Wrestler Debuts- Part 1 (Early 90s)
Welcome to the Cool Points.
The current wrestling product is built on the foundation of the stars and promoters of the past. While listening to and reading the reflections of people like Jim Ross, Bruce Prichard, and Eric Bischoff, one picks up on how cyclical things are. Pro wrestling has tropes and rules that create the best results for the feuds and matches being presented. Yes, there are times to deviate and try something new, but the best results often occur with tried-and-true methods.
Something that has interested me in recent years is how wrestlers debut in a company. How does the company prepare for their arrival, garner fan interest, and promote them towards a successful run? Perhaps there are consistently used methods here too, or maybe there are a variety of “good” ways to promote a new wrestler on the roster?
In this series of columns, we’ll look at wrestler debuts, mostly in the WWE over the past 30 years. Are some wrestlers set up to fail from the beginning or is that more a factor of their own skill set, look and charisma, or some combination of the two? How often do wrestling debuts mirror one another? Which ones lead to the most success?
1991-1992 Notable Wrestler Debuts
Repo Man
Vignettes: Yes, 1 week before debut match
Debut: Nov. 16 Superstars
Follow Up: Promo time + assists Ted DiBiase in winning back his Million Dollar Belt…
PPV Debut: This Tuesday in Texas, with DiBiase, defeats Virgil and Santana
Tatanka
Vignettes: Yes, 1 week before debut match
Debut: February 2 Superstars
Follow Up: Defeats low card veterans on weekly TV
PPV Debut: Wrestlemania VIII, defeats Rick Martel
Papa Shango
Vignettes: Yes, 1 week before debut match
Debut: February 8 Superstars
Follow Up: Defeats enhancement talent on weekly TV
PPV Debut: Wrestlemania VIII, attacks Hulk Hogan post main event match, but is rebuffed by a returning Ultimate Warrior. He begins a feud with Warrior for 2 months.
For these three wrestlers, they all received a vignette one week before their first match. They earned a number of wins prior to a PPV appearance, building them up to a favorable outcome at their debut PPV. In the case of Papa Shango, however, insert a main event run-in instead of a proper match. Of the three wrestlers here, Tatanka has the most consistent and lengthy run. I think this group shows that the weekly matches and promo time can do the same, if not more work than character-building vignettes.
Beverly Bros.
Vignettes: No
Debut: June 22 Superstars
Follow Up: Video insert promo