Poll: Pro Wrestling for Non-Fans

[SadakoMoose]

It's an interesting branch of gymnastics, but quite frankly the whole pretend thing makes it take a nosedive into the uncanny valley between organised gymnastics and actual competitive fighting sports.

Don't get me wrong though - as a judoka I quite prefer the ground part of my sport, as it is a very interesting combination of tactics and technique. The problem is that a single moment where somebody genuinely finds a way to suddenly break the stalemate is more interesting to me than any choreographed arraignment of flashy techniques could ever hope to be.

I'm sorry if the videos I've posted so far have given you that impression.
Here's some things closer to what your talking about:
Terry Rudge vs Marty Jones, World of Sport 1976

The Destroyer Dick Beyer vs Horst Hoffman, AJPW 1975 Heavyweight Open

Bryan Danielson vs. KENTA, NOAH 2006

I hope these matches give you a better idea of the more technical and mat oriented side of pro wrestling. Danielson himself is a Judoka
The sport has drawn in plenty of Judoka, such as Bad News Allen (Bronze, 1976), Gene Lebell, and Seigi Sakaguchi.
It's a very interesting history!

 

[Ljs1121]

I used to be quite a big fan of the WWE, but I don't watch it anymore.

Still play the games, though. Those things are fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuun.

 

[Kargathia]

I hope these matches give you a better idea of the more technical and mat oriented side of pro wrestling. Danielson himself is a Judoka
The sport has drawn in plenty of Judoka, such as Bad News Allen (Bronze, 1976), Gene Lebell, and Seigi Sakaguchi.
It's a very interesting history!

Oh, I didn't doubt there was a mat side to begin with - my problem is that for a purely technical demonstration there's too much bombast, while for an actual match it's decidedly lacking in competition.

If it's brought as a match, then the interesting part is not what can be done under perfect circumstances; the real point of interest is what can be pulled off while the opponent isn't cooperating.

 

[SadakoMoose]

I used to be quite a big fan of the WWE, but I don't watch it anymore.

Still play the games, though. Those things are fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuun.

Have you played any of the Fire Pro games?
The control takes a bit of getting used to, and it can be a bit difficult, but the CAW mode in the last one was LEGENDARY. You could make ANY wrestler.
So worth tracking down.
The Kinnikuman/Ultimate Muscle games were pretty good too.

 

[Aris Khandr]

Still play the games, though. Those things are fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuun.

The WWE games are the standard to which I hold character creation in pretty much any other game I play. Only City of Heroes is as good with it.

 

[PorkChopXpress]

I was a hardcore fan for over 15 years, today I only watch WWE every once in a while, and sometimes some old Coliseum, ECW and New Japan matches, plus I listen to The Art of Wrestling...that's really about it. And yeah, the games too.

 

[Evil Smurf]

I just recently got into wrestling a few years ago and it's pretty much just WWE.

*gets chased out by hardcore wrestling fans*

What is the difference?

 

[w9496]

I used to be really into it about 12-14 years ago. I was 4-6 years old at the time.

I actually went to an event once, and it was the coolest part of my life at the time. I gradually lost interest because of the repitition of characters, since it seems like there's a bunch of guys walking around with the same personality now.

 

[Bobic]

Is it true that American wrestling is nothing compared to Japanese wrestling?


(For those confused YOSHIHIKO is a Japanese wrestler who happens to be a doll, you're welcome)

 

[Oly J]

Every time someone finds out I'm a pro-wrestling fan, the first thing out of their mouth is always that goddamned question: "You know it's fake, right?"

My answers have become more sarcastic every time.

you and me both, although I hate when people use the word "fake" it just seems disrespectful...I'm not sure how to explain but I'm sure you know what I mean

 

[ThrobbingEgo]

I dated a girl who was really into wrestling, and I've read the chapter about wrestling Roland Barthes' Mythologies. So have I had discussions about wrestling outside of fan circles? Yeah. That's pretty much any discussion of wrestling that involves me.

I get that there's something in it for you, but it's not my thing.

 

[SadakoMoose]

I used to be really into it about 12-14 years ago. I was 4-6 years old at the time.

I actually went to an event once, and it was the coolest part of my life at the time. I gradually lost interest because of the repitition of characters, since it seems like there's a bunch of guys walking around with the same personality now.

That's really unfortunate, but it's totally true! Back then it felt like there was a reason to watch! If you like unique personalities then you'll probably love Chikara Pro.
Check out their youtube channel for free matches and their weekly podcast a-go-go.
There's a lot going on with the Indy circuit right now! It's all worth going through!

 

[Ryotknife]

I watch wrestling shows like i would watch a magic show, trying to figure out how they setup these moves to look a certain way without...you know...killing the person.

That said i dont watch them often.

 

[Powereaver]

now how did i double post on my first post? wow that was a whoopsie.. delete please!

 

[Powereaver]

[/quote]

With the recent and unfortunate health problems of the well regarded Jerry Lawler (get well soon), it would seem that pro wrestling has yet again come into the mainstream's discussion. Well, mainstream for the escapist anyway.
Not to see like a profiteer, but, allow me to introduce myself.
I am the biggest wrestling nerd on the Escapist. You're welcome.
If you've see any of my prior pro wrestling threads, then you know that I am a ravenous fan with an unquenchable compulsion to debate, answer, and engage people I refer to as "Normals" about my favorite thing in the whole wide world.
So, come with questions. There's no such thing as a stupid question, and you will not be flamed for asking something that might seem obvious. If you don't know something about wrestling, then your question is perfectly valid to me and I will answer it to the best of my abilities.
To wrestling fans already ON the escapist, what experiences have you had discussing pro wrestling outside of fan circles?
I can do anything from historical trivia, match recommendations, and everything in between.

As an ice breaker, here's a highlight video:
(I have a millions of them)

Biggest pro wrestling nerd? im sure i can give you a run for your money if i wasnt so lazy lately and gotten behind on my list of stuff, but thats my fault for watching WAY too many indies for those interested we do have a small pro wrestling/MMA group going on the escapist btw.. where if we can be bothered we do talk about wrestling a lot.. usually WWE but i usually throw in the odd Indy/Puro thing [/quote]

 

[Scarecrow]

The only thing I know about pro wrestling is that one of my music heros, Billy Corgan, is a huge fan/backer. So that's enough for me to at least respect it.

 

[SadakoMoose]

The only thing I know about pro wrestling is that one of my music heros, Billy Corgan, is a huge fan/backer. So that's enough for me to at least respect it.

And HERE'S the second episode of his wrestling program RESISTANCE PRO!

 

[Twilight_guy]

Why is pro wrestling on the sci-fi SYFI (damn marking wankers) channel? I have never understood that and its the only question that comes to mind.

 

[Baron_Rouge]

I haven't really watched it in years...I used to be quite the fan though, and the games were always really fun. I'm thinking of getting WWE 13 when it comes out. Tell me, is Triple H still around? What about Batista? They were always my favourites.

 

[Scarecrow]

The only thing I know about pro wrestling is that one of my music heros, Billy Corgan, is a huge fan/backer. So that's enough for me to at least respect it.

And HERE'S the second episode of his wrestling program RESISTANCE PRO!

Well, it's about fucking time! Thank you for the heads up!