IMO, Lesnar and Angle’s amateur background gave them credibility to their character. This has been common thru the years, particularly in the 70’s and earlier. That’s why Vince Sr. had Backlund as the champ. He was a legit wrestler with legit credentials. Verne Gagne had his own legitimate credentials, so did Lou Thesz, Jack Briscoe, etc.
Back then it was perceived as more important to have a champion with legit credentials. The industry was still very kayfabe. Trying to make people believe it was real. And of course, you would have some yahoo trying to fight your champion if he was at a bar, so you needed a guy to take care of himself. And there was always the fear that another wrestler could fight the champion, break kayfabe and pin the champ (i.e. Moolah and Wendi Richter). So you needed a guy that could protect himself and the promotion from having that happen.
With Angle, his amateur background didn’t quite show up in the ring with his style. But, it was clear from the onset that he wasn’t your typical great amateur wrestler that was slow and plodding around the ring. It was clear that he was a tremendous athlete and could do things so quickly. And with his background, it really added to the character of him being this great athlete that was a legit fighter.
With Lesnar, his size is impressive, but when he goes out to wrestle he makes himself more impressive and intimidating. He can have the very best of a squash match, dominating in a fashion like few do. And with his MMA credentials…it just lends to the character.
YR
