The Unfair Fate of Rico Constantino: Ageism and Unappreciated Talent in WWE
The story of Rico Constantino, a former WWE star, is a fascinating yet disheartening tale of ageism and the harsh realities of the wrestling industry. Rico's journey reveals how personal biases and subjective opinions can shape careers, often unfairly.
Rico's wrestling career began at an age considered 'advanced' in the world of sports entertainment. At 38, he embarked on his WWE journey, facing skepticism from the very top—Vince McMahon. McMahon's initial reluctance set the tone for Rico's entire tenure, which was marked by a lack of guidance and support.
A Cold Reception
The coldness Rico experienced from McMahon is striking. Despite being the boss, McMahon barely acknowledged Rico's presence, let alone offered any words of encouragement or mentorship. This treatment, in my opinion, is a stark reminder of the power dynamics within WWE. It's a 'like it or lump it' attitude, where talent is expected to perform without question, and any dissent or request for improvement is met with silence or, in Rico's case, dismissal.
The ageism Rico faced started even before WWE. Jim Cornette's reaction to discovering Rico's age at a tryout is telling. It's as if age, in this industry, is a disease that needs to be eradicated. What many don't realize is that this attitude can be detrimental to the very essence of wrestling, which thrives on diversity and unique characters.
Sink or Swim
Rico's assignment as the flamboyant stylist for the Billy and Chuck tag team was a make-or-break moment. With minimal direction, he was left to his own devices, a strategy that could either inspire creativity or lead to failure. Personally, I find this approach intriguing. It's a high-risk, high-reward scenario, and it's fascinating to see how different wrestlers respond.
Rico's response was to create something memorable. He sought inspiration from Adrian Street and Kenny Bolin, crafting a character that would leave a lasting impression. This proactive approach is commendable, and it highlights the resilience and creativity often required in this business.
The Raise Request and Its Fallout
The most shocking part of Rico's story is the aftermath of his request for a raise. Asking for a $1,000-a-week increase, Rico believed he had earned it, especially after holding the tag titles twice and being a regular on the shows. However, McMahon's response was blunt and dismissive, stating that Rico wasn't 'popular'.
This raises a deeper question about the criteria for success and recognition in WWE. Is popularity the sole determinant of a wrestler's worth? In my opinion, this is a narrow and potentially harmful perspective. Wrestling is an art form, and like any art, it should be judged on multiple facets—skill, creativity, and impact, to name a few.
Rico's experience highlights the subjective nature of success in this industry. What one person sees as a valuable contribution might be overlooked by another. It's a reminder that behind the glitz and glamour, the wrestling business can be brutally unfair.
Age is Just a Number
Rico's final words are a powerful testament to his resilience. He believes that age is just a number, and I couldn't agree more. In an industry where physical prowess is paramount, age should not be a limiting factor. Rico's story is a call for a more inclusive and appreciative approach to talent, where age is respected, and experience is valued.
In conclusion, Rico Constantino's journey is a cautionary tale of the challenges wrestlers face, especially those who don't fit the traditional mold. It's a reminder that while WWE is a global phenomenon, it's also a business with its own unique, and sometimes unfair, set of rules. Personally, I believe stories like Rico's should inspire a reevaluation of how we perceive age and talent in professional wrestling.
