Body Language

The November 14th episode of NXT included a look at a wrestler the WWE is pushing heavily as the Next Big Stud: Roman Reigns.

Related to the Rock, the announcers frequently describe him with superlatives to let the fans know they’re supposed to worship and fear this man.

Even his name, “Roman” (like the Empire) and “Reigns” (as in to rule) screams of dominance and power.

Reigns will be battling another hyper-masculine, boxy, brick-shithouse type wrestler in Chase Donovan.  If Reigns can dominate this powerfully-built, testosterone soaked fellow, it will further convey the strength and skill of the victor.

Both wrestlers are skilled at using carefully crafted body language throughout the match to communicate the awesome power and verility of Roman Reigns and the utter submissiveness and inferiority of Chase Donovan.

For example, Reigns looks like the ancient Roman statue of Victory as he poses on the ropes with one arm raised overhead.  This forces Donovan to crane his neck and look up at his Master, a pose of submissiveness and defeat.

Reigns then injects some sexual energy into his body language by showing Chase Donovan his tongue.

Throughout the match, Reigns stands upright and erect, while Donovan spends much of the time cowering and bent over, an obvious symbol of submission.

Reigns also moves slowly and confidently around the ring, taking his time, showing us the relaxed strut of an Alpha Male secure in his dominant role.

Donovan, meanwhile, waits patiently for his beatings, laying still like a well trained dog.

Whenever a pro wrestler wants to explain to the viewers that he is utterly finished, that he surrenders, he will spread open his legs, offering a wide open view of his most vulnerable area.

Hats off to Chase Donovan for sacrificing his male ego, every ounce of his dignity, by laying flat on his back and giving up the goods while a smiling Roman Reigns lords over him.  Wrestling fans love to witness domination and submission in the ring, and these two are delivering.

By applying the Claw Hold, Roman demonstrates how easily he is able to control the weaker man.  With just one hand, really just a few fingers, the powerful Roman is able to subdue and emasculate Chase Donovan, reducing him to a helpless, groaning pile of twitching muscles.

The message conveyed to the fans is that Roman is unbeatable, a few of his fingers more powerful than the other man’s entire being.

Roman Reigns no longer needs to touch his well-trained victim to make him suffer.  Standing over the weaker man, his arms at his sides, his body language just screams dominance.  It appears as if the weight of his stare alone is crushing Donovan, keeping him down on the mat by will-power alone.

Meanwhile Donovan continues to accept his submissive role, down on his knees, his body twisted.  He deserves just as much credit as Roman Reigns for making Roman reign.

This match reminds us that in-ring action doesn’t need to be outrageous, fast-paced, and death-defying to be entertaining.  Sometimes a slow, carefully constructed match can be more pleasing than a barn-burner.  A one-sided jobber squash can be a pleasure to watch if done properly and both wrestlers understand their roles and act them out with authenticity.

Reigns and Donovan are clearly well-trained and experienced at how to titillate and excite the on-lookers with their poses and body language.  The old-school vibe, the clear distinction between dominant Alpha Males and subservient Beta Males conveyed through every action and pose, is yet another reason why I am really digging NXT these days.