Jerry Lynn

Ringwork Rating - 

Intangibles Rating - 

Place in History - Jerry Lynn and Sean Waltman were two young kids trying to make a name for themselves and their lengthy feud on the independents and in Global helped both gain the recognition they needed to build a career.  Although those cutting edge matches might not hold up well, they predated the cruiserweight explosion that transformed pro-wrestling in the US several years after.  Following that period and a pitiful run as the masked Mr. JL, Lynn found himself in ECW.  In many ways Jerry Lynn was the embodiment of the ECW ethos - a frustrated yet capable performer who could climb the ladder based on grit and determination.  Rivalries with Justin Credible and Lance Storm allowed Jerry Lynn’s abilities to truly come through.  However, it was against Rob Van Dam, where his excellence as a ring general allowed him to be promoted into a top tier spot.  Jerry Lynn had limitations behind the microphone and, at times, connecting with the crowd.  He was pushed as a top star in the company’s dying days.  Following a lackluster run with WWF, Jerry Lynn was one of many veterans who sought regularly employment in the Jarretts’ NWA-TNA group.  Jerry Lynn excelled as a mentor-type and became a true asset in the ring as well as behind the scenes.  The company’s signature “X Division” was largely built with credible talent such as Jerry Lynn working with up-and-comers.  Injuries took their toll on Jerry and despite slowing down, reducing his schedule and picking his spots, retirement was inevitable.  Jerry Lynn is one of, what veterans used to call “carpenters”, whose workmanship in the ring was necessary for building the roster, building the cards and building the promotion.  He was a key supporting character in ECW when they were making their push toward national exposure as was he in NWA-TNA in their formative years and both promotions were bettered through his involvement.