Wrestling Entertainment
 Chris Benoit |
With the recent tragedy that occurred earlier this month, in which Chris Benoit allegedly killed his son, wife, and then himself made me (as a fan) ponder exactly what I was inviting into my house every Friday, Monday, and Tuesday nights as entertainment.
Yes, entertainment ladies and gentlemen, is exactly what you are looking at. Remove the corny story lines, flashy lights, and revealing costumes and what is left? Athletes with amazing strength that can perform a variety of deeds. It is entertainment to watch these muscular men and women fly through the air, bend in imaginable ways, and make their presence known. There are, of course, the “bad” and “good” guys. There are certain wrestlers that a viewer will know who will cheat or use distractions to ensure victory. And, there are others that bring in a positive energy to the ring, that even if they lose, a fan will continue to cheer for them.
I am still in debate whether matches are just an act or real. There are times when I can see the choreography of each move and other times when it seems real. Perhaps, maybe it is a combination of the two - real matches to promote athleticism and fake matches to promote story-lines. Critics, however, will be quick to point out the “hazardous” conditions - for example, wrestlers being lit on fire, broken noses, or being attacked in an inhumane way. Of course, there are hazards to this type of job, but the majority of bigger “hazards” is acting. If you don’t like it express your freedom to use the remote control.
The wrestling entertainment industry cannot be held fully responsible for what happened to Chris Benoit and his family, nor it can be innocent. Instead of determining whose is at fault, let us (as a whole) figure out the signs that led to this, and what we can do to help intervene if this circumstance should start to rise again.
Lisa F.