JBL expressed a preference for wrestlers who have the ability to draw large crowds over those who simply deliver highly rated matches, highlighting Logan Paul as a prime example of such a talent. Supporting Triple H’s viewpoint from the podcast Something to Wrestle With, JBL noted that very few wrestlers truly possess this star power.
“There are only a handful of performers like that, and Logan Paul is definitely one of them,” JBL remarked. “He’s a genuine star who achieved it through tremendous effort.” He emphasized that the choice between athletic performance and crowd appeal was clear-cut.
“Would you rather have someone who puts on these technical ‘five-star’ matches, or a performer who can pack arenas?” JBL questioned. “Logan Paul has the ticket-selling appeal now and moving forward.”
JBL admitted that the source of this charisma is hard to define. “I don’t know whether it’s something you’re born with or learn. For most of these guys, it’s innate,” he said. “You couldn’t neatly explain why Kerry Von Erich or The Rock were stars. But when they step into a room, it’s immediately obvious that they’re something special.”
He cited Bruno Sammartino as an example of this kind of presence, even long after his prime. “Even as an older, smaller man, he had that star quality. Was he a great wrestler? People might debate that, but no one questioned his star power,” JBL added.
Reflecting on his own beginnings in Texas, JBL shared that unlike many who just wanted to be wrestlers, he and Booker T aimed to become stars and find the path to achieve that. “Triple H is absolutely right,” JBL concluded decisively. “Would you rather have a roster of mere wrestlers, or performers who can fill arenas? I want the latter.”
This perspective aligns with real-world results. Since signing with WWE in June 2022, Logan Paul has worked alongside top names like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and AJ Styles, won the United States Championship at Crown Jewel 2023, and captured the World Tag Team Championship with Austin Theory. Notably, he defeated AJ Styles at WrestleMania 41, with Styles later praising Paul as possibly the best celebrity athlete WWE has signed, highlighting his in-ring ability as much as his popularity.
JBL’s remarks reflect the ongoing distinction Triple H has made between “wrestlers” and “superstars,” a philosophy that underpins WWE’s current strategy incorporating celebrities like Paul, Pat McAfee, and Jelly Roll into programming. This approach has been openly supported by WWE President Mark Shapiro as intentional.
The comparison to Sammartino underscores the point further: Sammartino sold out Madison Square Garden repeatedly during his eleven years as WWWF Champion in the 1960s and ’70s, an era untouched by modern match rating systems but defined by undeniable star power.
Fan Take: This discussion matters because it highlights the evolving nature of wrestling where charisma and the ability to sell tickets can rival, or even surpass, technical prowess. For Fighting fans, it signals a shift toward broader entertainment appeal that could bring more mainstream attention—and bigger audiences—to the sport.
Source: wrestlingnews.co
