Bayley: The Importance of Evolution

Stagnancy is the greatest enemy of progression. In any profession, hobby, or just life itself, the act of stillness will drive the most levelheaded creative crazy. To take the next step takes extraordinary courage through a small pivot in approach or a leap of faith into the unknown. LeBron had to walk away from the Cleveland Cavaliers in order to become the 4x NBA champion he is today. His first run was with a team that didn’t set him up to succeed. Once he was done with the Miami Heat, he experienced the stakes required to achieve greatness the way he has. He was wiser than before. Similarly, the wrestling business requires evolution in a revolving door of stars. If the shot isn’t taken, there’s dozens in the locker room ready for their number to be called. Every wrestler who was worth anything had to adapt and transform how they presented themselves. In an industry as loaded as wrestling, everyone is talented in some shape or form. But talent has to transcend running the ropes and mere capability. Stardom necessitates more.

WWE is the company where evolution is at its strongest and most frequent. Its past has seen Rocky Maivia morph into The Most Electrifying Man in All of Sports Entertainment. Steve Austin becomes ‘Stone Cold.’ More recently, Drew McIntyre flunked under the Chosen One moniker and was reborn as the world-conquering superstar he is today. However, not every…