When Did Professional Wrestling Become Fake?By Coder| August 30, 2023 Wrestling Professional wrestling has been a popular form of entertainment for many years, captivating audiences with its high-energy performances and larger-than-life characters. But when did professional wrestling become fake? This question has sparked much debate among fans and critics alike. The Early Days of Professional Wrestling In the early days of professional wrestling, the sport was presented as a legitimate competition. Matches were portrayed as contests between skilled athletes vying for victory. Wrestlers would engage in intense physical battles, showcasing their strength and technical prowess. During this time, the outcomes of matches were not predetermined. Wrestlers would face off in the ring, and the better performer would emerge victorious. It was a time when professional wrestling was viewed as a legitimate sport rather than purely entertainment. The Rise of Kayfabe As professional wrestling gained popularity, promoters realized that they could attract larger audiences by incorporating storytelling and drama into the matches. This gave birth to the concept of “kayfabe,” which refers to the portrayal of events within professional wrestling as real, regardless of whether they are scripted or not. Kayfabe allowed promoters to create engaging storylines that captivated fans and kept them invested in the outcomes of matches. It involved maintaining a level of secrecy about the scripted nature of professional wrestling while presenting it as an athletic competition. The Exposed Secrets Over time, however, the secrets behind professional wrestling began to be revealed. The advent of television brought increased scrutiny to the industry and exposed some of its inner workings. One significant event that contributed to this revelation was the 1989 trial involving Vince McMahon and his promotion, WWE (then known as WWF). During this trial, McMahon acknowledged that professional wrestling matches were predetermined and that wrestlers worked together to choreograph the outcomes and sequences of their matches. This revelation shattered the illusion of professional wrestling as a legitimate sport. Fans became aware that the outcomes were predetermined, and the physicality in the ring was carefully planned out. The Modern Era of Professional Wrestling Today, professional wrestling is widely recognized as sports entertainment. While the outcomes are predetermined, wrestlers continue to perform incredible stunts and display their athletic abilities in the ring. Wrestlers often rely on intricate storytelling to engage audiences, creating compelling characters and ongoing feuds that keep fans invested in their narratives. The athleticism and showmanship on display are still highly impressive, even though the competitive aspect is no longer genuine. The Importance of Suspension of Disbelief While professional wrestling may be scripted, it still requires a suspension of disbelief from both performers and audience members. Wrestlers must commit to their characters and performances to make them believable. Likewise, fans willingly immerse themselves in the storylines and cheer for their favorite wrestlers as if they were witnessing a real contest. In Conclusion Professional wrestling transitioned from a legitimate sport to scripted entertainment over time. The rise of kayfabe allowed promoters to create engaging storylines that captivated audiences. Despite being aware of its scripted nature, fans continue to enjoy professional wrestling for its athleticism, showmanship, and ability to tell captivating stories.
