What I Dislike About Pro Wrestling: A Thanksgiving Rant
- During Thanksgiving, many look for ways to escape family discussions, and I enjoy writing themed columns.
- I appreciate the talent of female wrestlers like Bianca Belair, Rhea Ripley, and Becky Lynch.
- Despite the claims that women's wrestling draws as much attention as men's, evidence suggests otherwise.
Thanksgiving Thoughts on Pro Wrestling
During Thanksgiving, many look for ways to escape family discussions, and I enjoy writing themed columns. This year, I’d like to express my concerns about pro wrestling.
1. Women’s Wrestling
I appreciate the talent of female wrestlers like Bianca Belair, Rhea Ripley, and Becky Lynch. However, I observe a growing issue in how fans view women’s wrestling. When female wrestlers share images of themselves on social media, fans often react negatively. It’s puzzling because these women are proud of their bodies and share their own content.
Despite the claims that women’s wrestling draws as much attention as men’s, evidence suggests otherwise. Often, women’s segments receive lower viewership compared to men’s. Organizations like WWE struggle to promote female wrestling effectively. The push for more titles, such as Midcard titles for women, seems unnecessary. The depth of talent doesn’t currently support such a move.
2. Criticism of Wrestler Physiques
Fans often criticize wrestlers for their appearances, specifically Chris Jericho. This criticism is unwarranted. Many who judge wrestlers lack the dedication and physical fitness that these athletes possess. If you’re going to critique a wrestler, consider sharing your photo as well.
3. Wargames Gimmick
I dislike the Wargames match format. Survivor Series had a perfect setup with 4-on-4 or 5-on-5 elimination matches. These matches allowed for teamwork and dramatic moments. Adding cages and modifying the rules dilute what made these events special. WWE had a great foundation with Survivor Series that they’ve now complicated.
4. Quality Over Quantity
Today’s Thanksgiving often includes overeating. The same concept applies to wrestling events. Shorter events with fewer matches can often provide better storytelling than longer shows. Many fans complained about Survivor Series having only a few matches but volume does not equal quality. Drama and emotional investment matter more than sheer numbers.
In wrestling, emotional moments resonate deeply. For example, Sami Zayn’s turn on Roman Reigns during a match created significant impact. It’s moments like these that matter, not just the number of matches.
In conclusion, while Thanksgiving food may not excite me, I wish everyone a happy holiday. Let’s look forward to what comes next in wrestling.