6 Things We Learned From WWE Chronicle: Ricochet
1. Obeisance To Vince
One of the perpetual highlights of these documentaries is the mandatory candid shot of the superstar in focus interacting with WWE honcho Vince McMahon behind the scenes.
The manner of the interaction invariably offers a touch of insight into the subject's position within the company, as well as giving us a tiny glimpse into the general relationship between McMahon and his employers in the modern era.
It's safe to say - as this documentary reaffirms - that the latter has transmogrified dramatically from the days when Vince was "one of the boys", which isn't especially surprising given the chairman is one and in some cases two generations removed from his charges.
We see Ricochet come face-to-face with his boss following his first US title defence on Raw, and it's all forelock-tugging obsequiousness (well, except he's bald), as he's all "thank you, sir" for the compliment on his match. There's an obvious place for respect, but can you imagine Shawn Michaels or Steve Austin demonstrating such a degree of self-belittling deference to the booker in their pomp? Heck, can you picture Brock Lesnar doffing his cap in such a manner today?
That's kinda of why those guys were, in the words of Harry Redknapp, top top stars. But you also know, such is the capriciousness of the chairman, that fortune quite often does not favour the bold. It's a tightrope, and one the sure-footed Ricochet is managing to balance.