‘Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2’ finally gave this trick the name it deserves
The highly-anticipated revamped Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 is just weeks away from its release.
Now, Tony Hawk is explaining why the classic skate trick the “mute” air/grab is getting renamed in the new game.
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The mute air involves a skater to use their front hand to grab the toe side of their skateboard between their feet as they turn backside. The trick has been widely known throughout skating culture for decades. It was originally named after Chris Weddle, a deaf skater who landed the trick first.
However, a recent conversation with Weddle has led Hawk and the Pro Skater team to rename the mute air.
Earlier this week, Hawk shared a lengthy Instagram post explaining the decision. He shares that around 1981, shortly after the “Indy” air was created, someone suggested that a similar trick using the front hand should be called the “Tracker” air. However, many were quick to point out that Weddle was the first to land the move. Therefore, the trick should be named after him.
“They referred to him as the ‘quiet, mute guy,'” Hawk says. “So it became known as the mute air, and we all went along with it in our naive youth.”
Hawk further shares that Weddle “has been very gracious” about having a trick named after him. However, he has always had a slight issue with the name the community decided on. For Weddle, he is deaf but is still able to speak. So, the term “mute” featured in the skate trick’s name was something that never felt representative of him.
“In recent years a few people have reached out to Chris (who still skates) about this trick and the name it was given,” Hawk continues. “He has been very gracious in his response but it is obvious that a different name would have honored his legacy, as he is deaf but not lacking speech.”
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Hawk had a recent conversation with Weddle who revealed the name he wished the trick was called instead.
“I asked him last year as I was diving into trick origins and he said he would have rather named it the ‘deaf’ or ‘Weddle’ grab if given the choice,” Hawk says. “His exact quote to me was ‘I am deaf, not mute.'”
So, Hawk and the Pro Skater team are fulfilling his wishes and renaming the mute air the “Weddle” grab. Hawk admits that breaking the habit of saying the former name may be difficult for some, but he feels it’s a necessary change.
“So as we embark on the upcoming @tonyhawkthegame demo release, some of you might notice a trick name change: The Weddle Grab,” Hawk says. “It’s going to be challenging to break the habit of saying the old name but I think Chris deserves the recognition. Thanks to @darrick_delao for being a great advocate to the deaf community in action sports, and for being the catalyst in this renaming process.”
Hawk also shared photos of Weddle celebrating the name change earlier this week.
“I told Chris recently and his reply was ‘I’m so stoked!’ And then he shot this photo in celebration yesterday.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDy21PIJWBZ/?utm_source=ig_embed
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Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 arrives Sept. 4. For those that pre-order the game, you’ll get access to an exclusive demo of the revamped game starting Friday, Aug. 14.
Last month, we learned that over 30 new songs are included in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2. Machine Gun Kelly, FIDLAR, Less Than Jake, Goldfinger and Sublime are among those featured on the game’s soundtrack.
Goldfinger’s “Superman” inspired the title for the forthcoming Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 documentary. Pretending I’m A Superman offers a look into how the Pro Skater games came to be and how the franchise’s legacy got its start. The documentary arrives on digital streaming services Aug. 18.
The game’s official trailer is available to watch below.
What are your thoughts on the mute air getting renamed to the Weddle grab? Let us know in the comments below.
