts’ most iconic moments weren’t about physical dominance, but about mental conquest. He used his words as weapons. He dissected his opponents piece by piece, leaving them vulnerable and exposed. Roberts understood the power of fear and the crippling effect of doubt. And he exploited both with chilling precision. Jake “The Snake” wasn't just a wrestler—he was a master of the mind game, and a true artist of the promo.
FROM THE VAULT
At the July 3, 2024, AEW Dynamite taping, MJF would betray Daniel Garcia for refusing to cheat in an International title bout with Will Ospreay. Earlier that night, during a backstage interview with Renee Paquette, MJF had asked Garcia for permission to stand in his corner during the matchup. “The Salt Of The Earth” offered the challenger a friendly fist-bump as a sign of brotherhood.
Although many fans weren’t shocked to see MJF show his true colors at the end of the night, his down-to-earth tone and perceived authenticity in the lead-up to the match were enough to lull Garcia into a false sense of security. Time and time again, the Long Island native has used his verbal powers to fool opponents and fans alike.