From the Top Rope: The ‘Wrestler’ loses, Jericho wins

February 26, 2009 by Sharief Ali 

In times of economic hardship, people need escape in addition to food and water. They need something to immerse themselves in to help them, however briefly, forget about their problems in life. That is why movie sales increase during times of recession. But what really explains why people flock to Hollywood films is not what most people think. What influences Hollywood is not just fantasy, fiction, politics and the times; no. The biggest influence on Hollywood is the WWE.

The Academy Award winners have been announced and no one is happier than the villainous WWE superstar, Chris Jericho. It’s not because he loved “Slumdog Millionaire” or Sean Penn, it’s because he hates Mickey Rourke.

Ever since the nationwide release of “The Wrestler,” fans, critics and WWE superstars alike have been praising the movie and the story behind it. According to many, the movie’s main character – Randy (not Robin) “The Ram” Robinson was based on real-life wrestlers Jake “The Snake” Roberts and Terry Funk – both of whom are WWE legends who have fallen far from grace.

But don’t tell that to Jericho because he does not care for Randy “The Ram,” nor does he care for Rourke.

In the weeks leading up to the Academy Awards there had been a lot of speculation about a possible match between Rourke and Jericho at the upcoming “Wrestlemania” in April. As Rourke was doing Red Carpet interviews before the Golden Globe Awards he was asked about the prospect of getting into the ring by a reporter. Rourke told the reporter that he’s been trained by WWE legend, “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair.

He then called out Jericho for talking trash saying, “he’s got a big mouth.”

After being called out by Rourke, Jericho went on the offensive, going on CNN’s “Larry King Live” as well as other shows demeaning Rourke and the character he played.

Then two weeks ago on “Raw” Jericho went to the center of the ring to officially address the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences because they’re all huge fans of “Raw.”

Jericho then said to the audience (and of course the Academy who were all watching), “Members of the Academy I ask you not give Mickey Rourke the Oscar for best actor. If you do so, you’ll be empowering all those washed-up, has-been wrestlers who are looking for one last chance, one last hoorah, one last opportunity to be your peoples’ puppets.”

At that moment the crowd reigned down boos on Jericho until they exploded into cheers when “Rowdy” Roddy Piper (greatest actor of all-time, just watch “They Live”) came out to confront Jericho.

But things didn’t go so well as Jericho kicked Piper in the knee after he gave a heartfelt talk to him. Nothing seemed to dissuade Jericho.

Then on Monday, Jericho, once again, came out to address the crowd and express his gratitude over the Academy’s choice not to give Rourke the Oscar.

This just goes to show that much like the explanatory power the WWE possesses in explaining international politics, it also controls Hollywood along with Abe Vigoda.