Was Wrestling Real in the 70s?

Wrestling in the 1970s was a phenomenon that captured the attention of millions of fans around the world. The larger-than-life characters, intense rivalries, and spectacular matches kept viewers on the edge of their seats. But amidst all the excitement and drama, one question lingered in the minds of many: Was wrestling real or scripted?

The Spectacle of Wrestling

In order to understand whether wrestling was real in the 70s, it’s important to grasp the nature of this unique form of entertainment. Professional wrestling is a hybrid between sport and theater, where highly skilled athletes perform choreographed matches with predetermined outcomes.

Bold characters were at the heart of wrestling in this era. The likes of Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and Ric Flair became household names. These larger-than-life personas captivated audiences with their charisma and showmanship.

The Art of Scripting

While wrestling matches were staged, they required immense athleticism and training. Wrestlers executed daring moves such as body slams, suplexes, and high-flying maneuvers that demanded physical prowess.

Scripted storylines served as a framework for these matches. Wrestlers would engage in feuds that often spanned weeks or even months. These narratives added depth to the matches and allowed fans to emotionally invest in their favorite wrestlers.

The Role of Kayfabe

In order to maintain suspension of disbelief, wrestlers adhered to a code known as kayfabe. This meant they remained in character both inside and outside the ring. They would rarely acknowledge that wrestling was scripted, further blurring the lines between reality and fiction.

Wrestlers would go to great lengths to protect the illusion of reality. They would engage in promos, interviews, and public appearances, all while staying in character. This commitment to kayfabe added another layer of intrigue to the wrestling world.

The Controversy

Despite the scripted nature of wrestling, there were times when events took an unexpected turn. Occasionally, wrestlers would deviate from the planned outcome or engage in unscripted altercations, leading to genuine conflicts.

These moments of spontaneity created a sense of uncertainty among fans, blurring the line between what was real and what was scripted. It fueled debates and speculation about the authenticity of wrestling in the 70s.

In Conclusion

While wrestling matches in the 1970s were scripted for entertainment purposes, they required tremendous skill and athleticism from the performers. The combination of compelling storylines, larger-than-life characters, and jaw-dropping moves made wrestling a captivating spectacle for fans around the world.

So, was wrestling real in the 70s? In terms of competition and outcomes, it was scripted. However, the impact it had on audiences was very real indeed.