Relevancy & Obscurity (Esoteric Anomaly)

By Daniel Barker

The line between relevancy & obscurity in the pro wrestling business fluctuates across the various demographics that watch it. Each target audience adds impact to how a talent compliments the product put forth too the viewing masses. Problem is certain talent began promisingly yet declined due to drastic circumstantial changes throughout their careers. In some cases it doesn't matter how far a performer claws his or her way to higher ground, it seems a feeble effort unless they recapture the same spotlight that were once illuminated in. 

Total Nonstop Action talent Ken Anderson would be a prime example I'd like to present. WWE 2005 saw the debut of who was known back then as Mr Kennedy, a brash narcissistic competitor that exhumed charisma. A man that only felt content with introducing himself to the ring while drawing tempting the fans participation by uttering his name twice for good measure. During Mr Kennedy's WWE run naming him a probable future main title champion would be met with a lot of agreement universally. The key downside to his career in the global juggernaut would be the injuries he sustained that derailed many opportunities when they were on the cusp of manifestation. 

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Some fans may remember his last television appearance on Monday Night RAW in 2009 that was met with much speculation. There were beliefs that politics had a part in his contract termination, another theory being his rate of injuries were too frequent. Whatever you believe his release felt peculiar and since that day no inkling had been uttered about a possible return. After a forgetful run on the independent circuit he wound up at Total Nonstop Action. 

Joining the TNA roster has given him a greater role by becoming a two time World Champion, however the stage that it happened has been gradually declining regarding prestige for a number of years. As a former World Champion a talents reputation should be meaningful, unfortunately the promotion juggles the title around to frequently for the accomplishment to have any genuine meaning. Mr Kennedy promising superstar transformed into Mr Anderson former World champion & afterthought. 

Who could you blame? 

• WWE for not investing more into Mr Kennedy?
• TNA for mismanaging his career following WWE?
• Or Mr Anderson himself for not striving to attain better?

This is of course an example, many talents have circled the drain into obscurity through reasons out of there control and through their own choices. We cannot help but wonder how things could be different if they had fore-filled their full potential.