Survivor: David vs. Goliath cast assessment: John Hennigan is one to watch

It’s been a long time since Survivor has had a self-aware character that can play to the spotlight. John Hennigan’s wrestling background is perfect casting.

There may be more people who know the names Johnny Mundo, Johnny Impact, Johnny Nitro, John Morrison or even Johhny Spade over the pro wrestler’s legal name of John Hennigan. The man known as the Mayor of Slamtown, Shaman of Sexy, Prince of Parkour and Wednesday Night Delight, has been working squared circles for over a decade and a half and might be the perfect villain archetype that Survivor needs.

In the wrestling profession, describing a personality as a “heel” means they are intentionally acting villainous in order to help make the “face” (the hero fans are meant to cheer for) look better to the crowd. They lavish in boos; they feed off the energy of being the person you’re meant to hate, even if they are charming in the process. Wrestling fans can appreciate a good heel if they do their job right.

John Hennigan will feed into that role in Survivor: David vs. Goliath and his CBS bio proves the needling has begun. He cites his reason to win is for money to buy a Hummer-sized Corvette that goes as fast as usual, which seems to be one of the more flippant answers of this cast (except for one player we’ll cover later).

The thing about John Hennigan is that he knows wrestling is silly, leaning into the fun of it. There’s a reason why he became one of the most public spokespersons of Lucha Underground (a luchador-based Mexican wrestling production); his ability to win over crowds and represent good, fun, entertainment wrestling is unparalleled.

Whether he’s wrestling in Mexico, competing in the WWE with high-profile wrestlers like The Miz, or competing in Survivor, he’s going to be as prepared and ready as possible. Comparing himself to Mike Holloway “with shades of Cochran” was perhaps the most surprising read, as he broke down specific moments where Mike lost his edge and how Cochran won people over in Caramoan.

It’s clear that if John Hennigan isn’t, at the very least, a superfan of Survivor, he came prepared to play in David vs. Goliath with thoughtful, analytical research of the game. That means of all recruits, he’ll likely be prepared for the twists and turns the game currently represents.

In Jeff Probst’s cast assessment video of the Goliath tribe, he remarks that John Hennigan worked hard to accomplish his dreams and that he’s probably one of the most athletic players Survivor has ever seen. He does also note that you kind of have to look past the facade of a pro wrestler gimmick to see that he is, indeed, an authentic, charming guy at heart.

That may be the biggest obstacle facing John; people will know he’s a wrestler almost instantly. While the Goliath tribe will likely not factor wealth or prominence in their final decision-making abilities (whether it be who “deserves” to be voted out or who “deserves” the prize money), there are preconceived notions associated with the profession and the strength required to becp,e one, meaning he could have a target on his back from Day 1.

More from David vs. Goliath

• Survivor: John Morrison returns to the WWE in multi-year deal
• Survivor: David vs. Goliath DVD now available on Amazon
• Survivor: Bi Nguyen loses ONE: Masters of Destiny fight in split decision
• Survivor submits David vs. Goliath for 2019 Emmys consideration
• Survivor David vs. Goliath: Who would’ve won the Sprint fan favorite vote?

It does bring him some benefits, as well. He’s a huge, strong guy, and he’ll have the physicality early in the game to keep him around during the tribal stages. Furthermore, he’s a well-read guy who knows how to read the room, as he’s recognized people like Mike White from their work in Hollywood and will seek to be a sociable player looking to make the right partnerships.

Where John will come alive is when offering confessionals. The man can spit hot fire on the drop of a hat, offering up both an amusingly brutish, but honest, perspective on people and events. He’ll be the player you either love to hate or hate to love, as he’ll be an entertaining, eloquent voice. Whether he can make it past the merge will depend on his ability to keep his pointed barbs tucked away until he has some privacy.

I see his strength as a plus until the merge and a hinderance afterward. However, if he can angle himself as a meat shield to a keen player, he could make a late-game push towards the title of Sole Survivor. If anyone can win a championship here, it’s the man who’s held several in his career.