Jobber
In the context of professional wrestling, a jobber, also known as a "jabroni" or "enhancement talent," is a wrestler who is booked to lose matches, usually against more popular or established stars. The primary role of jobbers is to elevate the status of their opponents by making them look strong or skilled in the ring. Here are some detailed insights into the role and history of jobbers:
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Role: Jobbers are often used to give new wrestlers or characters a chance to showcase their abilities and build their reputation. They provide a narrative device for storylines where a wrestler needs to overcome adversity or establish dominance.
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History:
- Jobbers have been part of wrestling since its early days, with the term gaining popularity in the 1980s during the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now known as WWE) era.
- Notable jobbers include "Iron" Mike Sharpe, The Brooklyn Brawler, and Duane Gill, who was known as Gillberg. These individuals were known for their ability to make their opponents look good while maintaining some level of in-ring competence.
- The concept of jobbing is not unique to wrestling; similar roles exist in other competitive entertainment like boxing or MMA, where lesser-known fighters often lose to stars to build their profiles.
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Types of Jobbers:
- Local Jobbers: Wrestlers from the local area who are brought in for one-time matches or short runs.
- Professional Jobbers: Wrestlers who make a career out of jobbing, often becoming well-known within the wrestling community for their contributions to the industry.
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Impact: While jobbers might not win matches, they play a crucial role in the storytelling aspect of wrestling, helping to craft the narrative arc of other wrestlers. They are often the unsung heroes of the wrestling world, contributing significantly to the success of others.
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