Freshmen

In case you haven’t been watching the Indy wrestling scene lately, some great things are happening.  A new crop of handsome, lean, confident young talent are taking their rightful places in the ring.  And these are not your Grand-dad’s pro wrestlers:  they’re fit and healthy and athletic instead of over-grown or obese or ridiculously muscle-bound.  To me, they seem more self-confident, eager to please, and ambitious than the last few classes of new talent.  And there are fewer extreme characters (mad Russians, Muslim terrorists, Satan worshipers) and more boys-next-door who just want to wrestle.

Attitudes and fashions are changing as far as how society defines a good-looking male, and these new standards are reflected in the latest batch of talent.  Down-sizing is the trend of the day.  A six pack is more desirable now than giant pythons or pecs.  Tattoos all over their arms and backs are no longer mandatory.  Tight trunks are back in style, and if they like to wear a different pair of fancy, colorful little speedos every night of the week — not a problem because wild gear in all styles and cuts is now easy to find.  Sweet hair is highly encouraged.

At the same time, we’re enjoying a re-awakening of numerous little Indy leagues all around the country for these young up-and-comers to learn their craft and show off their moves.  For too long, there were only two major wrestling federations where a young grappler could earn a living, and these were dominated by over-the-hill veterans desperate to stay in the spotlight.  But the washed up old-timers are finally hanging up their boots to make some space in the ring.  Probably because of the world-wide exposure of the Internet, little local federations teeming with young talent are growing and spreading like an infection.  And the athletes are more accessible now than ever if you want to shoot them a supportive e-mail, Tweet, IM, or sign their wall.  Don’t be surprised if you get friended.

So do your part, watch lots of Indy rasslin, pick a favorite wrestler to cheer for and support, or pick 3, or even 15 favorite wrestlers.  Let them know when they impress you or catch your eye or entertain you.  You can hardly swing a pair of spandex tights around these days without hitting one of them in the head.