"Why do you watch professional wrestling? You do know it is fake right?" The two questions that have plagued me the most for many years. The questions that gets me... What is the word? Oh yeah, "TRIGGERED!" No I am just kidding. However, those two are questions that I get asked most of the time when people find out I still enjoy watching professional wrestling. Yes, I do know that it is scripted. Yes, I know that it is fake and overdramatic sometimes.... ok most of the time, but here is the thing: *cue the Rock "IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT YOU THINK! So exactly, why do I still watch wrestling? Why do I still watch "Monday Night Raw," "Smackdown," and very limited, "TNA Impact" when I am almost 23? Well I am glad you asked, my friend.
Like any other television show or movie we watch, we spend most of our time connecting to the characters and the story lines that reveal themselves. Shows like "Supernatural," "American Horror Story," and pretty much anything that gets us hooked. Well "Monday Night Raw" and "Smackdown" do the exact same thing. They have story lines, characters, and action with a hint of drama put in there every now and then. The only difference is that like any other sports programs, it is televised live.
Professional wrestling strikes a chord with multiple generations. The older generation with the Golden Age, our parents with the Attitude Era, and then my generation with the Ruthless Aggression Era and into the embarrassing PG Era. (I do not like to talk about the PG Era) Now, WWE seems to be evolving once again and going down the right trail into a new era that is putting a smile on my face and making me want to watch more again. Oh, and just in case you were wondering, it is hard for me to pick my favorite wrestler. However, I do have two that I always enjoy watching videos of: "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels and Bill Goldberg.
There was a time where I wanted to be a professional wrestler. Because of it, I wrestled for two and a half years. I say half because I broke my leg freshman year of high school and was out for the entire season. I was a sad Dan for awhile. Anyway, I always imagined myself being in the squared circle, ready to face whoever comes my way so I could win the championship. As I got older though, that dream died because it really is not what I wanted to do with my life. I guess I will be halfway there though with the acting thing. Then if I worked on my wrestling, I could really do well. I can still dream right?
So, why do I still watch professional wrestling? It is a simple answer actually. I watch it because I enjoy it. I really get into it. I like learning about wrestlers old and new, like John Cena, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, The Undertaker, and Dean Ambrose. It is entertaining for me when it is both good and bad. There are cringeworthy moments, but that is what makes it so much fun. That what it comes down to, entertainment. That is why I still watch WWE.
