Clearing up some confusion about Wrestling Fans

[SadakoMoose]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vswZ73WETpc#t=5m20s
Oh hey, just thought I'd drop this here!
This sums up my opinion on Vince McMahon perfectly.

 

[tehroc]

On a more I guess serious note, whats the appeal of watch to big muscle men, dance around in a choreographed "fight"? I never got it. I don't see any point when its all staged, every single move is scripted and the acting and for lack of a better word "story" are generally pretty bad.

Even back in gladiatorial days, the show was an important part of the performance. An instakill on an inferior opponent was met with boos by the crowd. I never consider gladiatorial combat to be a sport (unlike UFC) but more akin to acting. Entertaining the crowd is first and foremost.

 

[Kragg]

Do you like John Cena?

That is the important question.

One of the best things about him is the way the crowd goes insane when they hear his entrance music. I have to say, I'm a fan of Cena. And of wrestling in general.

undertakers intro makes the hairs on my arm stand up and i dont know why

 

[Geekosaurus]

Do you like John Cena?

That is the important question.

One of the best things about him is the way the crowd goes insane when they hear his entrance music. I have to say, I'm a fan of Cena. And of wrestling in general.

undertakers intro makes the hairs on my arm stand up and i dont know why

Oh yeah, he totally has stage presence. And recently Randy Orton has been getting bigger and better receptions from the crowd - sorry, 'WEE Universe'.

 

[GrimTuesday]

Why do you insist on calling it wrestling when it isn't? As a former wrestler I have to say that I hate this bull shit because it besmirches the name of an ancient and noble sport by appealing to the lowest denominator and stealing it's name from a real sport.Sure there are some guys who were wrestlers in these shows but they aren't wrestlers, they're just a bunch of men prancing about in speedos pretending to punch each other.

 

[Legion]

Doesn't it annoy you how obviously fake all the punches/kicks and so on are? I hadn't watched it in years and then watched five minutes the other evening. It was almost painful to watch someone writhe around in "agony" after being hit by someone who put no strength or technique into it at all.

If it looked realistic I reckon I could watch it, but it reminds me of acting of student in theatre/drama classes in the early years of secondary/high school.

I should point out that I am talking about the WWE or whatever it's called now.

 

[SadakoMoose]

Why do you insist on calling it wrestling when it isn't? As a former wrestler I have to say that I hate this bull shit because it besmirches the name of an ancient and noble sport by appealing to the lowest denominator and stealing it's name from a real sport.Sure there are some guys who were wrestlers in these shows but they aren't wrestlers, they're just a bunch of men prancing about in speedos pretending to punch each other.

Well:
For starters, you might not want to say things like "It's just a bunch of..." or "It's all just..." Because broad generalizations and blanket statements hurt everybody in one way or another.
Pro Wrestling is Pro Wrestling, we don't pretend to be anything else but.
If a promotion advertised itself as a "Greco-Roman" or a "Catch as Catch Can" promoter, I would understand the outrage. But they don't.
Fans go into pro wrestling shows UNDERSTANDING that they are watching a WORKED product.
Noone is being deceived, noone is being conned, and no damage is being done to the reputation of Shoot Wrestling or Freestyle or Greco-Roman.
Anybody with eyes can tell the difference, and the two are not in any way, shape, or form going to be confused with each other.
I have a deep respect for Shooters, and am a follower of Catch Wrestling myself.
(My faves are Josh Barnette, Kazushi Sakuraba, Masakatsu Funaki, Karl Gotch, Billy Robinson and Tony Cecchine)
Pro Wrestling and All Forms of Legit Grappling have co-existed for years, and this will continue into the future without a hiccup.
Hell, our founding fathers were all Legit Grapplers.
We wouldn't exist without Shoot Wrestling.

 

[GrimTuesday]

Why do you insist on calling it wrestling when it isn't? As a former wrestler I have to say that I hate this bull shit because it besmirches the name of an ancient and noble sport by appealing to the lowest denominator and stealing it's name from a real sport.Sure there are some guys who were wrestlers in these shows but they aren't wrestlers, they're just a bunch of men prancing about in speedos pretending to punch each other.

