Wrestling’s an interesting…“sport” isn’t quite the right word, but I can’t think of what else to call it right now. I wouldn’t call myself a fan, but it was also pretty inescapable in the late 90s, so I’ve seen my fair share.
It’s absolutely a performance, but especially over the last couple of decades, the industry has shifted away from maintaining “kayfabe” and mostly just embraces the phoniness (though they still play it absolutely straight in the ring).
At the end of the day, it’s a very unique type of performance art that requires both athleticism and, for the most successful wrestlers, acting chops.
And yeah, there are definitely toxic aspects to it and its fan base.
Wrestling’s an interesting…“sport” isn’t quite the right word, but I can’t think of what else to call it right now. I wouldn’t call myself a fan, but it was also pretty inescapable in the late 90s, so I’ve seen my fair share.
It’s absolutely a performance, but especially over the last couple of decades, the industry has shifted away from maintaining “kayfabe” and mostly just embraces the phoniness (though they still play it absolutely straight in the ring).
At the end of the day, it’s a very unique type of performance art that requires both athleticism and, for the most successful wrestlers, acting chops.
And yeah, there are definitely toxic aspects to it and its fan base.