In 2024, nearly half of the global population has voted (or will be voting) in government elections. More than 100 countries will see their citizens go to the polls to cast their ballots in what is being called “The Year Of Elections.” Here at PWI, this moniker has got us thinking about some grappling leaders (present, past, and wannabe) worthy of attention.
GENERAL MANAGER OF THE WEEK
If history has taught us anything, it’s that being a general manager on a televised wrestling show is a precarious position that often ends badly. It seems, however, that such things don’t scare Adam Pearce.
The former NWA World heavyweight champion is a student of the game—and no doubt understands what is expected of him as the authority figure for WWE’s Raw brand. Whether that means dealing with backstage bickering, stressful scenarios, or announcing blockbuster matches, Pearce’s steady hand on Monday nights keeps the good ship Raw sailing onward into its fourth decade. With all due respect to his counterparts, Nick Aldis and Ava, we feel that Adam Pearce is the premier WWE GM right now.
SPOTLIGHT ON …
Amongst those who watched the Netflix-produced Mr. McMahon documentary that premiered recently, opinions have been divided. For more casual fans and non-wrestling viewers, the documentary provided an insightful look at the often-shocking business of professional wrestling, by way of the man who helped shape it for 40 years. On the other hand, those more familiar with WWE and its history were probably left wanting additional insight into the psyche of Vince McMahon the person … and less recapping of on-screen moments from WWE history.
For a more in-depth discussion of the documentary, check out the latest PWI Podcast.
TERRITORIAL DISSINGS
With the race for the White House now in its final month, we at the PWI offices have been fondly discussing our favorite presidential campaigns of yesteryear. And we have all agreed that the most fun one we witnessed was the 1996 campaign of Bob Backlund. With his penchant for old-timey values and downright zany proclamations, Mr. Backlund was a hoot in his attempt to win over the American public.
During that infamous era, the two-time WWF champion ran campaign ads like this one, encouraging television viewers to get behind him.
SPOTLIGHT PHOTO
In both wrestling and politics, it’s not uncommon to see children follow in the footsteps of a parent. In many households, those are the family businesses.
It shouldn’t be a surprise, then, to see NXT’s Arianna Grace recently take on the position of “liaison” between the WWE brand and TNA Wrestling. Given that her father, Santino Marella, already acts as Director of Authority in TNA, the liaison role is a natural fit for Grace. And while the second-generation grappler has played down the familial connection during their segments on screen, Marella has been beaming like only a proud papa can—as was the case in this recent picture from an episode of TNA IMPACT.