Well:
For starters, you might not want to say things like "It's just a bunch of..." or "It's all just..." Because broad generalizations and blanket statements hurt everybody in one way or another.
Pro Wrestling is Pro Wrestling, we don't pretend to be anything else but.
If a promotion advertised itself as a "Greco-Roman" or a "Catch as Catch Can" promoter, I would understand the outrage. But they don't.
Fans go into pro wrestling shows UNDERSTANDING that they are watching a WORKED product.
Noone is being deceived, noone is being conned, and no damage is being done to the reputation of Shoot Wrestling or Freestyle or Greco-Roman.
Anybody with eyes can tell the difference, and the two are not in any way, shape, or form going to be confused with each other.
I have a deep respect for Shooters, and am a follower of Catch Wrestling myself.
(My faves are Josh Barnette, Kazushi Sakuraba, Masakatsu Funaki, Karl Gotch, Billy Robinson and Tony Cecchine)
Pro Wrestling and All Forms of Legit Grappling have co-existed for years, and this will continue into the future without a hiccup.
Hell, our founding fathers were all Legit Grapplers.
We wouldn't exist without Shoot Wrestling.

I totally understand where you're coming from, I know that no one is getting deceived but I still don't like how when a lot of people think of Wrestling they automatically think WWE. This is probably because I'm rather jaded that this is more popular in America than a real sport which consistently gets mocked by people who don't seem to understand that it is one of the most physically grueling sports anyone can do.

Also Pro Wrestling does have a lot of sweaty men in speedos, and coming from a guy who has worn a singlet it looks rather silly.

 

[SadakoMoose]

Why do you insist on calling it wrestling when it isn't? As a former wrestler I have to say that I hate this bull shit because it besmirches the name of an ancient and noble sport by appealing to the lowest denominator and stealing it's name from a real sport.Sure there are some guys who were wrestlers in these shows but they aren't wrestlers, they're just a bunch of men prancing about in speedos pretending to punch each other.

Well:
For starters, you might not want to say things like "It's just a bunch of..." or "It's all just..." Because broad generalizations and blanket statements hurt everybody in one way or another.
Pro Wrestling is Pro Wrestling, we don't pretend to be anything else but.
If a promotion advertised itself as a "Greco-Roman" or a "Catch as Catch Can" promoter, I would understand the outrage. But they don't.
Fans go into pro wrestling shows UNDERSTANDING that they are watching a WORKED product.
Noone is being deceived, noone is being conned, and no damage is being done to the reputation of Shoot Wrestling or Freestyle or Greco-Roman.
Anybody with eyes can tell the difference, and the two are not in any way, shape, or form going to be confused with each other.
I have a deep respect for Shooters, and am a follower of Catch Wrestling myself.
(My faves are Josh Barnette, Kazushi Sakuraba, Masakatsu Funaki, Karl Gotch, Billy Robinson and Tony Cecchine)
Pro Wrestling and All Forms of Legit Grappling have co-existed for years, and this will continue into the future without a hiccup.
Hell, our founding fathers were all Legit Grapplers.
We wouldn't exist without Shoot Wrestling.

I totally understand where you're coming from, I know that no one is getting deceived but I still don't like how when a lot of people think of Wrestling they automatically think WWE. This is probably because I'm rather jaded that this is more popular in America than a real sport which consistently gets mocked by people who don't seem to understand that it is one of the most physically grueling sports anyone can do.

Also Pro Wrestling does have a lot of sweaty men in speedos, and coming from a guy who has worn a singlet it looks rather silly.

If you at what Vince does, then yeah.
Vince, and his cronies, are a bunch of F' ups.
WWE Talent Scout, Johnny Ace, was a body builder when he was in his teen years and scouts people that remind him of himself. That, and Vince attends the Arnold cup every year.
But Pro Wrestling gets mocked a lot too...
I've been hurt before by people with their constant stereotyping.
"Playfighting" "Redneck Soap Opera" "Repressed Homoeroticism" and worst of all "******."
I'm not gay, myself, but it still hurts pretty bad.
Pro wrestling just isn't IN anymore (Vince's fault).
MMA is, though. And it's good to see BJJ and CACC getting the attention they deserve.
America missed out big during Japan's big Shoot fighting boom in the early to mid 90's...
You might be interested in Kurt Angle's shoot interview. (Out of Character interview. Sort of like a biography, but for the fans.)
He talks a lot about his training routine going into Atlanta, 1996.
Hard stuff man.
But yeah, Pro Wrestling can be pretty grueling too.
The training is designed specifically to weed out lazy, out of shape, and unmotivated people with hundred of Hindu Squats and Push ups, and hours of cardio. Then there's all the break falling (bumping). You could be asked to do 100 standing back bumps, then another hundred somersault bumps, as you get into your training.
I'm not trying to compare apples to oranges, or say "my athletic endeavor is harder than yours", because that would be unfair and short sighted.
I'm just wanted to say the Pro Wrestling training isn't a walk in the park.

