When Did Pro Wrestling Turn Fake?

Pro wrestling has a long and storied history, captivating audiences with its larger-than-life characters, intense rivalries, and thrilling action. But there has always been one question that looms over the sport – when did pro wrestling turn fake?

The Early Days

In the early days of pro wrestling, back in the late 19th century and early 20th century, the sport was far from scripted. Wrestlers would face off in legitimate contests, using their strength and skill to try and defeat their opponent. Matches were often grueling battles that tested the athletes’ physical abilities.

However, even in these early days, there were instances of wrestlers working together to create a more exciting spectacle for the audience. This cooperation between competitors laid the foundation for what would eventually become the scripted nature of pro wrestling.

The Birth of Kayfabe

In the 1920s, a term known as “kayfabe” came into existence. Kayfabe refers to the portrayal of events within pro wrestling as real, even though they are predetermined and scripted. This was done to maintain an illusion of legitimacy and to keep fans invested in the storylines.

During this time, promoters started to control the outcomes of matches to generate more interest and draw larger crowds. Wrestlers began following predetermined scripts and storylines, often involving feuds and rivalries that would play out over several matches or even years.

Kayfabe allowed promoters to manipulate audience emotions by creating heroes and villains within the sport.

The Reality Era

As time went on, advancements in technology made it increasingly difficult for pro wrestling to maintain its illusion of reality. The rise of television brought cameras closer to the action, exposing the scripted nature of the matches. Fans started to become more aware of the predetermined outcomes and behind-the-scenes workings of pro wrestling.

With this shift in audience perception, pro wrestling underwent a significant transformation in the 1990s. This period came to be known as the “Reality Era.” Promotions began acknowledging the scripted nature of their product, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.

This era embraced a more self-aware approach, with wrestlers breaking the fourth wall and openly discussing storylines and backstage politics.

The Modern Landscape

Today, pro wrestling continues to entertain millions of fans worldwide. The industry has evolved into a unique blend of athleticism, entertainment, and storytelling. While matches are still scripted and outcomes predetermined, there is now greater emphasis on in-ring skills and compelling narratives.

Modern pro wrestling promotions have also embraced social media and online platforms to engage with fans on a deeper level.

In Conclusion

So when did pro wrestling turn fake? The truth is that it has always been a blend of reality and fiction. From its early days of cooperation between wrestlers to maintain an illusion of legitimacy to the birth of kayfabe and its eventual acknowledgment in the Reality Era, pro wrestling has continuously evolved to meet the changing expectations of its audience.

The key lies not in defining when it turned fake but in appreciating how it has transformed into an art form that combines athleticism, storytelling, and larger-than-life characters.