“You know it’s fake right?” Yes. I know WWE–or professional wrestling’s biggest company–is fake, and I still love it anyways.
Since the age of nine, I’ve watched WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). In those eight years, I have laughed, winced, seen legitimate injuries, and cried; all of these emotions felt because of the fake ‘sport’ I love so much. WWE has been an outlet for satisfaction for not just me, either. Many fans watch it for similar reasons, but professional wrestling is undoubtedly one of the biggest outlets for competitive enthusiasm. The question is: why do people watch it even if it’s fake?
It’s just like any other TV show; it blends action, drama, humor, betrayal, and occasionally love stories all together. It’s a mix of all forms of entertainment, both emotional and physical. Just like any TV show, there’s a story to follow. The enticing part of any TV show is how invested you are in the characters; and in professional wrestling, there are dozens of characters with their own backstories and motivations.
“What resonates with me the most is probably the promos, physiques, and the excitement that hits when your favorite wrestler’s music plays.” Zakk Eaton ‘25 said. Relatability, more than anything, plays a big role in a person’s investment in those characters. For example, current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes’ wrestles to honor his family; his simple motivation resonates with people from various echelons of life. His week-to-week promos (monologues, sometimes improvised, acting as open hearts to the audience) connect with fans going through all sorts of troubles in their lives.
WWE might not make sense on first watch, and it’s not supposed to. Its slow-burning appeal lies in the unpredictability of its matches. At first glance, the choreographed nature of wrestling bouts may seem like a turn-off, but seasoned fans know better. It’s the element of surprise, the unexpected twists and turns of scripted combat, that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. In WWE, outcomes may be predetermined, but the action itself is anything but scripted. Professional wrestlers are able to showcase their athleticism and improvisational skills going off of the flow of the match. It’s this element of unpredictability that makes every bout feel like a high-stakes spectacle, with moments of genuine shock and awe that leave fans like myself buzzing long after the final bell. While WWE may not dazzle at first glance, it’s the thrill of the unknown that keeps fans coming back for more.
“When you have two very talented guys in the ring, the matches are so cool to watch.” Zakk Eaton said.
To elaborate further on the athleticism of the performers, WWE is where the performers are part stunt artists and part actors. While the storylines are scripted, the physicality is very real. When wrestlers take a hard hit or execute a high-flying move, it’s not just for show; the wrestlers have trained hard for years to make it look convincing while keeping each other safe. The key is in how they sell these moves to the audience, making it seem like every slam and punch is genuinely felt. So, even though the outcomes are predetermined, the athleticism and physicality make WWE engaging enough that keeps fans coming back for more.
