2020 was a year professional wrestling had to change its outlook on things. The lack of fans in arenas in addition to the #SpeakingOut movement forced wrestling to look at a change in its culture and business.
It was also the year where new stars began to break out for their use of social media to entertain the fans when they couldn’t in the arena. New independent wrestling stars like Danhausen and Warhorse began to entertain people as much in the ring when they could and outside the ring with their antics, which also had its share of detractors. One of the people to address the change in culture is Gentleman Jervis.
Jervis, a unique performer in his own right, spoke to the Love Wrestling podcast about how the culture of wrestling has to change in this new time. It’s not just about listening to wrestling and promoters how to better their performances, but also listening to the fans. He recognizes that part of wrestling and success comes with from how a wrestler can connect with an audience, so it’s important to acknowledge the importance they play in the biosphere of pro wrestling.
“Well, I think more is – I think, yes, partly it’s the need for more of those, but I think more than the positivity, it’s about opening your heart and your mind. There used to be more of a one direction, one-way mind as it pertained to the audience of a professional wrestling show. There was performers here, audience there, money goes this way, energy and performance goes that way. That’s the exchange. Now, it’s much more intricate. I, personally, I don’t even ever tell people that I have fans. I don’t call them fans. Sometimes I say supporters and well-wishers. Most of the time I say friends. Now we’re not all best friends and we’re not all close friends. But, we’re more than acquaintances because we share pain and heartache and excitement and anger. You know, everything that we feel when we’re at a wrestling show together, we feel collectively. We feel that together. So, sharing those emotions, again, being a part of the community, me opening my ears and listening not just to the other wrestlers and promoters, but listening to the audience and what they want and what they connect with. That, to me is just – that’s important. That’s how we make small, little, you know, incremental change that’s sustainable.”
Jervis, Danhausen, and Warhorse are definitely part of an area of pro wrestling that’s equal parts fun and talented, showing that not every athlete needs to be a cookie cutter to make a show entertaining. Showing a lot of love and respect to the fans paying to see them shows that not only are they not patronizing the fans that have paid to see them, but have given them a chance to be more than just a fan and also a driving force in the show itself. You can watch more of the interview below.
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