Jeff Jarrett: ‘I love tribalism’
Jeff Jarrett isn’t bothered by the tribalism that exists online between WWE and AEW fans.
While speaking with the Orlando Sentinel, the 57-year-old Jarrett explained why he believes tribalism is a good thing for the pro wrestling industry. The social media environment can sometimes be toxic, but Jarrett thinks evoking emotion and passion from fans helps companies thrive.
“I love tribalism,” Jarrett said. “I embrace it because it is the nature of what pro wrestling is –- home team vs. away, good vs. evil, black, white, shades of gray. So many aspects of this world are super-divisive and super-tribalistic. But in wrestling, with that ability to evoke emotion, you create more chatter, you create more passion and you create more revenue.”
Jarrett has experienced everything pro wrestling has to offer since growing up in the industry. Currently with AEW as a wrestler and behind-the-scenes employee, he announced earlier this year that he’s re-signed with the promotion for what will be his final in-ring run. Jarrett told the Orlando Sentinel that he still believes this will be the last wrestling contract of his career.
“Do I think this is my last talent in-ring contract? I do,” he said. “But I’m still of the mindset I’m going to go out swinging.”
A feud between Jarrett and MJF had been playing out on AEW television but has seemingly been dropped before the two could face each other. Jarrett did not have a match at AEW’s Revolution pay-per-view, though he did appear as a panelist on the pre-show.
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.