 

[GrimTuesday]

Why do you insist on calling it wrestling when it isn't? As a former wrestler I have to say that I hate this bull shit because it besmirches the name of an ancient and noble sport by appealing to the lowest denominator and stealing it's name from a real sport.Sure there are some guys who were wrestlers in these shows but they aren't wrestlers, they're just a bunch of men prancing about in speedos pretending to punch each other.

Well:
For starters, you might not want to say things like "It's just a bunch of..." or "It's all just..." Because broad generalizations and blanket statements hurt everybody in one way or another.
Pro Wrestling is Pro Wrestling, we don't pretend to be anything else but.
If a promotion advertised itself as a "Greco-Roman" or a "Catch as Catch Can" promoter, I would understand the outrage. But they don't.
Fans go into pro wrestling shows UNDERSTANDING that they are watching a WORKED product.
Noone is being deceived, noone is being conned, and no damage is being done to the reputation of Shoot Wrestling or Freestyle or Greco-Roman.
Anybody with eyes can tell the difference, and the two are not in any way, shape, or form going to be confused with each other.
I have a deep respect for Shooters, and am a follower of Catch Wrestling myself.
(My faves are Josh Barnette, Kazushi Sakuraba, Masakatsu Funaki, Karl Gotch, Billy Robinson and Tony Cecchine)
Pro Wrestling and All Forms of Legit Grappling have co-existed for years, and this will continue into the future without a hiccup.
Hell, our founding fathers were all Legit Grapplers.
We wouldn't exist without Shoot Wrestling.

I totally understand where you're coming from, I know that no one is getting deceived but I still don't like how when a lot of people think of Wrestling they automatically think WWE. This is probably because I'm rather jaded that this is more popular in America than a real sport which consistently gets mocked by people who don't seem to understand that it is one of the most physically grueling sports anyone can do.

Also Pro Wrestling does have a lot of sweaty men in speedos, and coming from a guy who has worn a singlet it looks rather silly.

If you at what Vince does, then yeah.
Vince, and his cronies, are a bunch of F' ups.
WWE Talent Scout, Johnny Ace, was a body builder when he was in his teen years and scouts people that remind him of himself. That, and Vince attends the Arnold cup every year.
But Pro Wrestling gets mocked a lot too...
I've been hurt before by people with their constant stereotyping.
"Playfighting" "Redneck Soap Opera" "Repressed Homoeroticism" and worst of all "******."
I'm not gay, myself, but it still hurts pretty bad.
Pro wrestling just isn't IN anymore (Vince's fault).
MMA is, though. And it's good to see BJJ and CACC getting the attention they deserve.
America missed out big during Japan's big Shoot fighting boom in the early to mid 90's...
You might be interested in Kurt Angle's shoot interview. (Out of Character interview. Sort of like a biography, but for the fans.)
He talks a lot about his training routine going into Atlanta, 1996.
Hard stuff man.
But yeah, Pro Wrestling can be pretty grueling too.
The training is designed specifically to weed out lazy, out of shape, and unmotivated people with hundred of Hindu Squats and Push ups, and hours of cardio. Then there's all the break falling (bumping). You could be asked to do 100 standing back bumps, then another hundred somersault bumps, as you get into your training.
I'm not trying to compare apples to oranges, or say "my athletic endeavor is harder than yours", because that would be unfair and short sighted.
I'm just wanted to say the Pro Wrestling training isn't a walk in the park.

I totally agree that it is a bit unfair to compare the training of the two, the training for Pro wrestling is meant to get you strong and adept at tumbling, versus real wrestling which the training is meant to work technique which build the strength and speed required, that and a shit ton of cardio. Neither is harder than the other, just meant to focus on other aspects.

