Worker

Dave Dutra is the Champion of the Sacramento Wrestling Federation, but the challenger Oliver John strikes the more imposing figure.  Oliver John’s nickname is “Old School” and he comes to the ring dressed impressively in a long, glittery robe, invoking memories of the great robed Heels of yore like Greg Valentine, Mr. Perfect, and of course, the incomparable Ric Flair.  You can check out this match (and more images of Oliver John’s hard body packed into tight blue trunks) on YouTube.

Damn, I just love watching Oliver John wrestle — he is such a talented craftsman.  His moves are so picture perfect, and he snaps them as if he’s performed them a thousand times before.  It also doesn’t hurt that he looks so damn strong and fit in his tight little trunks.

John is the SWF’s trainer, preparing the next generation of wrestlers.  He is currently feuding with Dutra who interrupted his class recently to complain that John has failed to provide adequate competition for the champ.

Oliver John could probably break cocky Dave Dutra in half if he felt like it, but instead he adopts a submissive role in this match, allowing Dutra to control and punish him.

John is what is known in the wrestling business as a “worker”  — a wrestler who knows his role and can tell a compelling story in the ring.

Some wrestling fans believe a “worker” is an agile, daring high-flier who can jump off high places and execute many moves quickly.  Actually this is a mis-use of the term as explained in this on-line article.   A “worker” is actually a wrestler who can quickly adapt to any role, who can perform a match rather than just execute a series of moves.  This, above all else, is why I dig watching Oliver John in the ring, because he is a good worker — he knows how to get inside my head to make his matches entertaining.

Oh man, what a gorgeous Headscissor by Dutra, who lifts his hips off the mat and clenches his teeth to really pour on the punishment.  There is a role reversal happening before our eyes, with the disrespectful Dutra taking on the persona of a punishing Heel, and Oliver John inspiring our compassion in that vulnerable, helpless position.

The Arm Bar is traditionally the hold of the Baby Face, a chance to show off his biceps without really hurting the Heel too badly.  It’s a “Nice Guy” hold.

It’s interesting that John uses an ineffective Arm Bar on Dutra for much of the match — another indication that Dutra may be turning from hero to villain.  And that cute grin by John as he works the hold is killing me.  I want to hug him.

I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention the excellent camera work by whoever is filming this match, which several viewers also noted under the YouTube video.  The filmer puts us right inside the ropes, and gives us breathtaking views of their bodies, their flesh, their muscles at work, and those intense facial expressions that add all the emotion and drama.

So Dutra squeaks out a lucky victory, but then he acts like an arrogant bastard.  Oliver John offers his hand as a sign of respect and You-Beat-Me-Fair-and-Square.  But the smug little Dutra slaps away the hand of friendship, what a little dick!

The wrestlers are telling a larger story here:  the story of Dutra’s Heel Turn, the story of “The Man Whose Success Went to His Head and Corrupted His Soul.”  We’re left with the sense that this isn’t the end of the feud, that Oliver John still needs to put this cocky little punk in his place and teach him some respect, and we’re looking forward to seeing it happen.

This is the sort of story-telling that always made pro wrestling fun to watch.  Maybe the reason they call Oliver John “Old School” is because he is one of the few wrestlers around today, in the age of Spotfests and three-minute title changes, who is still able to “work” his matches.