There is no denying that World Wrestling Entertainment dominated the early lives of numerous adolescent boys and young girls as well. Although it is scripted, there is a particular spark about professional wrestling that draws the interests of fans across the globe. The most popular wrestlers today that people adore include John Cena, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and numerous others. Growing up, World Wrestling Entertainment served as the focal point of my childhood from birthday party themes to hosting sleepovers for watching the pay-per-views. Today, I am 20 years old and still find myself referencing the one thing that I enjoyed watching most on television as a kid. Here are a few signs that you might have grown up watching WWE.
1. You are just as familiar with the meaning of Austin 3:16 as you are John 3:16.
The Texas Rattlesnake remained one of the most beloved wrestlers of the late 90s and early 2000s. His hardcore attitude accompanied with the lack of trepidation in his eyes always gave his fans something to enjoy after whipping his opponent’s you know what. Not to mention the mere sound of shattering glass as part of his entrance music usually resulted in the loudest pops of the night from the crowd.
2. You still have your old T-shirts from the live events.
WWE and its chairman, Vince McMahon, pride themselves on their successful merchandise sales. Live events, such as Raw and Smackdown, visit each state for only a few times a year. Whenever wrestling fanatics attend these shows, it is nearly impossible to leave without buying a T-shirt with John Cena’s motto of “Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect” printed on it or one with Daniel Bryan’s signature phrase “YES YES YES” on the front. These once in a lifetime sales usually remain evident in the bottom of your drawers or in the very back of your closet. However, you secretly treasure these items because they remind you of the awesome childhood you had back then.
3. You used to imitate wrestling moves on your friends.
Adolescent wrestling fans love to practice the maneuvers they witness on television on their siblings, friends and neighbors. Your backyard trampoline probably served as your own custom wrestling ring where you performed your most insane stunts and wicked finishers. It is also likely that you can execute these signatures in the present day if the situation demands it for old time’s sake.
4. You possess an extensive vocabulary of wrestling terminology.
It is downright frustrating trying to converse with peers about professional wrestling when they can’t even comprehend the difference between a heel and a baby face. Likewise. words such as “piledriver,” “DDT,” “suplex,” “clothesline” and “moonsault” come so naturally to you that you can easily picture the maneuver being performed in your mind.
5. Your all-time favorite wrestler is likely retired by now.
The idea that no career lasts forever is something that WWE tries to make known to its audience. Many legendary careers finish its course either because of injury or contracts expired. Although we experience utter sadness when our childhood hero has to disappear from the spotlight, they occasionally make appearances throughout the year at events such as Wrestlemania and Summerslam.
6. You associate The Rock as a professional wrestler over an actor.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has led an awe-inspiring career from his days during the Attitude Era of WWE to his roles on the big screen. The Rock has starred in films such The Rundown, Walking Tall, and The Tooth Fairy. Before his moments on the big screen, however, The Brahma Bull gained initial fame through World Wrestling Entertainment.
7. The Walls of Jericho mean more to you than just a biblical reference.
This deadly submission executed by Chris Jericho has made wrestling fans cringe in pain over the past decade as they watch the helpless opponent become forced to tap out. This particular submission hold escalated his career to new heights after it eventually earned him world titles. Unfortunately, the same glory sensations could not be said from his opponents he left destroyed in the ring
8. You occasionally give your friends the "you can't see me gesture."
WWE superstar, John Cena, revolutionized this hand movement as an insult to injury to his fellow competitors. This silent comeback involves the waving of your hand in front of your face as you stare down your opponent with a cocky grin planted. It is only fitting that you perform this in front of your friends every once in a while when you joke around with each other or engage in some form of competition.
