PWI Weekly for January 27, 2025
I Can Be Your Hero, Baby: Cody Rhodes, Mistico, Utami Hayashishita
FOLLOWING UP ON our tip of the black hat to wrestling rulebreakers last week, this edition of the PWI Weekly turns attention to grappling heroes.
In the ever-evolving landscape of professional wrestling, heroes emerge as beacons of hope, inspiring us through their courage, compassion, and unwavering determination. Prepare to be inspired as we pay tribute to the good guys (and girls) who have captured our hearts and ignited our passion.
HERO OF THE WEEK
While it’s tough to follow in the familial footsteps of one of the most beloved wrestlers of all-time, Cody Rhodes has done so with aplomb. Unsurprisingly—given his reverence for old-school wrestling—Rhodes is a throwback to a bygone era of wrestling good guys. He may not be as puritanical as Bob Backlund in his prime, but nor is he as rebellious as Steve Austin was in his. In the edgier landscape of AEW, Rhodes heard more than a smattering of boos because of his old-school good-guy vibe; but in WWE, it has won him legions of new fans.
“The American Nightmare” wears his heart on his sleeve. He is a champion at the top of his game, but also someone vulnerable enough to show he is not invincible. That is why he is one of the best heroes—if not the very best—pro wrestling has today.
A QUICK WORD ABOUT
Lucha libre, with its emphasis on good versus evil, relies heavily on the presence of heroic figures known as “tecnicos.” Their battles with the villainous “rudos” provide fans with a sense of hope and the chance to live vicariously through these real-life superheroes. The likes of Mistico, Mascara Dorada, and Volador Jr. are among the current crop of luchadores who embody the spirit of lucha libre heroism. They captivate audiences with their skill, charisma, and staid commitment to upholding the values of good sportsmanship and fair play. While the presentation of the wrestling hero has changed throughout the years in the U.S., in Mexico, the traditional tecnico has been a constant for a century.
SPOTLIGHT ON …
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. For every hulking, muscle-bound man, there is an Utami Hayashishita. With powerful strikes and impressive athleticism that belie her slender frame, Hayashishita has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Her fiery personality and passionate in-ring performances have propelled her to the forefront of a competitive joshi scene, where she now holds the Marigold championship. Her title victory over Sareee on January 3 saw her become the first former World of Stardom champion to also win the top prize in Marigold—an accolade worthy of a hero.
FROM THE VAULT
January 2024: Cody Rhodes is legitimately overcome with emotion following his second consecutive Royal Rumble victory.