Why Some Wrestlers are Regarded as Legends While Others Aren't

Is wrestling a real sport, or just entertainment? This age-old question has puzzled audiences for years. While wrestling might not be considered a traditional sport by some, it still produces its share of legendary figures and mediocre performers alike. Let's explore why some wrestlers are celebrated as legends while others fade into obscurity.

Wrestling as Entertainment

At the core of professional wrestling is a blend of athleticism, acting, and performance. Wrestlers are not just athletes; they are also actors and performers who craft storylines, engage in conflicts, and entertain audiences. Much like actors in Hollywood, some wrestlers excel while others do not. The question is: what sets the legends apart?

Competence and Marketability

Several factors contribute to a wrestler's status as a legend. Firstly, they must be capable of performing complex moves and executing them with flair. Selling a move (the ability to make it look impressive and exciting) is crucial, as is their air or persona. Wrestlers with great mic skills (on-ringside charisma and storytelling abilities) and the ability to sell their performances tend to become more popular and well-regarded.

The work involved in these complex moves is often underestimated. Practicing and perfecting these stunts requires extensive training and dedication. Furthermore, these wrestlers must also possess excellent acting talent to help fans emotionally invest in their conflicts. This emotional connection is what keeps viewers engaged, regardless of whether matches are predetermined.

Performance Factors and Determination

While many argue that certain matches and outcomes are predetermined, the determination and skill of the athletes can still impact the match's outcome. Some wrestlers might win matches by decision or performance, while others might accept predetermined outcomes for financial or various strategic reasons. This flexibility can impact a wrestler's reputation, especially if they are associated with match fixing.

Ultimately, whether a wrestler is seen as a legend is not solely based on their athletic prowess or on-screen abilities. Some are simply better than others, both in physical skill and in storytelling.

The Kayfabe Era and the Evolution of Wrestling

The perception and respect a wrestler earns also depend on the era during which they performed. For instance, wrestlers from the kayfabe era (the period when professional wrestling maintained its facade of real fighting while being, in reality, scripted) were celebrated for maintaining the mystique of the sport. This era spans from the 1950s to the late 1970s and early 1980s, when WWE (then known as NWA) was just taking shape.

Earlier in the kayfabe era, there were fewer television shows and fewer weekly matches. Wrestlers were less repetitive, and audiences had a fresh experience every time they watched. Additionally, there was a strong element of secrecy around the backstage lives of wrestlers. The sport was portrayed as a serious endeavor, with wrestlers maintaining their characters (called kayfabe) at all times.

WWE's transition from kayfabe to more realistic storylines in the mid-1990s marked a significant shift. Wrestlers began to break character, and the sport became more market-driven. This change affected the perception of wrestlers. Those who played their characters more seriously and maintained the mystery were often seen as more legendary, while those who took a more realistic approach might not have been given the same level of respect by audiences.

Today, wrestling is far more transparent, with the sport’s real-life dramas and rivalries getting as much attention as the matches themselves. As a result, the standards for what makes a wrestler a legend have evolved. The gap between the wrestlers who were celebrated in the 1980s and those who achieve similar status today is vast, reflecting the changing nature of the sport and its audience.

Conclusion

In summary, wrestling is both an athletic and theatrical pursuit. The distinction between legendary wrestlers and those who are not lies in their ability to perform, sell their moves, engage with their audience, and maintain the mystique of the kayfabe era. While the nature of wrestling has evolved over the years, the core elements of physical skill and storytelling have remained constant and are key to earning the title of wrestling legend.