I Draw Wrestlers – Authority Figures

By Chris Guest
Updated: June 3, 2020
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I Draw Wrestlers – Authority Figures in Wrestling

“I Draw Wrestlers – Authority Figures in Wrestling” is contributed by Chris Guest. Each week Chris will discuss a topic, and do a drawing that represents that subject matter. This is all posted to his You Tube channel (embedded video below), but we’ve reproduced it here in written form. He would love to hear your reviews on the artwork he produces. If you draw, send him a link through the comments on his You Tube Channel . The best way to support him is by subscribing to his You Tube channel and connecting with him on Instagram at @IdrawWrestlers.

Remember Jack Tunney?

As far back as I can remember authority figures have been a part of pro wrestling. They are as divisive as John Cena in splitting the opinion of wrestling fans as to whether they are needed or not!

Growing up It was Jack Tunney, who was the ultimate authority in the kayfabe, golden era of the WWE. I’m sure I was scarred for my life when I witnessed Jake the Snake’s Cobra sink it’s fangs into the Macho Man. But like many a kid I was even more keen to find out what President Jack Tunney would do about it!

Jack Tunney adopted the headmaster, the school principle role; he kept the unruly school kids (the wrestlers) in line and when they stepped out of line he was there to put sanctions, match stipulations and PPV’s in place because we all know that attempted murder in the WWE, is settled in the ring, rather than calling the police!

The Rise of Vince McMahon

Largely authority figures were like this, but the Montreal screwjob changed all this. Vince McMahon having so publicly caused Bret Hart to lose made it impossible for him to remain as a commentator. Unsurprisingly, Vince felt he would come out of the affair as the good guy, but after realizing that wouldn’t wash with fans, he leaned into the character, becoming the ultimate heel and probably the best Heel authority figure ever!

WCW, like many things WWE produced at that time, tried to emulate this with Eric Bischoff and his smarmy character was initially effective as a member of the NWO, but in the dying days of the company there were so many storyline spats between rival authority figures that fans had largely lost interest.

Fans hated Vince’s antics, and in Stone Cold they had their hero to fight this villainous authority figure. With The Mr. McMahon character, Vince ushered in a wave of heel figures, namely his family members and this is perhaps the biggest problem with authority figures. More and More of the WWE storyline became about them rather than the wrestlers. The egos of the McMahon family became the main thrust of the show. They even had a WrestleMania main event at WrestleMania 2000!

Stephanie and Triple H

This mould of authority figure is made even worse when they try to get themselves more popular than the actual wrestling talent. Stephanie McMahon is perhaps the worst culprit; it doesn’t matter if you’re a face or a heel, if Steph is opposite you in a promo, you know she’s going to put you firmly in her place. Why? Because she’s Stephanie McMahon and no one has bigger Grapefruits… Apparently!

She’s closely followed in this self serving attitude by her husband Triple H and his cocky ridiculing demeanor. He’s done it with countless talents Booker T, CM Punk, but perhaps worst of all with Daniel Bryan.

The pair continually referred to him as a B+ player, lessoning Bryan’s appeal to the mass audience. Week after week, Bryan was ridiculed with little opportunity of comeback. Sure HHH lost at ‘Mania to Bryan, but by then the damage was done.

What’s Wrong with WWE Authority Figures?

For any effective story we all understand that you need the antagonist, would Batman be as effective without the Joker? Would Luke Skywalker be anything without Vader? But the part of this narrative arc that WWE routinely misses is that eventually the face, the protagonist has to win.

What is more perplexing about WWE authority figures is how quickly they shift personas. Talking about Connor’s Cure we get Stephanie the Mom, a caring compassionate woman, which I am sure she is in this environment. The very same show, minutes later, however we see her in a storyline being horrible. Next week she’s a powerful woman embracing the women’s revolution –it’s all so confusing!

Triple H is exactly the same. NXT Triple H is the father of new wrestling shouting “Are you ready?” to the adoring masses, presenting bouquets of flowers to new champions and applauding former indy darlings after a match of the year contender, and yet if you see him the same week over on Raw or Smackdown, he’s back to being to cocky heel-ish Triple H.

All Elite Wrestling

The WWE version of authority figures is perhaps the reason why AEW has veered in the complete opposite direction. For as radical as Vince’s heel authority figure was, it has become tired, almost a sterotype of wrestling and for a new company wanting to offer something different it is perhaps the reason why they don’t have an on screen authority figure.

Tony Khan is invisible on shows, which I think is the right direction for AEW. But having no authority figure really doesn’t make much sense. Are we to presume wrestlers are making their own matches? If that is the case why wouldn’t they just make matches for the belts and little else?

I Miss Jack Tunney

I long for a Jack Tunney type, and although this would never happen, Jim Cornette’s Ring of Honor Authority figure would fit perfectly. Making matches, being outraged by heels, but crucially staying out of storylines. Heck I’d even settle for Teddy Long, making “Tornado tag team matches playa!”

One thing’s for sure authority figures are here to stay, but what do you think? Who is your favourite authority figure? Until next week, enjoy your wrestling.