Who is this man?
And what does he represent?
If you know, you know.
If you don't, read on..
Over the last several years, I have observed, from time to time, the strange but interesting phenomenon of
I have used the information obtained from 'looking in' on this entertainment oddity, to assist in ascertaining the current psychological status of the 'addicted' genre. Observation of the crowd provided a 'snapshot' of the state of mind of those unlikely to bother to analyze the world condition in any depth. In the purity of their responses, I gained some social insight.
The scenarios of the predetermined combative encounters, strutted upon the elevated stage of the rink, have provided a morality play for the violence oriented members of our society. When the Iranians held our citizens hostage some years ago, the character known as "Sergeant Slaughter" provided a psychological and focusing resolution to this delemma . By defeating "The Iron Sheik" in front of the screaming crowd, the visual and tactile display of American superiority was confirmed. (the "GI Joe" costumed "Slaughter" 'crushing' the taunting, arrogant Iranian) Good conqured evil right in front of the people's eyes. Proof that our National Honor and power was still intact.
In the last few years, however, this 'morality play' has become a 'soap opera'. No longer content with resolving the major social issues , the purveyors of this show have launched a campaign to involve its fans in a process of resolution for their 'everyday' problems. Wrestlers representing the various attitudes and life styles of the fans, parade through this ongoing show, winning or losing as appropriate.
Unlike the gladitorial conflicts of ancient Rome, the fact that the combatants return to the battle following defeat, allows a loyality to develop between actor and audience. (After all, who could really develop a deep loyality to 'Crixus" when, after his first defeat, he no longer existed) The promotors have made massive amounts of money from this loyalty. So much money, in fact, the industry is approaching the dimension of pro football in its fiscal scope.
So who is the man depicted in the photo?
His name is Bill Goldberg, the current World Heavyweight Champion of the WCW
So what does he represent?
The 'hype' invested in this character has been extraordinary. The journey through the details is fascinating, and I certainly encourage your quest, if you care to explore further.
Suffice to indicate in this limited space, however, that the current wrestling 'market' is controlled by basically two entities. The WWF (World Wrestling Federation), owned by one Vince McMahon, and the WCW (World Championship Wrestling), owned by Ted Turner and managed by one Eric Bischoff.
McMahon was the rising star; the Bill Gates of this industry, until Ted Turner bought into the scene.
McMahon had successfully developed, over time, a universal 'man of the people' in an irreverent charactor/wrestler know as "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.
Austin captured the spirit and backing of all the fans with a ' take this job and shove it' attitude with which every member of the "lunch bucket" crowd identified. To counter this, Turner has introduced Bill Goldberg, a former Pro Football player. Rising as a virtual unknown, Goldberg has accumulated an undefeated 'record' in a necessarily short period of time. The hope, I am sure, was to rapidly introduce to the paying fans, a 'legit' rival for the money making Austin.
This unusual circumstance has generated a fascinating phenonoma, however. The fans have taken on Goldberg as their 'supernatural' hero! As a consequence, a rarely observed side of human nature has become visible. Adolf Hitler, Jim Jones and Alexander the Great, among others both good and bad, understood and used this portion of the human psyche. Create an icon so powerful that people are willing to divest themselves of individual reason in favor of vicarious fulfillment. I am not suggesting that this current icon is dangerous to our moral fabric, just a simply fascinating example of this human condition.
To the wrestling "fans", Goldberg is the champion who is here to defeat all evil, settle all disputes and always be victorious. To win cleanly, fight with ultimate confidence, and hold the honor and bravery that slips through the common man's hands every day.
To me, though, he seems to be a nice guy doing his best in a tough world.
Therefore, he represents us all.
(This page last updated July 20, 1998)