Skilled wrestling has had numerous promos that driven barriers a ways past the standard threats of damage or assurances of victory. Lovers have heard all of it, from wrestlers pledging to make use of gadgets in surprising tactics to suggesting lewd movements involving warring parties’ family members. As soon as, Nikki Bella went as far as to inform her dual sister Brie that she wanted Brie had died within the womb.
But in some way, Santos Escobar delivered in all probability essentially the most vile promo in wrestling historical past as he defined why he attacked his former idol, Rey Mysterio, one week in the past.
And it was once remarkable.
At the Nov. 17 version of SmackDown, Santos Escobar stood in the course of the hoop, serenaded with “You suck” and “What” chants from indignant lovers amassed within the Ford Heart in Evansville, IN. However the técnico became rudo powered via and gave what could have been the most productive monologue of 2023.
Escobar started by way of reminding everybody that he comes from a wealthy lucha libre custom and the way his circle of relatives have been categorised heroes. But it was once Rey Mysterio whom Escobar adored and patterned himself after. He was hoping lovers would at some point see him as he noticed Mysterio, whom Escobar stated had transform a father determine to him.
But if Mysterio apparently aligned himself with Carlito and Carlito’s claims that Escobar was once liable for costing Mysterio the U.S. name at Crown Jewel, Escobar was once devastated. Abruptly, the entirety Dominik Mysterio had stated about his mythical father become true to Escobar. He then accused the elder Mysterio of stealing his name alternative and hijacking his staff, Legado Del Fantasma, which Rey rebranded because the Latino Global Order (LWO).
Worst of all, Mysterio welcomed Carlito, whom Escobar known as an intruder, into their circle of relatives.
Addressing Carlito, Escobar grew angrier. He got rid of his sports activities coat and spoke in Spanish, claiming to be Carlito’s worst enemy and vowing to punish him like he punished the WWE Corridor of Famer. He then became his rage again to his former hero, announcing he was hoping Mysterio’s ache reminded him of the distress he brought about Escobar by way of siding with the outsider.
From there, Escobar didn’t simply pass the road; he obliterated the bottom the place the road was once drawn.
Previous this week, Mysterio underwent knee surgical treatment to regard a valid harm that WWE has since integrated into his storyline with Escobar. Taking credit score for injuring the enduring luchador, Escobar stated:
“I say sorry for no longer doing extra harm. And Rey, this one is from the ground of my center. I’m hoping the surgical treatment didn’t move smartly. I’m hoping you catch an an infection and they’ve to amputate your leg! As an issue of truth, I’m hoping you by no means come again!”
That reprehensible remark was once greater than the LWO may take, with Zelina Vega popping out to confront Escobar.
Vega, in tears, slapped him and stated the one particular person she hated greater than Escobar was once herself for trusting him. Then, Joaquin Wilde and Cruz del Toro, who’ve been by way of Escobar’s facet since their NXT days, took up for Mysterio. Escobar replied by way of calling them deadweight sooner than attacking them. Carlito arrived to make the save, however Escobar exited the hoop.
As promos move, this didn’t surpass Austin 3:16, CM Punk’s Pipe Bomb, or Hulk Hogan’s reason for becoming a member of the nWo at Bash on the Seaside in 1996. On the other hand, Escobar’s speech was once an all-timer, as he completely accounted for his movements whilst revealing what’s in retailer for the likes of Carlito.
However greater than anything else, Escobar felt actual. He spoke as one does when legitimately harm by way of anyone they take care of, which is why he went to the darkest position conceivable by way of wishing for the amputation of Mysterio’s leg.
And as disgusting as that line was once, it was once refreshing. Professional wrestling, or extra in particular, WWE, has performed it secure with its heels for too lengthy. As a result of company sponsorships and community offers, WWE hardly ever permits its unhealthy guys to sink to the ground of the barrel to get audiences mad.
Dwelling in that secure zone has steadily made for a tame product, which is the antithesis of professional wrestling. Villains are meant to push buttons. Their activity is to make other folks indignant and, now and again, lead them to squeamish. The unhealthy guys wish to make lovers uncomfortable to get them to rally at the back of the great guys or babyfaces.
Subsequently, the evil-doers — of their phrases or movements — wish to pass the road from time to time. Escobar did simply that, achieving into the crevices of his wounded soul to spew a visceral hate one would simplest use to masks sadness and unhappiness. And as vile because it was once, it’s a refreshing shot of truth that makes Rey Mysterio’s go back and eventual showdown with Santos Escobar a lot more interesting.
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