Making The Audience Uneasy
Strickland noted that the point of the syringe was to leverage the audience’s natural fears. “That’s the point. If you’re sitting at home, you’re already getting uneasy, which we have so many little, small things that make people uneasy. I knew a syringe would make people feel uneasy,” Strickland said.
He confirmed that the syringe “went through your cheek,” and joked, “I think I still have the needle”. He noted that he knew the spot would garner a strong reaction, which it did.
Authenticity of Violence
Strickland also commented on the physical nature of his feud with Hangman, including the use of tacks and staples. “Not one staple has ever been false. Not one thumbtack has ever been trimmed off. All of that stuff is legit”.
Strickland further explained that the chair shot that followed the syringe spot felt like a severe blow. He viewed the extreme violence as a cinematic ending to the character’s journey. “I’ve done all these bad things, invaded people’s homes, kidnapped people, beaten an 18-year-old kid up to a bloody pulp in this ring where his dad passed away, done horrible things, just despicable things, all for my own glory and all my own success. I did it for selfish reasons. I made history, but it was ultimately for the wrong things,” Strickland explained.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Insight with Chris Van Vliet with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription. To listen or watch, fans can find Insight with Chris Van Vliet on YouTube.
