Smart Hatred by Adam Barisano – April 14, 2014

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Smart Hatred by Adam Barisano – April 14, 2014

“You’re Not the Star”

Wikipedia is often a simple minded compilation of information added by any Johnny- come- lately who feels a need to add their two cents. However, I read a statement about four years ago that opened my eyes forever. “In professional wrestling, a manager is a SECONDARY character paired with a wrestler (or wrestlers) for a variety of reasons.” This statement is a sharp knife of FACT, that so many are apparently impervious to feeling it stabbing them profusely.

“The role of the Manager is a lost art.” I can’t remember how many times I’ve heard that quote. In my humble opinion, not only is it a lost art, but it’s lying in an I.C. unit, on life support. Having worked in Canada, Florida, Nassau and all around New England, I’ve made it a point to ask other managers, valets and agents on the shows how they view their job. Often times the answers have been “I did so great! They hated ME so much! They booed ME so loud, and throughout the entire match I had to tell them to shut up” Without ever really responding, I simply nod my head, smile and go about my business. What I want to say is “Guess what? You’ve failed, because it’s not about YOU!” What strikes me the hardest is the fact that some of these individuals have been doing the job longer than I was a twinkle in my father’s eye.

Now, before people draw an erroneous conclusion that I’m preaching about how I’ve never been guilty of these same mistakes, let me stop right here to say that I have. The difference is that I was often put in my place viciously, by talent that are THE BEST in our sport today. Aside from being told to study the greats, I watched Chaotic Wrestling legend, ”The Manager of Champions” Sean Gorman. No one, aside from maybe those we grew up watching on television, can hold a candle to him. He’s vindictive, articulate and brilliant at his craft. The Sean Gorman you see in wrestling is the same man you’d meet at a pompous Boston restaurant with a hot brunette on his arm, who’d tell you to “Leave me the hell alone” if you approached him. Sean taught me that we as representatives to the talent are the blueprints and the foundation that our clients are built on. We are there to provide a voice to the ones who may lack the ability to convey their emotions verbally. Behind the scenes, we serve as coaches and agents to our clients. We handle their business, so that they can get it done in the circle that is square.

Managers, Valets, Agents, Advocates and whatever else you choose to refer to yourselves as. Listen well, all of you! It’s show time, and the microphone is ours for the taking. A message needs to be conveyed on behalf of a client. This is our time to exercise our right to free speech and show everyone watching why our charge is the platinum lining on the roster. Chances are the fans will disagree with our sentiments, OH WELL! Get the point across and accomplish the mission at hand. Once that microphone is passed on, remain unseen until you are needed. Which in the case of my two clients Mistress Belmont and Brandon Locke, I never have to do a thing because they GET THE JOB DONE. Oh and remember, YOU’RE NOT THE STAR. See you Friday in Woburn.

The views expressed by Adam Barisano in this column are his and do not necessarily reflect the views of Chaotic Wrestling, its Performers, Staff or Management. This page on ChaoticWrestling.com is considered a paid advertisement for the Author. You can see Barisano lead his Client, Brandon Locke into battle this Friday night when he challenges CW New England Champion “The Supreme Talent” Sean Burke.