The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From the Tree
By: Chris âThe Authorityâ Schultz
âDaddy, one day I am going to be just as big as you are!â Those were the words spoke by my 4 year old son Owen that seemed to come out of nowhere as we spent time together this last weekend. One of the greatest joys of fatherhood is having your son or daughter look up to you and I don’t just mean physically. You may not consider yourself anything special, but your kids think the world of you. To be honest, I can remember saying that about my Dad. To this very day, I consider myself to be a chip off the old block so to speak. I feel like I took the same path in life having started a family and working hard from morning till night. I guess the old phrase like father like son, rings true to this day.
While watching Raw last night, I could not help but notice how many second generation wrestlers were competing on the show. Just like my son, these young men wanted to grow up to be like their father as well. I am talking about Cody Rhodes, Carlito, Randy Orton and the debuting DH Smith. Not to sound like a sap, but it truly was a special moment watching DH Smith honor his late father âThe British Bulldogâ Davey Boy Smith in his first WWE match against Carlito. Not only does the younger Smith look like his dad physically, he seemed to be a natural in the ring just like his old man. His opponent, Carlito, also has deep roots in the world of professional wrestling. His father, Carlos Colon was and still is an international superstar in this business. If you don’t know much about Colon, just ask âThe Nature Boyâ Ric Flair about his brutal encounters with the big Puerto Rican.
While Dustin Rhodes has found some success recently in TNA competing as Black Reign, it’s Cody Rhodes that seems to have the brighter future as the son of âThe American Dreamâ Dusty Rhodes. The WWE Hall of Famer can take pride in both of his boys making it to the big dance. Even with the last name of Rhodes, it’s obvious that Cody is willing to earn his respect and pay his dues to get to the top of the business. It doesn’t seem like a far reach to see Cody Rhodes with gold around his waist in the near future. Add in the amateur wrestling experience with his family heritage and you have a future superstar in the WWE.
Like The Rock before him, Randy Orton is a 3rd Generation Superstar. To say that professional wrestling is in his blood would be an understatement. Both Randy Orton’s father âCowboyâ Bob Orton and his grandfather Bob Orton Sr. both had a share of success inside the squared circle, but it doesn’t even come close to what âThe Legend Killerâ has accomplished. Not only was Orton the youngest World Champion in the history of this business, he currently holds the biggest prize in the industry today, The WWE Championship. Randy Orton could have had a bright future doing anything else due to his size, look, and charisma, but wrestling was and still is a way of life for the Orton family.
Some of the biggest names in wrestling today got into same business that their fathers did before them. Bret Hart, Jeff Jarrett, Ted DiBiase, BG James, Terry Funk and even the late Eddie Guerrero and âMr Perfectâ Curt Henning are just a few of the names that come to mind whose heritage inside the squared circle can be traced back many years in their family. Vince McMahon even has his son Shane and daughter Stephanie to take care of his company once his time is finished. What can I say? Professional wrestling is a family business. You never know whose kid will make their debut on the next Impact or Raw. History certainly repeats itself and that is evident when I see all these young superstars become the heroes to the next generation of fans. The apple truly doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Who is your favorite second generation superstar? Email The Authority at [email protected]
