When you tell most people that you like wrestling, almost immediately they will ask “You know it’s fake right?” It’s pretty much the first question a wrestling fan gets if they’re not talking to other fans. And for some reason, it’s usually asked in a tone that suggests that they’re the first person to let you know that it’s fake. Newsflash, non-fans, we are very aware that these are scripted bouts. But instead of harping on non-fans’ assumptions that we’re all living in a fantasy world, I’d like to point out the things that non-fans ignore when they dismiss wrestling as fake.
The matches are pre-determined, but the moves are real.
There is a reason that wrestling shows and video games are plastered with “Do not try this at home” warning labels. While some moves like punches and kicks are worked (that is, not 100% legitimate), other moves like clotheslines, spears, and finishers are very real. The moves must be executed and taken with precision or one of the wrestlers can get injured. Many wrestlers have been injured in the ring, either through recklessness or just chance occurrences. These injuries have included concussions, cuts and abrasions, ligament tears, fractures, muscle tears, and labral tears just to name a few. A few wrestlers have even been paralyzed or died after taking moves.
Wrestlers are professionals who have trained for years to perform in the ring and even the best of the best get hurt. So yes, the match outcomes are predetermined and both competitors usually know what is to happen in the match, but the risks they’re taking with their bodies are very real.
Wrestlers portray characters, just like actors.
Characters and gimmicks are super important in wrestling. They’re what allow a connection between the audience and the wrestler. Much like any other actor, a wrestling persona is a character they take off at the end of the day. Wrestlers, especially established wrestlers, have lives outside of wrestling. They may have streaming channels, do cooking videos, participate in mainstream media like talk shows and radio shows, act, create art, or write music. They can also just be plain people in their spare time, hanging out with their significant others and children.
The same way we don’t expect Chris Evans to run around as Captain America 24/7, wrestlers shouldn’t be expected to be “on” at all times.
Wrestling thrives on storytelling and drama.
Contrary to popular belief, wrestlers don’t go around hitting each other with chairs for no reason. Because wrestling shows are scripted like television, there are stories being told and drama being built. There’s a storyline, a feud, and hopefully a meaningful payoff. Minus a handful of hardcore promotions, fighting and segments don’t just happen for no reason.
Have there been some dropped stories and things that didn’t go over so well? Absolutely. But what show has ever had a run where every single season went over well with every single viewer?
There is an active and vibrant pro wrestling community.
This is the big one. I feel like a lot of non-fans assume the only people that like wrestling are children who don’t know it isn’t real and adults who haven’t let go of their childish beliefs. But in reality, we’re just a fandom that thrives on kayfabe and the willing suspension of disbelief. Take a peek into wrestling media and you’ll see people of all ages, races, genders, and sexualities. You’ll see people who love blood and ultraviolence, those who spots and stunts, and those who prefer simply to enjoy all the storytelling elements. We make lists, disagree with each other’s lists, and have discussions on things from match quality to who had the best gear. We laugh, we cry, and we argue but at the end of the day wrestling binds us all together.
If wrestling isn’t your cup of tea, that’s fine. But don’t dismiss the hard work and dedication that the wrestlers put into their craft nor the feelings of the fans who tune in.
