Why Wrestling is on Syfy, and why it makes sense

[end_boss]

I just figure that SyFy focuses on the broader definition of "Sci-Fi" that includes all fantasy, rather than sticking with the semantic definition of science fiction. I'm a big wrestling fan, and I gotta say, does anybody disagree that wrestling is a form of fantasy show?

I do, for sure.
It's 70% unplanned and always done without re shoots or stunt work or wire fakery.
That and not too many angles are what anyone would consider fantastic or out of the ordinary.
Not too many...anyway...
Undertaker is like the only exception...Everyone else is just a normal human being

What about the fact that these characters live in a world where logically fatal moves may not be able to keep them down for a three-count? What about a realm where differences are solved through combat? "I disagree with what you're saying, and therefore I will now climb up on this rope, do a spinny thing, and dropkick you in the face to prove that I'm right!" And existence that subscribes to its own logic and bends physics, while incessantly breaking the fourth wall to the audience? Where wrestlers are not just people but caricatures of archetypes and imagery. I call that "fantasy."

 

[KEM10]

Note: I'm not saying that everyone who watches pro wrestling is an idot, just a lot of them aren't interested in thinking about the programing they are watching. (This is a very swepping generlization used to make a point)

Go to their live performances, it's like a metal concert. While I know it is all fake, you have to respect a 250lb white guy that can vertical leap with only 3 feet of prep time 5 feet in the air and be caught by a 180lb guy and make it look like he just taken out.

 

[SadakoMoose]

I just figure that SyFy focuses on the broader definition of "Sci-Fi" that includes all fantasy, rather than sticking with the semantic definition of science fiction. I'm a big wrestling fan, and I gotta say, does anybody disagree that wrestling is a form of fantasy show?

I do, for sure.
It's 70% unplanned and always done without re shoots or stunt work or wire fakery.
That and not too many angles are what anyone would consider fantastic or out of the ordinary.
Not too many...anyway...
Undertaker is like the only exception...Everyone else is just a normal human being

What about the fact that these characters live in a world where logically fatal moves may not be able to keep them down for a three-count? What about a realm where differences are solved through combat? "I disagree with what you're saying, and therefore I will now climb up on this rope, do a spinny thing, and dropkick you in the face to prove that I'm right!" And existence that subscribes to its own logic and bends physics, while incessantly breaking the fourth wall to the audience? Where wrestlers are not just people but caricatures of archetypes and imagery. I call that "fantasy."

True, but I still think it's a little too grounded in reality to be considered outright fantasy. To me, and Ray Bradbury, fantasy was about what could never happen ever unlike science fiction, which could conceivably happen under the right circumstances..
Hey wait a minute..

 

[Jabberwock xeno]

Wait, sifi shows wrestling now?

Whut.

 

[SadakoMoose]

Wait, sifi shows wrestling now?

Whut.

Yes, yes they do...

 

[end_boss]

I just figure that SyFy focuses on the broader definition of "Sci-Fi" that includes all fantasy, rather than sticking with the semantic definition of science fiction. I'm a big wrestling fan, and I gotta say, does anybody disagree that wrestling is a form of fantasy show?

I do, for sure.
It's 70% unplanned and always done without re shoots or stunt work or wire fakery.
That and not too many angles are what anyone would consider fantastic or out of the ordinary.
Not too many...anyway...
Undertaker is like the only exception...Everyone else is just a normal human being

What about the fact that these characters live in a world where logically fatal moves may not be able to keep them down for a three-count? What about a realm where differences are solved through combat? "I disagree with what you're saying, and therefore I will now climb up on this rope, do a spinny thing, and dropkick you in the face to prove that I'm right!" And existence that subscribes to its own logic and bends physics, while incessantly breaking the fourth wall to the audience? Where wrestlers are not just people but caricatures of archetypes and imagery. I call that "fantasy."

True, but I still think it's a little too grounded in reality to be considered outright fantasy. To me, and Ray Bradbury, fantasy was about what could never happen ever unlike science fiction, which could conceivably happen under the right circumstances..
Hey wait a minute..

Well, at least you see my point, so from here we're just set to agree to disagree. Personally, I do think that wrestling can qualify as fantasy enough to be on a "sci-fi and fantasy" channel, and that's my only real point. Wrestling to me is fancily choreographed (or improvised choreography) gladiatorial combat melodrama soap opera. Ever since wrestling moved past the "kayfabe" era and into "sports entertainment," it has essentially taken on a style more comparable to the film version of The Running Man than the old days of fixed ending fights.

 

[AnikM]

It's MTV and the Real World all over again.