PWI Weekly for January 20, 2025
AN ODE TO THE VILLAIN: Mercedes Mone, Bret Hart, Charles Mason, And More
IN PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING—as in theater—the role of the villain is paramount. They are the architects of chaos, stirring emotions and fueling intense rivalries. This week, we delve into the art of villainy, examining the psychology of ire, looking back at loathsome legends, and exploring how modern-day villains are captivating audiences. Whether they're manipulating fans’ emotions, breaking the rules, or simply being utterly despicable, bad guys/girls are the lifeblood of professional wrestling.
VILLAIN OF THE WEEK
Call her entitled. Call her egotistical. Call her one of the best villains in wrestling. Mercedes Mone may be all of these things, but she’s also a champion—a triple one, at that. Since debuting with AEW last year, “The CEO” has amassed an impressive collection of titles: the AEW TBS championship, the NJPW STRONG Women's championship, and the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s championship.
Fueled by ruthless ambition, Mone’s current run has seen her disregarding and disrespecting opponents and allies—from her bodyguard Kamille to the uber-likable Mina Shirakawa. Whether she’s flaunting her wealth or running people down on the microphone, she makes enemies easily. Not that she cares … and truthfully, it’s hard to argue with her success. The Bos(s)tonian captivates audiences everywhere she goes. Be it Jacksonville, London, or Tokyo, she seems intent to prove she’s the baddest girl in whatever city the Mone train rolls into.
TERRITORIAL DISSINGS
Bret Hart's 1997 heel turn transcended typical wrestling skullduggery. His anti-American rhetoric, fueled by genuine disdain for the WWF's creative direction, resonated with a surprising number of fans. While a switch from playing the beloved babyface for years could have spelled career disaster, “The Hitman” masterfully leaned into the role of a cunning and despicable heel. He became one of the best villains of all-time, proving that true heat stems from believable emotion and unwavering conviction in oneself.
Below, you’ll find just one of the many classic diatribes Hart gave during his villainous run in 1997.
MUSINGS, WITH MATT BROCK
Once upon a time, a wrestling villain wasn't just a guy in black tights who shouted a lot. Certainly, we had those, too … but for the most part, it was an art form. You had the likes of The Iron Sheik, spewing venom about America, or the evil genius of Bobby “The Brain” Heenan weaseling his way out of every jam. These guys weren't just bad; they were believable. You hated them with a passion. They’d get under your skin and make your blood boil.
Nowadays, too many of these kids run around, all flash and no fury. No real disdain, just some half-hearted boos. Where’s the intensity? Where’s the fire? Decades ago, you'd see a guy like Ric Flair—strutting around like he owned the joint—and you wanted to rip his robe off, then choke him with it ’til the feathers came off.
I’ll admit that I enjoy the genuine bile that a Drew McIntyre or an MJF stirs up. Yet, there are too many others who ostensibly want to be rulebreakers, but also long for crowds to cheer them for their flashy moves or funny put-downs.
Villains are the backbone of this industry. Quote me on this. They make the heroes shine. You can't have a Rocky without a Clubber Lang, can you?
It’s all about the contrast. The good guys need someone to overcome; someone to prove themselves against. Without the villains, it’s just a bunch of guys patting each other on the back about how swell they are. No drama, no excitement, no real emotion.
So, all you young no-goodniks out there, learn from the greats. Study the Sheiks, the Flairs, and the Heenans. Learn the craft of villainy, and then give us all a reason to want to see you get your butt kicked.
FROM THE VAULT
At a December 2023 House of Glory event, Charles Mason takes a page out of the Terry Funk (and now, Jon Moxley) playbook by suffocating Carlos Ramirez with a plastic bag. The despicable Mason has developed a reputation on the Northeast independent circuit for being equal parts unpredictable and unhinged.