Bruce Prichard Remembers the Greatest Crowds in WWE History
In a current episode of his podcast Something To Wrestle, WWE Executive Bruce Prichard delved into the electric environment of some of the most memorable crowd reactions in WWE history. Reflecting on his good sized profession, Prichard singled out two WrestleManias that stood out for their thunderous target audience engagement.
Prichard started by means of recounting the epic WrestleMania X-Seven in 2001, held at the Astrodome in Houston, Texas. This event is often referred to as one of the finest WrestleManias of all time, and Prichard’s memories of the crowd enhance its mythical repute.
“I go back to WrestleMania 17, and I thought the Houston crowd was absolutely incredible all night long,” Prichard reminisced. “The pop when Linda McMahon stood up out of the wheelchair during the Vince McMahon vs. Shane McMahon match was just deafening. They were into everything we did.” The crowd’s reaction to Linda McMahon’s dramatic upward push from her wheelchair changed into a second that underscored the crowd’s funding in the storyline and their enthusiasm for the event.
The following yr, Prichard highlighted every other monumental second in WrestleMania records: the suit among Hulk Hogan and The Rock at WrestleMania X8 in Toronto, Canada. The live target audience’s reaction to Hogan, especially, left an indelible mark on Prichard’s memory.
“Listening to the crowd in Toronto with Hogan and Rock, the crowd wanted Hulk Hogan. They wanted their guy, they wanted the red and yellow, they didn’t want this Hollywood BS,” Prichard said. The overwhelming assist for Hogan, despite his current heel turn and portrayal as “Hollywood Hogan” in WCW, illustrated the deep-rooted connection WWE fanatics had with the individual they grew up idolizing.
Prichard used this moment to underscore the awesome differences between WWE and WCW audiences. After a 9-year hiatus at some point of which Hogan turned into a crucial figure in WCW, his go back to WWE highlighted a stark comparison in fan choices.
Bruce Prichard Voices Opposition to Wrestlers Coming Out of Retirement
In addition to his reflections on ancient crowd reactions, Bruce Prichard also addressed the debatable trend of retired wrestlers returning to the hoop for “one more match.” Prichard expressed his skepticism about this practice, emphasizing the challenges and potential pitfalls associated with it.
“There’s this romantic notion that you can come back and recreate the magic of the past, but it’s rarely that simple,” Prichard cautioned. He noted that while the allure of reliving past glories can be strong for both wrestlers and fans, the reality often falls short of expectations. “The physical demands of wrestling are immense, and time takes its toll on everyone. The risk of tarnishing a legacy with a less-than-stellar return is significant.”
Prichard’s comments highlight a critical issue within the wrestling industry, where the balance between honoring a wrestler’s legacy and capitalizing on nostalgia can be precarious. “It’s important to remember the reasons these legends retired in the first place,” he added. “Their bodies have endured years of punishment, and sometimes it’s better to celebrate their careers rather than risk injury or disappointment with a comeback.”
H/t TJRWrestling.
