Bruce Prichard Voices Strong Opposition to Wrestlers Coming Out of Retirement
In a current episode of the “Something To Wrestle” podcast, WWE executive Bruce Prichard passionately expressed his opposition to the growing trend of retired wrestlers making comebacks for “one greater in shape.” His comments have been specifically centered on former WWE Champion Mick Foley’s profession choices, revealing the complicated feelings and sensible concerns surrounding retired wrestlers who contemplate returning to the hoop.
Prichard’s comments were triggered by the news that Mick Foley had ultimately decided to cancel his plans to come out of retirement. Prichard couldn’t hide his relief at this decision, emphasizing how critical it is for wrestling legends to preserve their legacy. “Thank God, I think that’s a smart move,” Prichard remarked, underscoring the sentiment that many wrestling fans share. “I don’t know what it is about this business, but everyone thinks they’ve got one more match. There have been people who had these incredible send-offs, only to completely ruin them by having one more match years later.”
The WWE government confused the importance of wrestlers leaving the ring at the same time as they may be still in peak situation, each physically and in the eyes in their fanatics. According to Prichard, the magic of a wrestler’s top ought to be the lasting picture, as opposed to a diminished version which can result from a comeback years later. “The audience wants to remember their favorites as they were, and they want to see them go out on top,” Prichard explained. “Usually, when you’re going out, you’re not what you were when you were younger, but hopefully you are at a point where you’re comfortable going out and have something still left in the tank.”
Prichard further elaborated on the emotional impact a subpar comeback can have on both the wrestler and their fans. “But when you come back 10, 15, 20 years later and you do ‘One More Match,’ people look at you and they feel sad. I know that is not how most want to be remembered; they want you to remember them in their prime.”
Reflecting on Mick Foley’s choice, Prichard praised the WWE Hall of Famer for staying retired. Foley, regarded for his severe and bodily annoying fashion, has had a storied career filled with memorable moments and brutal suits. Prichard identified the frustration which could rise up when mythical figures try to relive their glory days without being capable of performing at their previous level. “You take that away from the audience when you’re not in the shape you were 20 years ago, and you can’t do the things you used to do,” he stated. “So I’m happy that Mick has decided against it because Mick Foley can’t do the things he used to do 20 years ago. It’s a disappointment to see guys come back out and say ‘I’ve got one more left in me,’ and people see them and go ‘ugh.’ Let them remember what it was.”
Prichard concluded by using stressing that retired wrestlers can still have a widespread impact on the wrestling world without stepping again into the hoop. He pointed to Foley’s submit-retirement contributions, which include cameo appearances, podcasting, and a position because the on-screen Raw General Manager, as evidence that there are significant methods for retired wrestlers to live worried. “It’s okay to ride off into the sunset and still be around doing something else but not trying to relive your glory days and being in the ring and doing all the things you used to do,” Prichard advised.
In every other recent discussion, Prichard touched on why WWE Hall of Famer The Great Muta in no way wrestled for WWE, attributing this in particular to problems with Muta’s supervisor, Gary Hart. This topic further highlights the complexities and behind-the-scenes dynamics that often influence a wrestler’s career trajectory.
H/t to TJRWrestling.
