5 best tribute videos in wrestling

As a lifelong wrestling fan who’s witnessed countless heart-wrenching moments and joyous triumphs, these tribute videos hold a special place in my heart. They serve as poignant reminders of the indomitable spirit and resilience that defines professional wrestling.

As a dedicated gamer and avid follower of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), I can confidently say that Bryan Danielson’s latest career video by AEW will undoubtedly stand out among the finest tribute videos they’ve produced. Spanning over four decades, wrestling has seen countless tribute videos aired on TV, home releases, and social media. But one question lingers: What are the top wrestling tribute videos ever created?

In an attempt to answer this challenging yet fascinating question, I’ll share my personal picks for the top five emotional tribute videos in the world of professional wrestling. These videos have evoked a range of emotions from joy and excitement to sadness and tears. They serve as reminders that even during tough times, pro wrestling can still bring a smile to our faces.

Prior to unveiling my selection, let me clarify three guidelines that shaped its creation. First, the video should have been broadcast on television, regardless of when it was aired. Second, the video cannot be connected to a Hall of Fame induction; while I acknowledge there are excellent ones, they won’t qualify for this list. Lastly, only professional wrestling promotions’ videos will be considered; fan-made videos have been excluded from this list, despite their greatness.

Shawn Michaels- Tell Me a Lie

Among the videos in this collection, the one that includes an original song titled “Tell Me a Lie” is particularly memorable for me from my childhood. This video was specifically used within a wrestling storyline, and it was shown following Shawn Michaels’ collapse during a match on Monday Night Raw towards the end of 1995. The question at that time was whether he would ever return to wrestling again.

In a few weeks’ time, we were captivated by both a timeless song and its accompanying music video. Though the song is exceptional, the video brilliantly highlighted Shawn Michaels as one of the WWF’s top wrestlers in the 1990s. Michaels, who was always a show-stopping performer whenever he entered the ring, had the power to leave you spellbound in an instant. The suspense created by the question of whether Michaels would return to wrestling adds depth and appeal to the video.

It’s questionable whether we’ll continue to see as many tribute videos for wrestlers as part of storylines like in the 1990s, but “Tell Me a Lie” continues to resonate with those who followed its narrative. Emotional, gripping, and spellbinding, this video never failed to deliver truth when it was first released. Nearly three decades later, it remains significant for many wrestling enthusiasts.

Terry Funk- Desperado

Among professional wrestling promotions, Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) stood out for its exceptional video production. From the captivating hype packages for events like November to Remember to the quirky and occasionally humorous videos reminiscent of “Pulp Fiction”, ECW truly excelled. However, it was their wrestler-focused videos that were simply outstanding. One video I believe they produced brilliantly is a YouTube-available tribute dedicated to one individual – Terry Funk, a man who significantly contributed to ECW’s rise in popularity.

By the time Terry Funk stepped into ECW, he had already spent more than three decades in the wrestling ring. The audience adored every entertaining act he performed, cheering him on enthusiastically. When ECW produced their tribute video for Terry Funk ahead of his match at Barely Legal, there was no more fitting song choice than “Desperado” by the Eagles, as Funk had achieved everything in professional wrestling – from capturing championships worldwide to participating in some of the most outlandish matches ever devised and even making us laugh on occasion.

When Terry Funk sadly passed away last year, a particular video sprang to mind. This video encapsulated the essence of the man and his significance to countless individuals in professional wrestling. Whether you admired the myth or the man behind Terry Funk, it’s indisputable that he left an indelible mark on professional wrestling, a mark I doubt will be matched again.

WWF- Lonely Road of Faith

As I compiled my list, it turned out that this tribute video wasn’t initially included. However, a friend later recommended it, and after reflection, it still resonates powerfully even twenty-five years after its initial broadcast. This poignant glance at the WWF’s past was more than just a tribute to the promotion; it was also a heartfelt salute to the wrestlers who made the WWF’s rich history so memorable. First shown during the Invasion angle of 2001, this video served as a testament to the legacy of the WWF and its performers.

