TNA wrestler Christian York, 35, proves that age is no factor in being a rising star Americas second largest wrestling promotion. But will WWE ever be willing to hire older wrestlers as up-and-coming stars? Back in November 2012, indy star York successfully passed his Gut Check trial on Impact Wrestling, winning himself a spot on the TNA roster. Following his signing, York was thrust straight into the X-Division title scene. Now, he is arguably one of the most over guys in the company. The Virginia natives success is a combination of technical ability and solid booking. Over the past weeks on Impact, York has proven himself in feuds with both older wrestlers (Rob Van Dam) and those with less experience (Kenny King). A friend of mine recently commented that watching York is like watching Bret Hart in his WWF days: you know he is good because he makes everyone else look good. Gut Check judge Tazz really said it all in his evaluation speech, remarking, You know what the it factor is, right? Well, in my opinion, you have it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge1MrHF4cX8 We are constantly being told that promoters and talent scouts are on the look-out for the next big star in professional wrestling. However, it appears the No. 1 promotion in North America WWE is ignoring some of the best talent in the independent scene because they are no longer in their 20s. For TNA fans, this is only a good thing as it means the Tennessee-based company is getting their hands on more experienced wrestlers like York. However, for WWE devotees like myself who had to sit through Kaitlyn and Maxines infamous
bout in 2010 - this ethos is frankly frustrating. Yorks double appearance at TNAs latest PPV event in Orlando shows that they are willing to make an investment in their new cruiserweight star, however its hard to imagine Triple H doing the same in WWE. As Paul Heyman points out in this AOL
interview, there is a benefit to hiring 21 year-olds and moulding them into the stars of tomorrow. (If you check out WWEs excellent developmental show NXT, you can see these 21 year-olds in action.) Nevertheless, the company should not be ignoring the older talent in the independent scene. The same goes for former WWE wrestlers. It was
reported recently that WWE had no interest in Samoa Joe, 33. Similar comments have been made about Colt Cabana, 32. These are arguably two of the most technically proficient and popular wrestlers in the US. It worked second time round for the American Dragon Brian Danielson. Its working in TNA with York. So, will WWE ever be willing to hire some real veterans? Let us know what you think in the comments below.