Wrestling fans have always held a special place in their hearts for the legends of the ring, but here’s the part most people miss: it’s not just about the nostalgia—it’s about the connection. Why do we cling to the ‘old guys’? From Hulk Hogan to John Cena, these icons become more than just wrestlers; they’re part of our personal histories, tied to moments that shaped us. Let me take you on a journey through a whirlwind week in San Diego, where the Survivor Series—the biggest wrestling event my hometown has ever seen—became a backdrop for something far deeper.
After the event, my wife asked me, ‘What was your favorite part?’ I hesitated. How could I choose just one? In those seven days, I had a heartfelt conversation with Rey Mysterio, whose words about his late father resonated deeply, echoing my own loss. I witnessed the awe-inspiring presence of my Tribal Chief, a moment akin to a spiritual pilgrimage for wrestling fans. And I watched my wife meet Asuka, who went out of her way to make her feel like a star herself. The Survivor Series itself was a rollercoaster—mixed reviews, boos at the finish, but an undeniable buzz as fans left Petco Park.
But here’s where it gets controversial: the most special moments weren’t in the ring. They were in the conversations with fans. Talking about who we loved, who we missed, and what wrestling used to feel like revealed a universal truth: no matter our age, we all share a bond over the wrestlers who defined our eras.
On the way home, my wife and I met Natalie and Alex, a young couple from Los Angeles. In the chilly evening air, we talked wrestling for nearly an hour. Alex, just 24, dropped a bombshell: he missed the older wrestlers. For him, ‘the old guys’ weren’t Hogan or the Junkyard Dog—they were Batista and John Cena, stars who drew fans from far and wide to San Diego for Cena’s final premium live event. Ashley Quemuel, 26, from San Diego, echoed this sentiment, missing icons like Edge and Chris Jericho. She nailed it when she said there’s something magical about seeing wrestling for the first time, making those early stars feel extra special.
And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the wrestlers—it’s about the moments they gave us. Whether it’s a 50-year-old reminiscing about Freddie Blassie or a 20-something longing for ‘The Cleaner’s’ 7-star battles with Okada, our ‘old guys’ may differ, but nostalgia levels the playing field. In those conversations, we’re all the same age again, eyes sparkling as we relive the moments and superstars that made wrestling unforgettable.
But here’s the question I leave you with: Is it the wrestlers themselves we miss, or the versions of ourselves we were when we first watched them? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your take.