 

[SadakoMoose]

Why do you insist on calling it wrestling when it isn't? As a former wrestler I have to say that I hate this bull shit because it besmirches the name of an ancient and noble sport by appealing to the lowest denominator and stealing it's name from a real sport.Sure there are some guys who were wrestlers in these shows but they aren't wrestlers, they're just a bunch of men prancing about in speedos pretending to punch each other.

Well:
For starters, you might not want to say things like "It's just a bunch of..." or "It's all just..." Because broad generalizations and blanket statements hurt everybody in one way or another.
Pro Wrestling is Pro Wrestling, we don't pretend to be anything else but.
If a promotion advertised itself as a "Greco-Roman" or a "Catch as Catch Can" promoter, I would understand the outrage. But they don't.
Fans go into pro wrestling shows UNDERSTANDING that they are watching a WORKED product.
Noone is being deceived, noone is being conned, and no damage is being done to the reputation of Shoot Wrestling or Freestyle or Greco-Roman.
Anybody with eyes can tell the difference, and the two are not in any way, shape, or form going to be confused with each other.
I have a deep respect for Shooters, and am a follower of Catch Wrestling myself.
(My faves are Josh Barnette, Kazushi Sakuraba, Masakatsu Funaki, Karl Gotch, Billy Robinson and Tony Cecchine)
Pro Wrestling and All Forms of Legit Grappling have co-existed for years, and this will continue into the future without a hiccup.
Hell, our founding fathers were all Legit Grapplers.
We wouldn't exist without Shoot Wrestling.

I totally understand where you're coming from, I know that no one is getting deceived but I still don't like how when a lot of people think of Wrestling they automatically think WWE. This is probably because I'm rather jaded that this is more popular in America than a real sport which consistently gets mocked by people who don't seem to understand that it is one of the most physically grueling sports anyone can do.

Also Pro Wrestling does have a lot of sweaty men in speedos, and coming from a guy who has worn a singlet it looks rather silly.

If you at what Vince does, then yeah.
Vince, and his cronies, are a bunch of F' ups.
WWE Talent Scout, Johnny Ace, was a body builder when he was in his teen years and scouts people that remind him of himself. That, and Vince attends the Arnold cup every year.
But Pro Wrestling gets mocked a lot too...
I've been hurt before by people with their constant stereotyping.
"Playfighting" "Redneck Soap Opera" "Repressed Homoeroticism" and worst of all "******."
I'm not gay, myself, but it still hurts pretty bad.
Pro wrestling just isn't IN anymore (Vince's fault).
MMA is, though. And it's good to see BJJ and CACC getting the attention they deserve.
America missed out big during Japan's big Shoot fighting boom in the early to mid 90's...
You might be interested in Kurt Angle's shoot interview. (Out of Character interview. Sort of like a biography, but for the fans.)
He talks a lot about his training routine going into Atlanta, 1996.
Hard stuff man.
But yeah, Pro Wrestling can be pretty grueling too.
The training is designed specifically to weed out lazy, out of shape, and unmotivated people with hundred of Hindu Squats and Push ups, and hours of cardio. Then there's all the break falling (bumping). You could be asked to do 100 standing back bumps, then another hundred somersault bumps, as you get into your training.
I'm not trying to compare apples to oranges, or say "my athletic endeavor is harder than yours", because that would be unfair and short sighted.
I'm just wanted to say the Pro Wrestling training isn't a walk in the park.

I totally agree that it is a bit unfair to compare the training of the two, the training for Pro wrestling is meant to get you strong and adept at tumbling, versus real wrestling which the training is meant to work technique which build the strength and speed required, that and a shit ton of cardio. Neither is harder than the other, just meant to focus on other aspects.

You know what...
I like you, buddy!
We do adopt a lot from you guys though.
I'm trying to work up to a five minute wrestler's back bridge. 2 minutes so far...
We also do a lot of partner lifts and bag carries.
A lot of people scratch their heads at WHY pro wrestlers train for 3-4 hours a session.
Well, you would too, if someone else's life depended on it!
One wrong move and BAM!
Paralyzed from the waist down.

