When Did Wrestling Go Fake?

Wrestling is a popular form of entertainment that has captivated audiences for decades. However, there has always been a lingering question among fans – when did wrestling go fake? The answer may surprise you.

The Early Days

In the early days of professional wrestling, the sport was presented as a legitimate competition. Wrestlers would engage in intense battles, showcasing their strength and skills in the ring. It was an era when fans believed that what they were watching was entirely real.

However, even during this time, there were instances where wrestlers would work together to create a more entertaining match. This collaboration between wrestlers gradually laid the foundation for the scripted nature of modern-day professional wrestling.

The Rise of Kayfabe

In the 1950s, professional wrestling underwent a significant transformation with the rise of “kayfabe.” Kayfabe refers to the portrayal of staged events as real or genuine within the wrestling industry.

During this era, promoters and wrestlers began to collaborate on carefully crafted storylines and scripted outcomes. Matches were planned in advance, and wrestlers would follow predetermined sequences of moves to create an engaging narrative for the audience.

As kayfabe became more prevalent, it became essential for wrestlers to maintain their characters both inside and outside the ring. They would often stay in character during interviews and public appearances, further blurring the lines between reality and fiction.

The Exposé

In 1989, professional wrestling faced one of its most significant challenges when John Stossel from ABC’s “20/20” aired an investigative report entitled “Pro Wrestling’s Secrets Revealed.

In this report, Stossel interviewed industry insiders who exposed the scripted nature of professional wrestling. Wrestlers such as “Dr. D” David Schultz openly admitted that the outcomes were predetermined and that they were performers rather than legitimate athletes.

This exposé shattered the illusion of wrestling’s legitimacy for many fans, prompting them to question the authenticity of the sport.

The Attitude Era

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, professional wrestling experienced a boom in popularity with the emergence of the “Attitude Era.” This period was characterized by edgier storylines, more explicit content, and an increased emphasis on entertainment value.

During this time, it became even more apparent that wrestling was scripted. Matches featured over-the-top stunts and extravagant gimmicks, further blurring the lines between reality and fiction. While fans were aware that wrestling was staged, they still embraced it for its entertainment value.

The Modern Era

Today, professional wrestling continues to thrive as a form of sports entertainment. Fans are well aware that the outcomes are predetermined, but they still tune in for the captivating storylines and impressive athleticism displayed by the performers.

Wrestling has evolved into a unique blend of athleticism, storytelling, and showmanship that keeps audiences engaged. The scripted nature of wrestling allows for carefully crafted narratives that can span months or even years. Wrestlers have become larger-than-life characters who captivate fans with their charisma and in-ring abilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there is no specific moment when wrestling went completely fake, it is clear that its transformation into sports entertainment was a gradual process. From its early days as a legitimate competition to today’s scripted matches, professional wrestling has always aimed to entertain its audience.

Through the use of kayfabe, the exposé of its scripted nature, and the evolution of the industry, wrestling has become a multi-billion dollar industry that continues to capture the imagination of fans worldwide.