Pro Wrestling is a cultural phenomenon that's here to stay. Many who don't indulge, understandably, have trouble seeing its entertainment appeal. What causes people to commonly discredit the art form is the fact that it's staged.
Now, while it is, in fact, fake, the impressive choreography, larger-than-life characters, and energetic audience, create a dramatic medium where good stories develop compelling characters and provide vast amounts of entertainment for the masses.
At first sight, pro wrestling looks like two men or women in ridiculous costumes who are pretending to fight. I mean, when you really look at it; two people pretending to punch each other is fairly ridiculous. But, if you're unable to look past this aspect, then you'll miss the real in-ring entertainment! Many of these performers put their bodies through great sacrifice with head-first collisions and airborne slams; pro wrestlers work several nights a week, with constantly lingering injuries. Fans and critics usually value matches based on how much physical pain the performers put each other through.
The in-ring technique of pro wrestling is absolutely essential, but it surely isn't everything to the spectacle.
In a pro wrestling match, storytelling is what creates investment for the audience. These stories are told to evolve the characters being portrayed. Like all good stories, pro wrestling involves a protagonist and an antagonist. These stories have the capability of turning a protagonist into evil or redeeming a once-bitter antagonist. A character's major arc usually revolves around a championship, but the most engaging character arcs involve the relatable struggles of everyday life—including topics such as betrayal, forgiveness, confidence, or loss of self. These stories and developments are essential in giving the audience somebody to root for, or against.
As many know, the most popular pro wrestling promoter in the world is the WWE. However, if the presentation of WWE doesn't appeal to you, there's plenty of great content around the world—Mexico's pro wrestling features fast-paced acrobatics, and Japanese pro wrestlers legitimately strike each other in matches. The United States also has promotions such as All Elite Wrestling, which aren't afraid to take a mature approach to the art form.
Regardless, there's only one way to truly respect and appreciate pro wrestling. That one way is by joining the crowd in attendance, and witnessing what this spectacle does for people. Attending a live pro wrestling show reveals the art form's exhilarating energy at full capacity; watching pro wrestling on TV doesn't do it justice.
Are you ready to witness the highest form of theatrical art?
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