The world of hip hop and the world of professional wrestling collided recently with the release of the music video for “Gyatt” by Latto and Ice Spice. I was intrigued.

The video’s title card uses the iconic WWE Attitude Era font. The setting is a wrestling arena, complete with a ring and backstage area. Both artists have their own custom championship belts.

All the ingredients for a five-star classic were there. I was ready for a technical masterpiece. What I got, however, was a masterclass in sports entertainment shenanigans with zero respect for the art of professional wrestling.

Where Is The Story?

From the opening bell, the psychology of this “match” was completely nonsensical. We see Latto and Ice Spice cutting promos on each other backstage, but the narrative is paper-thin. What is the motivation here? What is this feud truly about?

Are they fighting for their custom titles, or is this a deeply personal issue that has boiled over? It is impossible for fans to get invested in a bout when the stakes are not clearly defined. Who is the babyface we are supposed to cheer? Who is the dastardly heel we should be booing? They both came across as tweeners, and that just makes for a confusing product. There was absolutely no heat between the competitors.

A Complete Lack of In-Ring Fundamentals

Once they finally made it to the ring, the entire affair fell apart. I was hoping to see some solid mat-based action, maybe a feeling-out process. Instead, it devolved into a glorified brawl. Where was the chain wrestling? Where were the holds? I did not see a single arm drag, a single hip toss, or even a basic wrist lock. You can have all the charisma in the world, but if you cannot execute the fundamentals, what are we even doing here? The workrate was, frankly, abysmal. This was less of a wrestling match and more of a chaotic schmozz. Plus, is that a boxing ring?

The Selling Was Non-Existent

Perhaps the most egregious offense in this entire production was the complete and utter lack of selling. Latto would land what should have been a significant maneuver, and Ice Spice would be back on her feet moments later, showing no ill effects. Ice Spice would deliver a devastating blow, only for Latto to simply shrug it off to deliver her next line. How am I supposed to believe the offense means anything if the person receiving it does not sell the impact? There was no long-term selling of a limb, no registering of pain. It completely took me out of the experience and exposed the business.

A Confusing and Overbooked Finish

After a few minutes of what was supposed to be a competitive bout, the “match” just stops. There was no three-count. There was no submission. What was the finish? Was it a double count-out? A no-contest? This felt like a classic dusty finish designed to protect both performers without giving the audience a satisfying conclusion. It leaves a bad taste in your mouth and does nothing to build anticipation for a potential rematch.

While the presentation and aesthetic paid a fun tribute to professional wrestling, the execution from an in-ring perspective fell completely flat. This was a classic case of style over substance. For its lack of psychology and nonexistent workrate, I have to rate this encounter a DUD.

(Just in case we’re not clear, I am joking!)

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