When Did Wrestling Start Being Fake?By Coder| August 31, 2023 Wrestling When Did Wrestling Start Being Fake? Professional wrestling has been a popular form of entertainment for decades, captivating audiences with its impressive athleticism and dramatic storylines. However, many people are curious about the authenticity of the sport. When did wrestling start being fake? The Origins of Professional Wrestling Professional wrestling dates back to ancient times, with evidence of wrestling matches found in cave drawings and ancient manuscripts. These early forms of wrestling were primarily competitive sports, focusing on displays of strength and skill. As time went on, professional wrestling evolved into a form of entertainment that combined athletic performance with theatrical storytelling. In the late 19th century, traveling carnivals and circuses began featuring wrestling exhibitions as part of their attractions. The Birth of Kayfabe The term “kayfabe” refers to the portrayal of professional wrestling as genuine competition while maintaining scripted storylines and predetermined outcomes. Kayfabe is an essential element that keeps the audience engaged and invested in the matches. Kayfabe was established in the early 20th century when professional wrestlers realized that presenting their matches as real competitions could draw larger crowds. This meant that wrestlers had to maintain character both inside and outside the ring to preserve the illusion. The Role of Promoters Promoters played a crucial role in shaping the perception of professional wrestling as a legitimate sport. They worked behind the scenes to orchestrate storylines, manage talent, and promote events. Promoters understood that presenting professional wrestling as authentic would attract more viewers and increase revenue. The Evolution into Sports Entertainment In the 1980s, professional wrestling underwent a significant transformation with the rise of organizations like WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). The term “sports entertainment” was coined to emphasize the blend of athleticism and entertainment value that professional wrestling offered. With the advent of cable television and pay-per-view events, professional wrestling became more accessible to a wider audience. The scripted nature of the matches became more apparent, but the spectacle and excitement remained. The Modern Era Today, professional wrestling is widely accepted as a form of sports entertainment. Fans understand that the outcomes are predetermined, but they continue to be enthralled by the captivating characters, high-flying maneuvers, and compelling storylines. Wrestling promotions continue to use kayfabe to engage their audience. Social media platforms and reality TV shows have also extended the reach of professional wrestling, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. In Conclusion While it’s challenging to pinpoint an exact moment when wrestling started being perceived as fake, it is clear that kayfabe has been an integral part of professional wrestling for over a century. The combination of athleticism and theatrical storytelling continues to entertain millions of fans worldwide. So next time you watch a professional wrestling match, remember that while the outcomes may be predetermined, the passion and dedication of the performers are very much real.