Best known for his comedy wrestling antics, Dirty Dango can no longer be typecast as just a humorous gimmick in TNA Wrestling; he has set his sights on a more aggressive role.
In a candid interview with WrestleZone Managing Editor Bill Pritchard, Dirty Dango disclosed the challenges he faced as he transitioned away from being a comedy wrestler, drawing parallels to a stand-up comedian trying to shift away from their signature humor.
“As Tommy [Dreamer], who’s been working with me in TNA, points out, I need to cut back on the comedy,” Dirty Dango confided. “They see potential in me as a serious top guy, and that means I have to be more aggressive, which is tough to adjust to after years of being the funny man in the ring.”
Dango reminisced about his days in short, character-driven matches where the wrestling took a backseat to storyline development, often overshadowed by the comedic elements that he and his partner, [Tyler] Breeze, were known for.
A Lesson from The American Dream
Dirty Dango reflected on the wisdom imparted by Dusty Rhodes during his time in FCW, emphasizing the importance of a diverse body of work and the ability to adapt to various roles throughout one’s wrestling career.
“Dusty [Rhodes] always stressed the need to have a variety of characters to play over your career. I’m focusing on showcasing a different side of myself, transitioning from comedy to being an ‘ass-kicker’ and more,” he pondered. “It’s critical for career longevity to reinvent oneself, an art that stalwarts like [Chris] Jericho, Edge, and Christian have mastered, keeping them relevant across generations.”
Dango’s entire conversation with Pritchard is available for wrestling enthusiasts to view in the video below:
READ MORE: Dirty Dango Discusses Oleg Prudius’ Successful Return to Wrestling
For access to these exclusive quotes, please credit WrestleZone with a hyperlink to this transcription.
FAQs About Dirty Dango’s Career Transition
What is Dirty Dango’s background in wrestling?
Dirty Dango, previously known for his comedic wrestling roles, is a professional wrestler who has been active in various wrestling organizations, including TNA Wrestling.
Why did Dirty Dango decide to move away from comedy wrestling?
He recognized the need for evolving his persona to showcase different aspects of his talent and to potentially become a top contender in TNA Wrestling.
Who has been guiding Dirty Dango in TNA?
Tommy Dreamer has been mentoring him, encouraging Dango to adopt a more serious and aggressive wrestling style.
What was Dusty Rhodes’ impact on Dirty Dango’s perspective?
Dusty Rhodes taught him the value of having a versatile body of work and the ability to reinvent oneself throughout a wrestling career.
How has Dirty Dango’s transition been received by fans and peers?
While individual reactions may vary, Dango’s efforts to reinvent himself aim to garner respect and a new level of engagement from fans and recognition from his peers.
Conclusion
Dirty Dango’s journey from a comedy wrestler to an athlete aiming for a more serious and respected role is a testament to the dynamism inherent in the world of professional wrestling. Taking cues from legends like Dusty Rhodes and contemporaries like Chris Jericho, Edge, and Christian, Dango strives for a career marked by longevity and reinvention. While he once entertained fans with laughter, he’s now poised to captivate them with every lock and takedown, proving that even in the theater of wrestling, evolution is not only possible, but necessary.