"Wrestling is an art form. I don't worry about those who don't get it; I worry about satisfying those who do". - Paul Heyman
"The idea of guys rolling around in speedo's never appealed to me." -
Eric Fichbienpwned
That's a good one.
Oh, sure was!
"Wrestling is an art form. I don't worry about those who don't get it; I worry about satisfying those who do". - Paul Heyman
Please explain Evo how a fake sport like Wrestling, where everything is made up, holds so much appeal?
P.S: I'm not kidding, I really want to know.
First off that YouTube video is one of the more embarrassing aspects of the industry. Back in the 1950's up until about 15 years ago, Pro Wrestlers took it upon themselves to act as if wrestling wasn't scripted and "protect the business." Thankfully that practise is pretty much abandoned.
Anyways, try telling people like Darren Drozdov that pro wrestling is a made-up sport. The dangers are very real. It is their job to execute their moves in as most realistic way possible, and "sell" them as being devastating, but of course, poor training or simple human error is all it takes to end a promising career.
For me, the appeal lies in the fact that it takes years to fully master the sport, and to put on a wrestling match that will sell pay-per-views and draw a huge crowd. Not just any Tom, Dick or Harry can pull off a five-star match. It takes exceptional skill to do it.
Also, it's just another form of escapist entertainment. Jack Bauer isn't really saving America against terrorists, but you wouldn't slag him off for being a fake. Instead, you watch into the show, and get sucked in by Keifer Sutherland portraying a kickass character and get entertained by it. That's what wrestling is to me anyway.
The argument of "it's all fake" just doesn't really cut it anymore in these types of conversation. We all know once they go back through the curtain, they talk about their matches, socialise etc. just like basketball teams, football teams do after the final whistle. The business has changed. Just to call it "fake" is disrespectful to the men and women who are on the road 250 plus days a year, suffering through very real injuries simply for the love of the business and the desire to entertain the fans. It's predetermined, but the physical toll is very real.