10 ways in which the internet has killed pro-wrestling
There was a time when wrestling fans didn’t care too much about the happenings behind the curtains, but rather enjoyed the spectacle. It is often said that naivety and innocence are, in large parts, the reasons why people are attracted to complex subjects. The illusion of reality is what captivates the imagination of the fans; the suspension of disbelief has been the cornerstone of what makes professional wrestling — and magic tricks so intriguing to the naked eye.
Up until the mid-'80s, there were sceptics who, while not being able to accurately pinpoint the fallacies of the ‘sport’, were adamant that professional wrestling was, in fact, a mirage. Just as there have been the truth seekers, trying to upstage the magicians and explain the unexplainable, wrestling, too, has been scrutinised and analysed at every possible opportunity.
However, with the dawn of the information age, little has been left to the imagination. Social media has played a prominent role in wrestling companies’ efforts, in reaching out to their target audience and fanbase.
It wasn’t until the dot-com bubble that the facade slowly started to peel off, exposing all the secrets, giving the fans a closer look at the personal lives of the characters.
Today, we take a look at ten ways in which the internet has killed, or at least ruined the intrigue around the professional wrestling business.
#10 Spoilers
Many professional wrestlers often get peeved at the thought of spoilers leaking before the episode gets aired. Back in the ‘70s, ‘80s and early ‘90s, wrestling companies used to tape several episodes' worth of content in one go. The fact that it would save them several thousand dollars in production, rental and travel made it an attractive proposition, and it was a no-brainer at the time.
They also could take solace in the fact that the content for future episodes wouldn’t get “leaked” before the shows aired on television. Without the internet, there was no way the fans could get a wind of what was about to happen.
Keeping a lid on the plans the management had in store for the wrestlers was relatively easy, as the wrestlers themselves kept their distance from the common folk.