You’ve heard of the rhetorical question “If a tree falls in the forest but nobody is there to hear it, does it make a sound?”
Similarly, “If there’s a War Games match but nobody bleeds, is it actually a War Games match?”
Well, Triple H, the current ‘Chief Content Officer’ of WWE is of the belief that blood is no longer necessary in big-time matchups.
Speaking with David Shoemaker for The Ringer, Triple H discussed a wide-array of subjects, including the use (or lack thereof) of blood in matches.
“The world has changed,” Triple H stated. “The world has evolved. I don’t think it’s necessary. There is still blood in WWE, but there are medical personnel to check on wrestlers if there is an inadvertent cut. If we have talent that gets [cut open], usually you’ll see them roll out and they’ll get looked at to make sure that there’s nothing dangerous. I’m just of the opinion right now, given the state of the world and the pandemic, and at the end of the day – what we do is dangerous enough without intentionally making it more dangerous. Yes, we did [use blood] for a long period of time, but we’ve changed that practice. And it’s irresponsible to go back.”
Irresponsible as it may be, there’s just something about ‘the crimson mask’ that adds to the drama of a pro wrestling match. Is it necessary? No, not really. But is it fun? Absolutely. And in certain match types, blood absolutely makes for a more memorable moment. Would the double turn of Bret Hart and Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13 have worked nearly as well if the red stuff wasn’t dripping down the agonized face of Stone Cold? Would people have felt as bad for Mankind in his ‘I Quit’ match with The Rock if blood wasn’t dripping down his face from behind his leather mask? Would Jon Moxley even want to wrestle anymore if he couldn’t bleed?
The answer is no, yes, and probably, but the point remains.
Still, Triple H will continue Vince McMahon’s dictation, at least when it comes to this one edict. And whether their is blood or not, War Games will still make for a very, very exciting Survivor Series.
Follow Nick at @WesternRebel
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