Road to Wrestlemania

Abstract:

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) had many in a chokehold and lived rent free in the imaginations of kids globally, leaving behind a void now filled with nostalgic memories. What intrigues me most about this is that there is a community that does not get an ample amount of recognition for the dedication they exude. Some chose to fill that void with living out the dream—it became a life mission. When we peek into the driving forces behind this passion and the pathways to professional wrestling, we uncover a profound love for the entertainment aspect of the sport.

I’ve dreamed before of executing the 619 on an older brother, applying the Walls of Jericho on a little cousin, envisioning oneself as the Ultimate Warrior embarking down the runway. What once seemed like mere childhood play now reveals itself as a journey requiring unwavering dedication. Wrestling transcends flashy moves and athleticism; it demands wit, showmanship and a commanding presence capable of captivating crowds, eliciting either adoration or disdain—a theatrical skill set.

History:

The industry hasn’t always looked how it does now. Regional leagues were more profound and wrestling culture was less mainstream. Becoming a town hero was merely a regional belt away. In the timeline of American wrestling history, the 1980s stand as the golden era, where regional wrestling promotions held collateral over the hearts and minds of fans across the nation. Each corner of the country boasted its own unique flavor of wrestling, with regional territories serving as the battlegrounds for larger-than-life personas and timeless showdowns.

These territories operated as fiercely independent entities. From the neon-lit arenas of the East Coast to the dusty rings of the Midwest, regional wrestling was a cultural phenomenon, capturing the imagination of audiences week after week. Promotions like Jim Crockett Promotions in the Carolinas, Mid-South Wrestling in Louisiana, and World Class Championship Wrestling in Texas ruled the market showcasing a dazzling array of talent and storytelling prowess. This regional scene eventually gave way to the national broadcasting of WWE (formally WWF) its impact is still prominent as it laid the foundation for the modern wrestling landscape.

One of my personal favorite movies, the biopic ‘The Iron Claw’ is now streaming on MAX. The Von Erich family's story proves to be a timeless personification of highs and lows of the wrestling world. They show raw authenticity, and respect for the sport. Their historic presence catapulted them into the spotlight, but it was their genuine love for wrestling, and their individuality that truly resonated with audiences. They embodied their craft, etched their names into the woodwork of wrestling with every match. Yet, tragically, their story unfolded in the shadow of sorrow.

(Trailer) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KVsaoveTbw

- Spoilers    - 

The movie follows what was known as the Von Erich curse. A series of tragedies and triumphs that took place in accordance with the childhood of the Von Erich brothers and their chase of the World Heavyweight Championship. We are given the perspective of Kevin and his view on what led to these events of his family. For a brief run down, here is what happened.

• Fritz drops his dream of football to pursuit the World Heavyweight Championship

• Jackie dies as a baby due to an electrocution

• Kerry was unable to go to Olympics due to the War

• David allegedly dies from ruptured intestine in Japan

• Chris kills himself for not being able to wrestle like his other brothers

• Kerry loses foot after winning the World Heavyweight Championship from Ric Flair

• Mike goes into a coma after shoulder surgery wakes with permanent (TSS) brain damage

• Family finds Mike in sleeping bag overdosed

• Kerry shooting himself in the chest with the gun he got Fritz for fathers day

Present:

The wrestling world I see today still plays on the tropes of the past but still all too unrecognizable. With showman's across the nation needing to grab attention on the national stage in order to make the dream a reality. Along with many other entertainment outlets the monetization of social media and branding plays puppet master to how they are scouted. A wrestler I am rooting for personally is Tommy Invincible (@tommyinvincible). He came across my FYP and from an outsider's perspective he seems to be doing it for the right reasons. He stands by the mantra of making the crowd feel invincible which is beyond admirable. Another example of true passion within the confines of the entertainment. I will always admire someone for being unwavering in chasing what they believe in regardless of where they are in the journey.