What is the appeal of professional wrestling? A human drama connecting the past, present, and future
Suddenly, everyone, don't you have these impressions of professional wrestling?
Scripted
Martial arts
Show
I used to think of it as just 'a type of martial art' and was completely ignorant.
But once I saw a match unfold in the ring, that thinking changed completely.
Professional wrestling is not just a 'martial art,' but a battlefield of emotions where the feelings of the wrestlers intersect.
It contains friendship, betrayal, hope, and despair that cannot be explained by simple wins and losses.
The appeal of professional wrestling is like a drama unfolding in real time. It has a depth that moves the hearts of viewers and sometimes even invites tears.
This time, I will introduce the fun of professional wrestling as felt by someone in their third year as a fan.
I would be happy if you could touch upon the charm of professional wrestling even a little by reading this article!
An emotional drama woven by hot stories
One of the major elements of the appeal of professional wrestling is the storytelling embedded in the matches.
Matches are not just about exchanging techniques or winning and losing; they are deeply involved with the emotional exchanges and backgrounds between the wrestlers leading up to that point.
For example,
A story of a wrestler aiming for a comeback from injury and crawling up from despair
A story of a long-time rivalry or a wrestler who lost in a past match challenging for a rematch to get revenge
A growth story from debuting as a rookie to winning the championship belt
etc
The way the wrestlers live their lives creates excitement like a movie or drama.
Also, rivalries are not just opponents, but by clashing different beliefs and values with each other, they create a grand story that draws in the audience.
And there is a story in every single move during the match, and finishing moves and a wrestler's specialties gain even more weight against the background of previous matches and grudges.
When a match is decided by a certain move, if it is a revenge for a past match or the settlement of a grudge, the audience shares the wrestler's emotions at that moment and experiences excitement and emotion.
In this way, professional wrestling transcends the framework of mere martial arts and creates stories that remain in the heart even after the match is over.
Fans want to re-experience each story and cheer on the ring filled with the wrestlers' ways of life, growth, trials, and glory.
Professional wrestling is a drama where stories continuing from the past unfold in real time and connect to the future.
Every time you watch a match, you will surely encounter a new drama.
Wrestlers full of personality
The appeal of professional wrestling also lies in the character and diversity woven by wrestlers full of personality.
Professional wrestlers are not just athletes, but characters with intense personalities who captivate the audience.
For example, one wrestler boasts overwhelming power and exerts a presence like an invincible monster in the ring. Every time the audience watches the wrestler's match, they look forward to 'what kind of phenomenal move will they show next?'
▼ Brock Lesnar
A wrestler belonging to WWE (the world's largest professional wrestling organization) with tough muscles and explosive power
On the other hand, another wrestler has a style that toys with opponents using skillful techniques and strategy, and is good at match developments like a brain battle.
▼ Zack Sabre Jr.
A wrestler who toys with opponents one after another with joint techniques and a technical wrestling style
That different charm stands out in every match, and fans attach to both styles.
Also, Lucha Libre (Mexican style professional wrestling) wrestlers are good at aerial moves and capture the hearts of the audience with gorgeous and acrobatic movements.
Their matches are like dancing in the air, and there is visual beauty and thrill.
▼ Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr.
A wrestler born into a Luchador (Lucha Libre wrestler) family who combines techniques inherited from his father with a powerful style polished through activities in Japan
Furthermore, there are wrestlers who provoke the audience as heels (villains), and wrestlers who fight with a sense of justice as babyfaces (good guys). The contrast between good and evil makes the world of professional wrestling even more dramatic and creates the fun of the audience cheering for their respective 'favorite wrestlers.'
▼ Yoshinobu Kanemaru
A wrestler with a style that corners opponents by making full use of rough fights and cunning techniques
When you see a wrestler using forceful foul moves provoking their opponent, you can't help but cheer, 'I want the opponent to win.' On the other hand, when you see a wrestler with kindness and guts fighting desperately, you want to empathize and cheer, 'Do your best, don't lose!'
▼ Even the referee, who should be fair, is furious
There are also wrestlers who start dancing during matches, ghosts born in the afterlife, and People's Battle Dolls(?), showcasing a wide range of character personalities and matches filled with both laughter and tears.
Professional wrestling can be enjoyed even more deeply by knowing not just the matches themselves, but also the personalities and backstories of the wrestlers.
Even outside of matches, wrestlers express their characters through interviews and social media, and I think seeing that behind-the-scenes side makes you feel even closer to them.
▼A genuine pro-wrestling boy(?) nicknamed Mr. Troublesome
▼Mr. Saiko, a self-proclaimed superstar who has a habit of saying strange things
Since the wrestlers are actively posting on social media other than YouTube as well, you are sure to find a wrestler who captures your heart.
By the way, please rest assured that character does not equal their true personality.
Don't miss a single moment! The intensity and diversity of the matches
Another major appeal of professional wrestling is the diversity of the matches and the intensity of the action.
There are various styles of matches, and because each match format and wrestler's fighting style is different, you can experience new excitement every time you watch.
In matches between power fighters, you are overwhelmed by the sound of bodies colliding, sweat flying, and the exchange of powerful attacks.
Each suplex or lariat unleashed by the wrestlers shakes the ring and stirs the hearts of the audience.
A simple battle of strength against strength shows an intense power that exceeds the limits of the human body.