The “Lonely Road of Faith” tune by Kid Rock can be interpreted from two perspectives. On a surface level, it appears to express personal struggles and the support one can find in God, suggesting that even the toughest situations can be overcome. However, when considering the WWF-produced music video, the song takes on a broader meaning, depicting not only WWF’s historical battles but also their challenging times when World Championship Wrestling outperformed them on television. Furthermore, this video served as an uplifting message during the difficult and unparalleled periods following the recent US attacks, aiming to boost spirits in dark times.

As someone who grew up in the golden age of professional wrestling, I can attest that this music video, although not readily available on popular streaming platforms like the WWE Network or Peacock, serves as a time capsule for nostalgia. For me, it vividly illustrates the rich history and legacy of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 2001, a period that I hold dear to my heart. The video’s depiction of the WWF, with its iconic characters and storylines, is a testament to the enduring impact the organization has had on popular culture for decades. Even if it can only be found on YouTube, it remains a must-watch for any wrestling fan looking to revisit the glory days of the sport.

Eddie Guerrero- Hurt

I still feel like it just happened when Eddie Guerrero passed away. It’s hard to believe that such a fighter, who had triumphed over numerous obstacles to accomplish his career goals, was taken so suddenly. The following night on a pre-recorded episode of Raw, the wrestlers were out on stage for the start of the show, and we received a ten-bell salute along with a tribute video. One image that stands out from that episode is a father comforting a crying child in the crowd. Then the music video began.

In the basement, I first strummed chords on the guitar, and it was then that emotion overwhelmed me, causing tears to flow. The poignant rendition of Johnny Cash’s “Hurt” echoed in the room as we watched one of WWE’s most powerful tribute videos ever created. The lyrics perfectly encapsulated the ups and downs of Eddie Guerrero’s remarkable career – from touching rock bottom, climbing back up to success, and living life to the fullest. This video is etched in my memory, a heartfelt tribute to an exceptional individual who left us far too soon.

Out of the two tribute videos shown on Smackdown that week, it’s this one that left the deepest impression on me regarding Eddie Guerrero – both as a wrestler and an individual. A man adored by many, who remains cherished to this day, and whose memory will forever endure.

Brodie Lee- Ol’ 55

If someone were to ask me in around fifteen or twenty years to summarize the year 2020 with a single video, I’d find it quite straightforward. The December 30, 2020, episode of AEW Dynamite encapsulates every possible emotion from what might have been the most challenging year of our lives, in just two hours. This extraordinary tribute was dedicated to Brodie Lee, a man who had recently passed away on the 26th of December, only four days prior.

Among the standout episodes of Dynamite so far, what sticks with me most is the climax of the show. Cody Rhodes delivered a brief speech in the ring prior to introducing Brodie Lee’s family. After Tony Khan announced Brodie Lee as the eternal TNT Champion, a touching tribute video was played. Just as the Guerrero video moved many viewers to tears, I found myself choked up as well. The past four days of learning about Lee’s sudden passing have been tough on many wrestling fans, with few shedding tears this year.

In the rhythm of Tom Waits’ “Ol’ 55,” we beheld the rich life that Lee lived, serving as a poignant reminder to cherish every moment in our lives, for nothing or no one is guaranteed forever. This video seems to have rekindled the song’s popularity among new admirers. Countless YouTube comments express that this video led them to discover the song and remember Lee, a gentle colossus whose influence lingers on.

Creating this list was no simple task; it’s filled with so many exceptional tribute videos from the world of professional wrestling. There are likely several favorites that didn’t make the cut, but regardless of your opinions on this compilation, these videos have indelibly marked the hearts of wrestling fans and will continue to do so for years to come. Tribute videos may air in wrestling again, and maybe even surpass these five, but they will always remain etched in our memories as a testament to what we cherish – professional wrestling.

2024-08-20 18:16

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