 

[lewism247]

Hello Escapist!
Ok, some background:
I've been a wrestling fan since age 14 (it passed over my head when I was a younger kid).
I'm pretty into it, and watch wrestling more than anything else video related (Other things I watch: Cartoons, Anime, Daily Show/Colbert Report).
I'm fairly familiar with wrestling from all over the world, and from most eras throughout history, so I guess I qualify as an Otaku.
So, Escapist, given the sheer number of misunderstandings and stereotypes about Wrestling and it's Fans as a whole, I am now available to answer any and all questions.
Ask me anything:
What I think of things right now/How does THAT work?/Was "The Wrestler" accurate?/What do you or other non-casual fans think about "insert wrestler"
Ask ahoy!

What do you believe was the best time for wrestling?

What would you do to return it to the quality and popularity of that time?

Also, seeing as it is predetermined who wins, how do they do that?

Surely the loser must get pissed when they just tell him to lose....

 

[GrimTuesday]

Why do you insist on calling it wrestling when it isn't? As a former wrestler I have to say that I hate this bull shit because it besmirches the name of an ancient and noble sport by appealing to the lowest denominator and stealing it's name from a real sport.Sure there are some guys who were wrestlers in these shows but they aren't wrestlers, they're just a bunch of men prancing about in speedos pretending to punch each other.

Well:
For starters, you might not want to say things like "It's just a bunch of..." or "It's all just..." Because broad generalizations and blanket statements hurt everybody in one way or another.
Pro Wrestling is Pro Wrestling, we don't pretend to be anything else but.
If a promotion advertised itself as a "Greco-Roman" or a "Catch as Catch Can" promoter, I would understand the outrage. But they don't.
Fans go into pro wrestling shows UNDERSTANDING that they are watching a WORKED product.
Noone is being deceived, noone is being conned, and no damage is being done to the reputation of Shoot Wrestling or Freestyle or Greco-Roman.
Anybody with eyes can tell the difference, and the two are not in any way, shape, or form going to be confused with each other.
I have a deep respect for Shooters, and am a follower of Catch Wrestling myself.
(My faves are Josh Barnette, Kazushi Sakuraba, Masakatsu Funaki, Karl Gotch, Billy Robinson and Tony Cecchine)
Pro Wrestling and All Forms of Legit Grappling have co-existed for years, and this will continue into the future without a hiccup.
Hell, our founding fathers were all Legit Grapplers.
We wouldn't exist without Shoot Wrestling.

I totally understand where you're coming from, I know that no one is getting deceived but I still don't like how when a lot of people think of Wrestling they automatically think WWE. This is probably because I'm rather jaded that this is more popular in America than a real sport which consistently gets mocked by people who don't seem to understand that it is one of the most physically grueling sports anyone can do.

Also Pro Wrestling does have a lot of sweaty men in speedos, and coming from a guy who has worn a singlet it looks rather silly.

If you at what Vince does, then yeah.
Vince, and his cronies, are a bunch of F' ups.
WWE Talent Scout, Johnny Ace, was a body builder when he was in his teen years and scouts people that remind him of himself. That, and Vince attends the Arnold cup every year.
But Pro Wrestling gets mocked a lot too...
I've been hurt before by people with their constant stereotyping.
"Playfighting" "Redneck Soap Opera" "Repressed Homoeroticism" and worst of all "******."
I'm not gay, myself, but it still hurts pretty bad.
Pro wrestling just isn't IN anymore (Vince's fault).
MMA is, though. And it's good to see BJJ and CACC getting the attention they deserve.
America missed out big during Japan's big Shoot fighting boom in the early to mid 90's...
You might be interested in Kurt Angle's shoot interview. (Out of Character interview. Sort of like a biography, but for the fans.)
He talks a lot about his training routine going into Atlanta, 1996.
Hard stuff man.
But yeah, Pro Wrestling can be pretty grueling too.
The training is designed specifically to weed out lazy, out of shape, and unmotivated people with hundred of Hindu Squats and Push ups, and hours of cardio. Then there's all the break falling (bumping). You could be asked to do 100 standing back bumps, then another hundred somersault bumps, as you get into your training.
I'm not trying to compare apples to oranges, or say "my athletic endeavor is harder than yours", because that would be unfair and short sighted.
I'm just wanted to say the Pro Wrestling training isn't a walk in the park.

I totally agree that it is a bit unfair to compare the training of the two, the training for Pro wrestling is meant to get you strong and adept at tumbling, versus real wrestling which the training is meant to work technique which build the strength and speed required, that and a shit ton of cardio. Neither is harder than the other, just meant to focus on other aspects.

