HARRY BURKETT’S TAKE
VINDICATION IS ITS OWN REWARD
VINDICATION IS A powerful motivator—and a respectable ranking in the “PWI 500” can vindicate a wrestler’s career choices, even the decision to become a wrestler.
Consider East Coast wrestler Timmy Lou Retton. Best described as a gymnastic aerialist, Retton claimed the number-500 spot in 2016. At his mother’s suggestion, he adopted the nickname “Mr. championship belt that he has defended 13 times. He even parlayed his “500” momentum into a spot in the 2017 ECWA Super 8 tournament.
