Cover Boy

Back in the 80’s, if they wanted to sell romance novels, they’d put “The Sexiest Man in the World,” Fabio on the cover.  Whatever costume he was wearing or drama he was embroiled in, he would be shown shirtless or with his tunic wide open, his muscular physique on display in a seductive, dominant pose, his long hair flowing in the wind.  His persona was meant to pique the interest and bump up the pulse of the readers to sell more book copies.

If they wanted to sell pro wrestling magazines, they’d often feature pictures of the “Dirtiest Player in the Game,” Ric Flair on the cover.  In whatever gear he was sporting or holds he was applying (or suffering in), he would normally be shown shirtless or with his robe wide open, his powerful physique on display in an aggressive or dominant pose, his long platinum blond hair in disarray and spilling down over his shoulders and face.  He was meant to pique the interest and bump up the pulse of the readers to sell more magazine copies.

Flair was the ultimate cover boy back in those days and I believe he has been featured on more pro wrestling magazine covers than any other wrestler.

The first article I wrote for this Blog, called I’m Baaaaack, celebrated the wrestling magazines from the old days and the suggestive words and captions they used, along with the many pictures, to feed the fans’ interest in — and attraction to — pro wrestling.  The cover photos were even more action-packed, and Flair’s persona as an arrogant, sadistic playboy would be enhanced by the boastful quotations and provocative headlines inserted above or below the photos of him in violent wrestling action.

Flair made you want to buy the magazine to read more of his outrageous boasts, learn about his sadistic nature, and dream of living his over-the-top lifestyle filled with pleasure, wealth, wrassling, and partying.

Flair was the ultimate showman, with his flowing blond locks, expensive habits, and fancy robes.  Like all the greatest wrestlers, he knew how to sell the passion and pain of a match in all his photos.  He’d grit his teeth like he hungry to bite somebody when suffering in a hold.  He’d flash a devilish grin as if applying the Figure Four Leglock was more pleasurable to him than his Prom night.  He’d allow blood, sweat, and tears to pour down his face and into his eyes and mouth, letting you know that he oozes wrestling out of his pores, that he’s willing to get ghastly and wet and hurt for your viewing pleasure.  THAT’s how you sell a magazine.

It also strikes me that another reason both Fabio and Flair were selected to appear on so many covers during the 1980s was that they embodied the ideal male persona of the day:

• Somewhat feminized, romantic, and fashion conscious
• Spectacular, bulky, super-sized bodies
• Long frizzy hairstyles, like rock-stars
• Displays of Yuppie wealth through expensive designer clothing and flashy accessories

Pro wrestling has always done a great job reflecting and lampooning the politics, fashion, and mind-sets of the day.  Ric Flair’s character, and his dramatic magazine covers, are good examples of this.