Hey, guys. Rob Molster here with a new weekly column for your reading pleasure here in Mise En Scène. This column will focus on professional wrestling, with an emphasis on World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), with some Total Non-stop Action Wrestling (TNA) as well. Some weeks will feature recaps and analysis, some will include features focusing on a specific rivalry, match, or topic related to the business.
Since this is the first edition of Mole’s Main Event, I would like to address some obvious issues. First and foremost, contrary to popular belief, professional wrestling is not fake: it’s choreographed. Think of a match as an elaborate dance number, but instead of plies and spinning, there are bodyslams and powerbombs. You wouldn’t say that a dancer is faking when he/she performs a number, would you? For more on how “fake” pro wrestling actually is, take a look at this TV special that aired at the height of WWE’s Attitude Era. Be forewarned: Nick Bakay acts like the viewer is 8 years old at times, but there are some interesting tidbits in the documentary. If you still think it’s straight up fake, check out wrestlinggonewrong.com.
Yes, pro wrestling is more entertainment than sport. The Ultimate Warrior, Hulk Hogan, and The Rock are perfect examples of this. All of these guys were good (not great) technical wrestlers. What made them stars was their ability to connect with the crowd. The Ultimate Warrior had strength, but couldn’t wrestle his way out of a paper bag if he had a chainsaw. But he had amped up entrance music, face paint, and insane promos. Hogan had better technique, but what really got him over with the fans, brother, was telling his millions of Hulkamaniacs to eat their vitamins and say their prayers. Indeed, watcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you? The Rock, who probably was more technically sound than the previous two superstars, has so many catchphrases that you’re probably thinking of one right now. WWE even named a show after one of them (Smack Down). Do you like my column so far? If not click here.
However, the days of Hulkamania, the New World Order, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and The Rock are long gone. This is a new era of professional wrestling. The late 90s, early 2000s mindset of more cursing, more offensive gestures and more tits is no more. To me, the professional wrestling world is looking for a new identity. The WWE doesn’t feel right in its own skin. The Attitude Era has been done, as has Hulkamania, so now what? If you want the answer to that question, plus a take on the controversial superstar that is John Cena, check in next week. Until then, in the words of Mick Foley, have a nice day.
Post written by Robert Molster
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