In the world of professional wrestling, where characters and personas often walk a fine line between success and failure, the recent comments made by JBL on his podcast, "Something to Wrestle with John Layfield," offer a refreshing perspective. JBL, a veteran of the WWE, has wisely chosen to refrain from offering advice to the rising star, Danhausen, and his decision is a testament to a deeper understanding of the wrestling industry.
The Organic Rise of Danhausen
Danhausen's success in WWE is a testament to the power of organic growth. His character, a unique blend of horror and comedy, has resonated with audiences, particularly the NBA crowd, who have embraced him wholeheartedly. This organic rise is a rare and beautiful thing in the wrestling world, where characters are often crafted and pushed by the company, sometimes to their detriment.
JBL's Wise Counsel
JBL's decision not to offer advice to Danhausen is a display of wisdom and respect. He acknowledges that he doesn't fully understand the Danhausen character, but instead of trying to impose his own ideas, he recognizes the talent and success that Danhausen has achieved on his own terms. This is a crucial mindset for anyone in a creative industry, especially one as formulaic as professional wrestling.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential pitfall that JBL is avoiding. WWE has a history of taking successful, unique characters and trying to mold them into a more traditional, company-controlled mold, often resulting in the loss of what made them special in the first place. By not offering advice, JBL is implicitly recognizing that sometimes the best course of action is to simply let the talent shine on their own terms.
The Danger of Interference
The danger of interference in a successful formula is a common pitfall in many industries. In WWE's case, it has often led to the dilution of unique characters and storylines. When a character like Danhausen finds success, the natural inclination might be to try and replicate that success by imposing certain ideas or directions. However, as JBL rightly points out, this can disrupt the very thought process that led to the character's popularity in the first place.
A Broader Perspective
This situation raises a deeper question about the nature of creativity and success. When something organically takes off, it's often because it resonates with a specific audience in a unique way. By trying to control or manipulate that success, we risk losing the very essence of what made it special. This is a lesson not just for WWE, but for any creative industry. Sometimes, the best course of action is to trust the process and let the talent shine.
Conclusion
JBL's comments are a breath of fresh air in the wrestling world. They highlight the importance of respecting organic success and the potential pitfalls of interference. As we move forward, let's hope that WWE and other creative industries take a leaf out of JBL's book and embrace a more hands-off approach when it comes to successful, unique characters. After all, sometimes the best advice is no advice at all.
