Veteran wrestling journalist Bill Apter’s revelations about hosting wrestling roasts serve as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between humor and respect, especially in the context of professional wrestling. His account of Scott Hall’s explosive reaction to a comedian’s insensitive joke about Owen Hart’s tragic death provides a cautionary tale for any future wrestling roasts.
The Offensive Joke: A Line Crossed
Apter, reflecting on his experiences hosting these events, recalled a particularly volatile incident involving comedian Ryan May. “The most tasteless thing was a comedian who’s a friend of mine now, Ryan May, said, ‘Somebody’s career dropped faster than Owen Hart from the ceiling’,” Apter said on WrestleBinge.
This joke, referencing the tragic accident that claimed Owen Hart’s life, was met with immediate and fierce backlash.
Scott Hall’s Reaction: A Moment of Raw Emotion
Scott Hall, who was in the audience, did not take the joke lightly. “Scott Hall literally went after him. Scott Hall was in the audience and he literally went after him. I thought he was gonna k*ll him,” Apter recounted.
Hall’s reaction was a raw display of emotion, highlighting the deep respect and affection many wrestlers held for Owen Hart. It also underscored the sensitivity surrounding the circumstances of Hart’s death.
The Perils of Roasts: A Lesson Learned
Apter’s account highlights the inherent risks of wrestling roasts, where the line between humor and offense can easily be blurred. He also noted the challenges of hosting such events for a wrestling audience.
“The fans hated it. They didn’t get what a roast was and every time people came up and insulted the wrestlers, they were seriously booed. We had to do a complete 360 and changed the whole thing,” Apter explained.
This experience underscores the importance of understanding the audience and the potential for misinterpretation in a roast setting. The wrestling fanbase, known for its passionate loyalty, often struggles to separate character from reality, leading to strong reactions to perceived insults.
A Cautionary Tale: Respect and Sensitivity
The incident involving Scott Hall and Ryan May serves as a cautionary tale for any future wrestling roasts. It highlights the importance of respecting boundaries and exercising sensitivity, especially when dealing with sensitive topics like Owen Hart’s death.
The event also reveals the importance of knowing your audience. What might be considered acceptable humor in a comedy club, may be seen as disrespectful in a wrestling environment. The fans, and the wrestlers, have a deep emotional connection to the sport, and to the performers.
The incident is a reminder that some subjects are simply off-limits, and that humor should never come at the expense of human dignity.