You know what...
I like you, buddy!
We do adopt a lot from you guys though.
I'm trying to work up to a five minute wrestler's back bridge. 2 minutes so far...
We also do a lot of partner lifts and bag carries.
A lot of people scratch their heads at WHY pro wrestlers train for 3-4 hours a session.
Well, you would too, if someone else's life depended on it!
One wrong move and BAM!
Paralyzed from the waist down.

True. That is the one thing that I truly respect about Pro wrestling, the attention to detail that has to be looked at in order to keep your partner safe.

At peak physical wrestling shape I could bridge with another heavyweight wrestler on my chest for three minutes... and I was over 285 which was the max weight limit for high school wrestling. I doubt I could do it for even one full minute now days.

 

[SadakoMoose]

What do you believe was the best time for wrestling?

What would you do to return it to the quality and popularity of that time?

Also, seeing as it is predetermined who wins, how do they do that?

Surely the loser must get pissed when they just tell him to lose....

Well:
There were a lot of "good eras" for pro wrestling...
The 50's (DuMont network, TV era)
The 70's (Good years for the NWA and AWA)
The 80's (Mania era)
the LATE 90's (ECW, Attitude Era, Cruiser weight Revolution)
I can't pick, you know. I love it all so much!
Even then, other countries had different Golden Eras.
Early to Mid 90's AJPW was great, but that same Era sucked for America.
But to make wrestling more popular in the modern era, we need to get rid of this McMahon style garbage, you know?
Fewer stupid gimmicks, HEAVY focus on athletic matches, and no more convoluted story lines.
Like what Ring of Honor is doing.
(Seriously, watch RoH on HDnet. You can see it free on RoHBrazil's youtube account. Worth it!)

As for booking...
Wrestling shows aren't "written" , they're booked.
Depending on the scale, or a number of other variables, Booking is either going to be long term or short term.
Short term: Fly by night, local federation. Think bingo halls, armories, state fairs and the like. A few dedicated fans, but very small time. Since there are no real feuds to build, or developing angles, then you can just pair together wrestlers and tag teams based on their general experience and availability.
For example:
Let's say I run a small fed in my spare time: Tri-County South East Championship Wrestling.
I somehow get enough money to book a has been legend from the 80's, like Jake the Snake Roberts, for one of my shows. Since he's not going to be on my active roster, he's going to be brought in once for marquee value, I'm going to have him and one of my better villains (Heels) go for about 10 minutes on the mid card (middle of the show). This way I don't have to ruin my main event with a guy that can't wrestle any more, but I still get the fans to come in and see their childhood hero.
Of course Jake will win.
And the other guy will probably consider it an HONOR to work with a legend like Roberts.

But let's change it around a bit:
Let's say I run a Big Indy Fed: Ring of Wrestling Professionals Showcase!
I run regular shows across the Northeastern U.S., have a show on a 3 digit satellite channel, and a DVD distribution deal through an online store.
I get one of my best faces (Likable, fan pleasing, honest wrestler) and I book him over the next few months in a pursuit of the World Championship. Yes, months.
Over these next few months, my best heel (Cheating, malicious, fan hating, and arrogant.) use his cronies and his short cut taking tactics to cheat my fan favorite, every time they meet.
He low blows him one week, when the ref isn't looking.
He has his cronies beat him down after a match, turn his face bloody to send a message, the next week.
Each and every time they meet, our hero gets a little bit closer to winning, but is always denied the victory he deserves.
Then, after much in the way of defeat and despair, he succeeds in convincing management to grant him the match stipulation he needs to get a fair fight out this jack ass, and pay him back for the misery he's caused him. I Quit, steel cage match. No DQ, no Pin, no chance of outside interference, just two men. They will then beat each other into bloody hamburger until one of them has no choice but to say "I Quit". No accidental tap outs, no fluke pins.
I QUIT!
And, what do you know, but they just so happen to be having this match at our biggest show of the year.
Buy your tickets today!
So finally, after a grueling 30 minutes of blood and steel and crowd pleasing moves, and brutal beating and brawling...Our face finally makes the heel quit, his face and chest drenched in his own blood, placed into a painful crossface hold, with a microphone held up to his mouth.
The big pay off!
Then we begin again, next week.

