In an exclusive interview, former WWE star Paul London opened up about a pivotal moment in his wrestling career, recalling the time he was punched by the legendary Ric Flair while working as a crowd plant on WWE SmackDown.
A Glimpse into the Unseen World of Crowd Plants
Crowd plants, or “plants” for short, are individuals hired by the WWE to blend in with the audience and react to specific storylines or events. Their primary function is to create a believable and interactive atmosphere, drawing fans into the world of professional wrestling. While often overlooked, crowd plants play a crucial role in enhancing the overall viewing experience.
The Incident: A Shocking Encounter
Paul London, a talented wrestler who competed in the WWE from 2002 to 2009, revealed the shocking incident in a recent interview. According to London, the altercation occurred during a SmackDown taping in 2005. As a crowd plant, London was positioned near the entrance ramp, tasked with reacting to Ric Flair’s entrance. However, things took a turn for the worse when Flair, known for his fiery personality and temper, became frustrated with London’s lack of enthusiasm.
“I remember Ric Flair coming out to the ring, and I was supposed to be this excited, energetic crowd plant, you know?” London recalled. “But for some reason, I just wasn’t feeling it. I think I might have looked a bit bored or unimpressed, and Ric just lost it. He came over, started yelling at me, and then – I guess I don’t know if he was joking or not – he punched me right in the face.”
The Aftermath: A Test of Resilience
The punch caught London off guard, leaving him stunned and shaken. However, he chose not to escalate the situation, knowing that his role as a crowd plant required him to maintain a neutral stance.
“I didn’t retaliate or anything,” London said. “I just kind of took it, and then got out of there as quickly as possible. I think I might have even apologized or something, just to defuse the situation.”
Backstage Reactions: A Look into the WWE’s Culture
According to a WWE insider, such incidents are not uncommon in the world of professional wrestling, where the line between reality and fiction can often become blurred.
“That kind of behavior is not isolated to Ric Flair or Paul London,” the insider revealed. “There have been instances where wrestlers have clashed with crowd plants, promoters, or even security personnel. It’s a high-pressure environment, and tempers can fray.”
A Lesson Learned: The Importance of Maintaining a Professional Demeanor
The incident with Paul London and Ric Flair serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a professional demeanor, even in the face of adversity.
“You never know what’s going to happen when you’re working in the WWE,” London warned. “You’ve got to be prepared for anything, and that includes dealing with difficult personalities like Ric Flair. It’s all part of the job, and you’ve got to learn to roll with the punches.”
Conclusion
Paul London’s recollection of the incident with Ric Flair serves as a fascinating glimpse into the often-overlooked world of crowd plants. While the WWE has evolved significantly since London’s time, the core principles of maintaining a professional atmosphere and respecting the boundaries of others remain essential.
As for Ric Flair, the legendary wrestler has long been known for his fiery personality and unapologetic attitude. While the incident with Paul London may have been a product of his frustration, it also highlights the complexities of working in the WWE, where the line between performance and reality can often become blurred.
In the end, London’s experience serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in the high-pressure world of professional wrestling.