▼A head-on collision between power fighters where bodies clash
On the other hand, in other matches, the speedy and precise movements of technical wrestlers are the highlight.
They use quick counters and joint locks, reading their opponent's moves to progress the match. The blinding speed and precisely calculated offense and defense feel like a mental battle, much like shogi.
Such technical matches teach us that professional wrestling is not just a sport of pure power.
▼A lone technician who was told by his opponent he would finish the match in under 5 minutes, but instead won in under 5 minutes himself
Furthermore, acrobatic aerial moves are indispensable in professional wrestling.
Wrestlers who use the ropes or corner posts to soar into the air and unleash brilliant flying moves keep the audience glued to the action.
In particular, moves like moonsaults and swanton bombs from the top rope bring thrills and excitement to the viewers, and every time that moment arrives, the audience cheers in unison.
▼A parade of threatening aerial techniques
By combining these styles match by match, professional wrestling creates infinite variations.
Strength and technique, speed and aerial moves intersect, making every match a new story and providing the audience with fresh surprises and excitement.
I believe this is why professional wrestling matches can be enjoyed without ever getting bored, and why the intensity of the action continues to captivate viewers.
If you want to fully enjoy professional wrestling, watching it live or via streaming is the key!
How to enjoy watching live
Professional wrestling is entertainment where you can experience its intensity more realistically by watching it live.
When watching at the venue, please try participating in the cheering by shouting the wrestlers' names or sending your support!
For the wrestlers, the fans' cheers become great energy for fighting the match, and the entire venue is wrapped in a sense of unity between the fans and the wrestlers. In particular, the excitement of the entrance scene, the cheers from the audience, and the intense clashes between wrestlers are the real thrill of watching live.
Also, one way to enjoy watching is by taking photos during the match.
Photography is allowed during matches, and you are free to post the photos you take on social media (please check the official website of the organization as rules may vary by organization).
Furthermore, recently, Pro-Wrestling NOAH has also permitted video recording for some matches.
By recording the intensity of the match and the wrestlers' movements with your own camera, you can take home memories.
While feeling the heat unique to the venue and the unique energy that can only be experienced on the spot with your whole body, try recording it with photos and videos and enjoy watching professional wrestling.
While videos mainly show the wrestlers fighting, when you watch live, you can also hear the wrestlers' voices.
There are scenes where they make retorts to comments made by wrestlers in the media or on social media, or say things that make you wonder if their opponent is an ally or an enemy, and this adds spice that makes the match even more interesting.
How to enjoy via streaming
On the other hand, watching via streaming is also indispensable for enjoying professional wrestling.
Many organizations offer live streaming and on-demand services, making it easy to watch from home.
In particular, the appeal of streaming is being able to thoroughly enjoy the wrestlers' expressions and the details of their moves that are hard to see at the venue through camera angles and replays.
And, another benefit unique to streaming is that watching becomes even more fun when fans share their impressions in real-time through the streaming service's chat function or social media.
Please try to enjoy watching in your own style, taking advantage of the merits of both live and streaming.
On-demand services
▼NJPW WORLD
Available organizations: New Japan Pro-Wrestling, some matches from CMLL and AEW
▼WRESTLE UNIVERSE
Available organizations: Pro-Wrestling NOAH, DDT, Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling, Ganbare☆Pro-Wrestling, Marigold, Sendai Girls' Pro Wrestling, Michinoku Pro-Wrestling, REAL ZERO1
Signing up for an on-demand service right away might be a bit of a high hurdle.
However, depending on the service, there may be a free trial for a few days, or some organizations may stream the first few matches for free on YouTube.
Also, since ABEMA sometimes broadcasts all matches for free, it is also recommended to first check what the atmosphere is like.
Let's experience the charm of professional wrestling!
Professional wrestling is packed with unique charms that cannot be experienced in other sports, such as the intensity of the matches, deep storylines, unique wrestlers, and the various ways to enjoy it, whether by watching live at the venue or via streaming.
When watching live, you will surely be captivated by the sense of unity between the audience and the wrestlers, the excitement in the venue created by the cheers, and the fierce battles unfolding right before your eyes.
In addition, the joy of recording memories through photos and videos adds to the experience, making it a memory that will last a lifetime.
On the other hand, watching via streaming is a casual way to enjoy the sport, allowing you to fully appreciate the details of the matches and the expressions of the wrestlers.
By sharing your thoughts in real-time with other fans through social media and getting excited together, you can feel the sense of presence even while at home.
Please try to get in touch with the world of professional wrestling in a way that suits you. By experiencing the charm of professional wrestling, you will surely think, 'I want to watch it again.'
From here on is my own personal monologue.
A few years ago, I didn't have any particular hobbies, and although I was curious about professional wrestling, I didn't think to go out of my way to watch it.
However, one day I happened to watch a professional wrestling match on YouTube and realized the fun of professional wrestling, which is more than just fighting.
And I learned from professional wrestling that you can know the true joy of anything by knowing it deeply.
It is no exaggeration to say that professional wrestling has made my life fun.
And I wrote this article hoping that I could provide someone with an opportunity to learn about professional wrestling.
I would be very happy if you, who saw this, also came to like professional wrestling.
Thank you for reading until the end.
If you liked the article, I would be happy if you could like, comment, and follow!