But in-between those two vastly different circumstances there are about a million other angles you can do.
The point is, NOBODY LOSES IN PRO WRESTLING!
Because, when we make money and look good doing it, everybody wins!

 

[SadakoMoose]

Any other questions while we wait for everyone that's been quoted to log on again?
Maybe some questions about "The Wrestler" starring Mickey Rourke?

 

[lewism247]

What do you believe was the best time for wrestling?

What would you do to return it to the quality and popularity of that time?

Also, seeing as it is predetermined who wins, how do they do that?

Surely the loser must get pissed when they just tell him to lose....

Well:
There were a lot of "good eras" for pro wrestling...
The 50's (DuMont network, TV era)
The 70's (Good years for the NWA and AWA)
The 80's (Mania era)
the LATE 90's (ECW, Attitude Era, Cruiser weight Revolution)
I can't pick, you know. I love it all so much!
Even then, other countries had different Golden Eras.
Early to Mid 90's AJPW was great, but that same Era sucked for America.
But to make wrestling more popular in the modern era, we need to get rid of this McMahon style garbage, you know?
Fewer stupid gimmicks, HEAVY focus on athletic matches, and no more convoluted story lines.
Like what Ring of Honor is doing.
(Seriously, watch RoH on HDnet. You can see it free on RoHBrazil's youtube account. Worth it!)

As for booking...
Wrestling shows aren't "written" , they're booked.
Depending on the scale, or a number of other variables, Booking is either going to be long term or short term.
Short term: Fly by night, local federation. Think bingo halls, armories, state fairs and the like. A few dedicated fans, but very small time. Since there are no real feuds to build, or developing angles, then you can just pair together wrestlers and tag teams based on their general experience and availability.
For example:
Let's say I run a small fed in my spare time: Tri-County South East Championship Wrestling.
I somehow get enough money to book a has been legend from the 80's, like Jake the Snake Roberts, for one of my shows. Since he's not going to be on my active roster, he's going to be brought in once for marquee value, I'm going to have him and one of my better villains (Heels) go for about 10 minutes on the mid card (middle of the show). This way I don't have to ruin my main event with a guy that can't wrestle any more, but I still get the fans to come in and see their childhood hero.
Of course Jake will win.
And the other guy will probably consider it an HONOR to work with a legend like Roberts.

But let's change it around a bit:
Let's say I run a Big Indy Fed: Ring of Wrestling Professionals Showcase!
I run regular shows across the Northeastern U.S., have a show on a 3 digit satellite channel, and a DVD distribution deal through an online store.
I get one of my best faces (Likable, fan pleasing, honest wrestler) and I book him over the next few months in a pursuit of the World Championship. Yes, months.
Over these next few months, my best heel (Cheating, malicious, fan hating, and arrogant.) use his cronies and his short cut taking tactics to cheat my fan favorite, every time they meet.
He low blows him one week, when the ref isn't looking.
He has his cronies beat him down after a match, turn his face bloody to send a message, the next week.
Each and every time they meet, our hero gets a little bit closer to winning, but is always denied the victory he deserves.
Then, after much in the way of defeat and despair, he succeeds in convincing management to grant him the match stipulation he needs to get a fair fight out this jack ass, and pay him back for the misery he's caused him. I Quit, steel cage match. No DQ, no Pin, no chance of outside interference, just two men. They will then beat each other into bloody hamburger until one of them has no choice but to say "I Quit". No accidental tap outs, no fluke pins.
I QUIT!
And, what do you know, but they just so happen to be having this match at our biggest show of the year.
Buy your tickets today!
So finally, after a grueling 30 minutes of blood and steel and crowd pleasing moves, and brutal beating and brawling...Our face finally makes the heel quit, his face and chest drenched in his own blood, placed into a painful crossface hold, with a microphone held up to his mouth.
The big pay off!
Then we begin again, next week.

But in-between those two vastly different circumstances there are about a million other angles you can do.
The point is, NOBODY LOSES IN PRO WRESTLING!
Because, when we make money and look good doing it, everybody wins!

Jake the snake, I recognise that name.....

Something happen between him and the honky tonk man?

I see, so is a lot of it to do with the role each wrestler is given, we build one up to be a hero to the fans and he finally triumphs at the end of the arc or whatever it is they call it.

