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What might have been: Wrestling Tragedies

What might have been?

I wanted to take a break from writing about the current product or lack of and change the pace with a blog that I was inspired to write whilst watching Vintage Collection this past week, where Lex Luger faced off against the late Flyin' Brian Pillman.

Seeing Pillman was always a pleasure and it left me wondering what might have been? What he could've acheived had tragedy not struck? How far his talent would've taken him? Could he have become a main eventer?

Brian Pillman was always a guy who was fascinating to watch. From his early high flying days where his abilty was revolutionary to his "Loose Cannon" character, in which he was so incredible, that fans and even people in within the industry had no clue weather it was a work or not? Probably one of the most convincing portrayals of a character in history. His gift inside the ring was there for everyone to see, even despite his ankle problems that he refused to rest. The angle he worked with Austin was one f the best segments of tv that WWF ever provided. His talent along with the truely amazing character he played so well, could've easily taken him to the main event.

After reminiscing over old youtube clips of Pillman, thoughts of others flooded to mind.... guys who unfortunately never had the chance to rech their true potential.

Owen Hart was one of very few wrestlers to have perished inside the ring. I can personally recall that moment so clearly, as I was watching the event live with my best friend who alike myself choked up....  Owen had more than everything. One of the greatest  wrestling technitians. Vince never saw him as a main eventer, but had everything needed to be.

Eddie Guererro was another who died in his prime.... he lied, cheated and stole his way into our hearts. His fight with drugs were well documented but adventually caught up to him. I remember the day I read the news of his death and my first thought was "yeah but he can't die, he was supposed to be one of the greatest"... and he would've been.

Magnum TA is thankfully still with us, but unfortunately he never got to where he was heading. He was heading for the top of the world, and could very well have stayed there had fate not stuck its ugly nose in. He was set to have a run with the NWA title at the expense of Flair... and I suppose the golden question would be: Would Flair had made it to 16 if Magnum had not been left paralyzed by his car crash? His steel cage match with Tully Blanchard was way before its time!

Others that deserve a golden mention are of course Dynamite Kid who literall gave his body to the sport. Kerry von Eric who amazingly became a big WWF star and IC Champ with a prosthetic foot, before taking his own life. Davey Boy Smith was another who's drug abuse came back to haunt him.and Bruiser Brody, who was before my time but his murder at the hands of a fellow wrestler was a true tragedy.

The dark side of Profensional Wrestling has always been a lingering presence which I prey we never see again, but I fear it will.