Why I Do What I Do

Sometimes friends and family ask why I do this. Why do I take the time to publish blogs, reviews and columns with no direct financial incentive or even guaranteed readership. Why bother? It's a valid question, one that I've answered differently over the years. Former answers include: claiming the pieces form a broad portfolio that'll indicate the quality of writing I'm capable of to a future employer; suggesting that each work represents an application of themes / concepts from my university studies, thusly becoming a measure of study; practice for writing critically; educating the ignorant sheep-like masses in good taste (I'm kidding); and etc.

As you can see, I've felt an overwhelming urge to provide grand justification for what I do. Something with mature goals, great aspirations. Something more than it is. Why? I don't know... I'm going to go against that here though. Here I'd like to instead tell the blatant truth: I do this because I like to do this. Nothing else, really. And whilst there are truths hidden in those reasons above - critical writing is intrinsically tied to what I wish to do in life - I don't do this in order to achieve that. I want to achieve that because I love doing this. I like to have my say on things. Whether it be as silly as pro-wrestling, as supposedly artistic as literature, as obscure as a random episode from a television show, a video game, a film, graphic novel, article or essay, song. Anything I feel like talking about.

It's a hobby I've had for a long time, one that I hope to transform into a career of some sort down the line. But that's then. For now I'm just happy to have my say and provide my critique. =)

And now onto some WRASSLIN~!

CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio - WWE 02.12.2010


Although Rey Mysterio may be my choice for best WWE performer of 2010 so far - as he was by 2009's conclusion - this performance is much more impressive for CM Punk's contribution. The attention to detail Punk exhibits is impeccable. It highlights a respect for every moment spent in the squared circle, every act (minute or huge) that shapes the story being told. Keep in mind that this occured on Smackdown. Not on pay-per-view. For all intents and purposes, it simply isn't as important an occasion. And yet Punk still feels obligated to trace out each aspect of the story, teasing potential twists and offering tangents that keeps us alert.

What am I blabbering on about? He takes what would normally be a filler/throwaway sequence within the match - Rey momentarily attacking Punk's leg before returning to aerial stunts - and makes it seem potentially significant. You may recall how many matches, specifically those from independent promotions (but not exclusively so), begin with an inconsequential but obligatory sequence of 'testing out the opponent', usually performed via trading holds and other such nonsense. Often never actually having an effect on the story or its outcome. Wasted motion, really. Well, Punk takes something similar and weaves it into the narrative without turning it into a major plot point. It doesn't affect the outcome, but it certainly has an underlying influence on our experience of the tale.

The quality of it lies in the subtlety: Punk doesn't pretend his leg is snapped in half, but he hints at a lingering, niggling problem that may factor into his downfall. He clutches the knee occasionally, hits or shakes it attempting to regain feeling, and portrays a small limp in the seconds following Rey's attack. The degree of pain depicted correlates with the amount of time spent by Rey on the assault. It's not a killer injury but it's enough to bother and grow into something serious. It keeps you guessing as to how the match will pan out and conclude whilst equally upholding a respect for selling that appears to be increasingly absent from professional wrestling (not just in the WWE, mind you). The fact that it doesn't impact on the finish hardly devalues its presence within the performance. Rather, I feel, it shows masterful storytelling by CM Punk in not having to resort to trading near-falls or overdoing the antics to convey a sense of complexity and suspense to what is essentially a simple television match.

Meanwhile Punk's croonies allow for dramatic instances that magnify the thrilling chain-of-events. Just their presence moulds the story, distracting Mysterio enough for Punk to slam him down onto the barricade. This leads to a targeted attack of Rey's back. And, of course, the exciting teased finish that sees Mysterio almost succumb to the 'numbers game'. Suspenseful stuff, if you allow yourself to get caught up in the match's flow. The dynamic between Punk's heelish slower control segments and Mysterio's upbeat bursts of high-flying creates a nice ebb-and-flow to the match (as usual). Special mention also goes to CM Punk's weird, creepy mannerisms tapping into the cult-like interpretation of his Straight Edge Society. "I can saaaaaaaaaaave you, Rey!" The bulging eyes and intensity doesn't reach the exaggerations of a Kane. Or an Edge. Thankfully.

It's a lovely match, spearheaded by an expertly subtle performance by CM Punk generating a wealth of meaning from the smallest of inclusions.