I have a weird relationship with wrestling, my only knowledge comes from the brief times I play the games. However, whenever I get one I REALLY get into it.

I really liked Hulk Hogan, the rock and Kane for some reason.

Speaking of which.....

 

[SadakoMoose]

Jake the snake, I recognise that name.....

Something happen between him and the honky tonk man?

I see, so is a lot of it to do with the role each wrestler is given, we build one up to be a hero to the fans and he finally triumphs at the end of the arc or whatever it is they call it.

I have a weird relationship with wrestling, my only knowledge comes from the brief times I play the games. However, whenever I get one I REALLY get into it.

I really liked Hulk Hogan, the rock and Kane for some reason.

Speaking of which.....

Oh yeah..Jake has drug issues...But he's been doing better recently!
Of course, any and all real booking logic gets thrown out when it comes to things like fan service shows or comedy promotions.
Yes, there ARE comedy wrestling promotions. It's decent enough wrestling mixed with hijinks!
It's more popular in Japan than anywhere else...
Dramatic Dream Team, OSAKA PRO, and others have more in the way of comedy matches from time to time. Sometimes both serious and death match promotions will mix in some light comedy match into the lower card to please the fans.
Billzeroism's youtube channel can help you with that...
What are your fave games?

 

[lewism247]

Jake the snake, I recognise that name.....

Something happen between him and the honky tonk man?

I see, so is a lot of it to do with the role each wrestler is given, we build one up to be a hero to the fans and he finally triumphs at the end of the arc or whatever it is they call it.

I have a weird relationship with wrestling, my only knowledge comes from the brief times I play the games. However, whenever I get one I REALLY get into it.

I really liked Hulk Hogan, the rock and Kane for some reason.

Speaking of which.....

Oh yeah..Jake has drug issues...But he's been doing better recently!
Of course, any and all real booking logic gets thrown out when it comes to things like fan service shows or comedy promotions.
Yes, there ARE comedy wrestling promotions. It's decent enough wrestling mixed with hijinks!
It's more popular in Japan than anywhere else...
Dramatic Dream Team, OSAKA PRO, and others have more in the way of comedy matches from time to time. Sometimes both serious and death match promotions will mix in some light comedy match into the lower card to please the fans.
Billzeroism's youtube channel can help you with that...
What are your fave games?

I tend to play the occasional WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw. I still have the first one I eve bought, it a WCW one for the PS1 (Sting ftw!)

The last one I played was legends of wresltemania, which showed me a lot of epic stuff. I enjoyed it a lot.

 

[SadakoMoose]

Jake the snake, I recognise that name.....

Something happen between him and the honky tonk man?

I see, so is a lot of it to do with the role each wrestler is given, we build one up to be a hero to the fans and he finally triumphs at the end of the arc or whatever it is they call it.

I have a weird relationship with wrestling, my only knowledge comes from the brief times I play the games. However, whenever I get one I REALLY get into it.

I really liked Hulk Hogan, the rock and Kane for some reason.

Speaking of which.....

Oh yeah..Jake has drug issues...But he's been doing better recently!
Of course, any and all real booking logic gets thrown out when it comes to things like fan service shows or comedy promotions.
Yes, there ARE comedy wrestling promotions. It's decent enough wrestling mixed with hijinks!
It's more popular in Japan than anywhere else...
Dramatic Dream Team, OSAKA PRO, and others have more in the way of comedy matches from time to time. Sometimes both serious and death match promotions will mix in some light comedy match into the lower card to please the fans.
Billzeroism's youtube channel can help you with that...
What are your fave games?

I tend to play the occasional WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw. I still have the first one I eve bought, it a WCW one for the PS1 (Sting ftw!)

The last one I played was legends of wresltemania, which showed me a lot of epic stuff. I enjoyed it a lot.

Ever tried Fire Pro Wrestling?

 

[Sronpop]

Big wrestling fan. Been watching for 10+ years, except for a 2 year break around 2005 due to various reasons. Watch it every week and am still so amazed that people can be so blindly ignorant as to call it just 'sweaty guys rolling around'. I thought this was a safe haven for people who know better, don't just to random oblivious conclusions and respect other peoples opinions. Honestly I think wrestling fans get treated worse than oppressed minorities, I really do.