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The following article is from IGN Wrestling, May 10, 2000.
The Cliffhanger: Shane McMahon should become a full-time wrestler
Chris Sabga
examines the most overlooked talent in wrestling today
May 10, 2000
By Chris
Sabga
Editor, IGN Wrestling
Underrated and overlooked talents are a dime-a-dozen in the wrestling business. There always seems to be someone that never gets the respect, critical acclaim, or even push that seems so obviously deserved. One man stands at the top of that list. The few matches he's been in have almost all been unforgettable. He has microphone skills that would put some ten-year veterans to shame. He's been one of the focal points of several premiere stables over the past couple of years. He's from the most powerful family in the entire industry. He's Shane McMahon.
As the head of the WWF's New Media department, he may be the best man for the job. However, his suit and tie has been holding him back from his true calling. Just by watching the look in his eyes whenever he steps between the ropes, it's painfully obvious that he belongs in the ring. He deserves to be called a "WWF Superstar." He should become a full-time wrestler. If he wasn't the "heir apparent," he'd be heralded as the hottest rookie in sports entertainment today. It seems tragic that his ring potential may never be fully realized because of his pre-determined executive ties.
In the rare times that Shane-O-Mac does mix it up in the squared circle, his relentless work ethic and dogged willingness to always try new things is often a show stealing formula. His breakthrough performance at Summerslam '99 against Test is a testament to that. After building up the fiercest feud of the summer, the "Boy Wonder" matched the Canadian bump for bump. His elbow drop from the top rope to the commentary table was a breathtaking piece of mat artistry.
Fast forwarding to the future, Shane's WWF Title steel cage match against The Rock on the May 1st edition of Raw was a stunner. Skeptics moaned, predicting that it would ultimately turn out to be one of the most disappointing Raw main events of the year. It was anything but. Shane's jaw dropping dive from the cage was the climax to a dramatic masterpiece filled with action and suspense.
Unlike other "special attractions," Shane seems right at home when he trades blows with The Rock and other top level WWF competitors. Those ignorant enough to compare the younger McMahon's World Title shot to David Arquette's WCW World Title reign have no business calling themselves true fans of the sport. Unlike the c-level actor, Shane McMahon has spent the last few years establishing himself with fans and adding dimensions to his character. People care about him. The only ones that feel any sort of emotion towards Mr. Courtney Cox are a handful of trailer park dwelling, collect calling tightwads (or anyone that counts "doubya" as one of the words in their vocabulary).
It's the little things that make Shane so effective. During big matches, he'll often wear a slightly altered version of his opponent's trademark shirt, featuring either a self-plug or an insulting phrase directed towards his foe of the moment. His Summerslam '99 "I just passed the Test" shirt is a perfect example. Without even opening his mouth, Shane-O managed to garner a tremendous amount of heel heat. All it took was a little bit of creativity and ingenuity.
His recent tirade against the Big Show was as good as anything on any mainstream drama program. His unflinching coldness when listing the "big nasty bastard's" faults made for one of the most emotional wrestling scenes of all time. When the hate finally finished dripping from Shane's lips, it was impossible not to feel sympathy for the seven-foot former "Giant" and rage towards the future WWF chairman. The lines of reality were blurred. It was no longer just a television show. Its all-encompassing effect momentarily made forget that I had the ability to control what was on screen with the flick of a remote. That's the effect every truly great story, wrestling or otherwise, strives to attain.
During his aforementioned war with The Rock, Shane proved that he deserved to be in such a lucrative spot. Instead of resting on his laurels, he worked like he had to earn his rank all over again. With a clear understanding of just how much the company means to his family, he competed with an obvious desire to further enhance the product that his father and grandfather have devoted their entire lives to. Instead of being the liability that doubters initially pegged him as, he's become one of the WWF's strongest assets. As one of the highest ranked men in the WWF's hierarchy, he has no reason to risk his body. He does it anyway. That's admirable. That shows just how much he cares about what he's doing.
The fourth generation McMahon is not being pushed because of who he is. His exposure is a direct result of what he brings to the table. Vince always does what he feels is best for business. If the WWF owner didn't think his son had the goods, Shane never would have been placed in a Wrestlemania match with X-Pac or in the main event of the Insurrextion pay-per-view.
The "Boy Wonder's" battle with the "Brahma Bull" was so well paced that it really seemed like it could be anyone's match. If Shane McMahon actually walked out with the belt, it would've been believable because of how everything was executed. At times, I really thought we were going to see the crowning of a new WWF Champion. If it did happen, I wouldn't have been in the least bit disappointed.
