Why Dave Meltzer is a tumor in the wrestling business

Is it me or every other day, on Facebook, Twitter, online and on TV (Dark Side of the Ring); we see Dave Meltzer adding his two cents.  But usually, he is just stirring the pot.  Granted, I do like reading his evaluation of shows and seeing how many stars he gives matches, but the moment he starts talking about backstage…

His mouth becomes a cesspool of negativity.  Who broke the story about what was going on backstage during “Brawl Out”?  If he didn’t start it, he sure as hell escalated it.

Aside from the news he is reporting, Meltzer makes his hay on telling everyone his opinion on what match was the best.  He influences what you watch, how you should feel about performers, performances, and what you should watch.  As a fan of professional wrestling, the only opinion that should matter is mine.  And I’m not saying that my opinions should matter to you.  My opinion should matter to me and what I like.

I could give my opinion and say everything gets five stars and be done with it.  But if I did that, would anyone want to read it?  Absolutely not!  Dave Meltzer (according to Tommy Dreamer’s research) had given out 227 five plus star matches since he started the wrestling observer in 1982.  Now I would respect that opinion a little more if he decided to make it a list of top 100 matches that are must see.

But he won’t.  As listening to the Busted Open Masterclass Podcast this morning, (yes I do read, watch, and listen to a lot of wrestling) Bully Ray put it succinctly.  “Meltzer is working the fans, and most importantly working the boys!”  And it’s true, we are putting an awful lot into what Dave Meltzer says, but so does the performers…

Mickie James also commented that performers will look at Meltzer before they listen to their road agents or legends.  It’s unbelievable that one man is basically controlling the industry.  He is an inoperable cancer to the wrestling community and the the profession.

And there is nothing that anyone can do about it.  That is except us, the fans.  Enjoy the ride.  Stop taking the cringy stance that everyone who is an AEW, WWE, or insert Indy fed fan here is your enemy.  We are all fans here.  Let’s start acting that way.  To everyone who listens to Meltzer, lighten up and stop making Meltzer matter.  Stop feeding his ego, and making him money.  Be your own judge on what is five star and what isn’t…

If you have any questions, comments, or opinions of your own that you would like to share with me, email me at HotTakeMailbag@gmail.com