the mania of wwe
by kevin addison
Pro Wrestling, or what the WWE like to call it; Sports Entertainment is watched by millions around the world. The WWE is a global phenomenon, what started as a small regional promotion, part of the NWA 50 years ago, went on to become a billion dollar company, owned by the self-proclaimed King of Wrestling Vince McMahon. I became a fan of wrestling when I was 8 years old, during the most iconic era in the history of wrestling, the attitude era. The attitude era ended 12 years ago and it only lasted 4 years, but it’s still remembered as the most iconic and loved period in wrestling. |
"I'm not afraid of failing. I don't like to fail. I hate to fail. But I'm not afraid of it." |
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/2/5/26252126/6877460.jpg?205)
Why was it so loved? Because it featured some of the most charismatic superstars that are still celebrated today. From the comedy antics of DX, to Hulk Hogan’s overpowering super faction the N.W.O. To the most electrifying man in all of entertainment The Rock, and then you had the biggest and most successful wrestler of all time Stone Cold Steve Austin.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/2/5/26252126/5490793.jpg)
One of the greatest memories of Stone Cold I have is when he lost the championship belt, and the next again day at school every boy in school was in shock and grieving. For next couple of the days it became taboo to talk about it, however those two dark days of school soon ended when my brother ran up to me at playtime to tell me he won it back, and every single boy was happy again and pretending to be Stone Cold again.
When the attitude era ended wrestling became a bit stale and I stopped watching it for a few years, also girls became more interesting. But when I did return to watching wrestling I became more interested in how it works.
When the attitude era ended wrestling became a bit stale and I stopped watching it for a few years, also girls became more interesting. But when I did return to watching wrestling I became more interested in how it works.
"Lets get ready to Suck it!" |
"The Austin Era has begun" |
I started watching again in 2006 and discovering that wrestling was predetermined didn’t put me of but actually made me respect it more for what the male and female wrestlers do to entertain the public. They work 300 days a year, going all over the world to wrestle, sacrificing their bodies, they leave their families just to entertain and make the WWE a lot of money.
WWE main priority at this time was to make money. Taking care of the wrestlers health and mental wellbeing was a non-factor to them, despite the numerous deaths of wrestlers in there 30s and 40s. These wrestlers were dying young due to years of abuse they do to their bodies in the ring and out of the ring. It’s no secret that drugs have also been a big factor in wrestling; years of taking steroids, painkillers, and alcohol have sent them all to an early grave.
WWE main priority at this time was to make money. Taking care of the wrestlers health and mental wellbeing was a non-factor to them, despite the numerous deaths of wrestlers in there 30s and 40s. These wrestlers were dying young due to years of abuse they do to their bodies in the ring and out of the ring. It’s no secret that drugs have also been a big factor in wrestling; years of taking steroids, painkillers, and alcohol have sent them all to an early grave.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/2/5/26252126/1406754.jpg?193)
For years the WWE ignored all the media backlash the got for these wrestlers dying young, but in 2007 a shocking death of a well-loved wrestler could not be ignored. Chris Benoit was one of the most well respected and loved wrestler, after he no showed a few WWE events, the police were sent to his house, and he was discovered dead along with his wife and five year old son.
Benoit killed his wife and son due to years of abuse he put his body through, despite numerous times he asked for a break the WWE always refused. An autopsy revealed that Benoit's brain was the same of 80 year old patient with Alzheimer's. The media have also blamed the WWE for the result of the death, however they deny it was their fault, they have also been criticized at the fact they have essentially re-written history by removing all footage of him from the past and make no acknowledgment that he ever worked for them.
Benoit killed his wife and son due to years of abuse he put his body through, despite numerous times he asked for a break the WWE always refused. An autopsy revealed that Benoit's brain was the same of 80 year old patient with Alzheimer's. The media have also blamed the WWE for the result of the death, however they deny it was their fault, they have also been criticized at the fact they have essentially re-written history by removing all footage of him from the past and make no acknowledgment that he ever worked for them.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/2/5/26252126/2023251.jpg?344)
It’s been six years since the death of Benoit and a lot has changed with the WWE. After years of not looking out for the wellbeing of the wrestlers, they are now finally taking great care into looking after their stars.
The now have a very strict wellness policy were almost every kind of drugs are banned, even fake weed. They offer and pay for rehab for all current and former employees that have drug and alcohol problems. Veteran wrestlers no longer have to work full time schedule, they are giving much easier and lighter work load.
The show is now PG, a lot of the old physical and violent style of wrestling is banned to stop wrestlers from getting seriously hurt. Concussions were always part of the job, but now if a wrestler even suffers a minor concussion, they immediately remove them from all TV and live events until they are giving the all clear.
50 years the WWE been going for now, and it’s good that after 50 years they’re finally looking out for their performers that made them a billion dollar company.
The now have a very strict wellness policy were almost every kind of drugs are banned, even fake weed. They offer and pay for rehab for all current and former employees that have drug and alcohol problems. Veteran wrestlers no longer have to work full time schedule, they are giving much easier and lighter work load.
The show is now PG, a lot of the old physical and violent style of wrestling is banned to stop wrestlers from getting seriously hurt. Concussions were always part of the job, but now if a wrestler even suffers a minor concussion, they immediately remove them from all TV and live events until they are giving the all clear.
50 years the WWE been going for now, and it’s good that after 50 years they’re finally looking out for their performers that made them a billion dollar company.
"THEN, NOW, AND FOREVER"