While most of the times that question doesn't seem inflammatory, it does with people that like wrestling. The question, when phrased that way, is usually the precursor to the "you know it's fake and you're a closet gay because you like to watch men in tights rolling around."

Not saying that he meant the question that way, but wrestling fans just get rather touchy because for some reason, despite everything else on TV being fake, wrestling is the only thing that's picked on for being that way.

That's beautiful, man..

I know what you mean, JT. It's still not a reason to turn this thread personal.

My buddies bought one for me to watch while we played poker during my bachelor party. It was Icon v. Icon, the Wrestlemania showdown between the Rock and Hulk Hogan. It was pretty fun, especially watching the bonus features including the showdown between Hogan and the Ultimate Warrior (a hilarious fight) from a prior Wrestlemania.

Perhaps one reason why some of us are puzzled by the appeal of Pro Wrestling has to do with the fact that it "feels" like a live sporting event. The fact that it's not is very difficult for some of us to reconcile.

Wrestling is structured into matches and championships.... very similar to boxing. They're "videotaped" giving a "live" or "documentary"-style authenticity. I'll go out on a limb and say that fans of Wrestling are, at some level, able to suspend their sense of disbelief and simply enjoy it. Much in the same way that I can watch a low-budget B-movie and appreciate the story despite the poor execution.

It is probably for the same reason why "reality" shows are so popular now... because the general public doesn't realize how much of the drama and uncertainty is created by judicious post-production editting.

I suspect that if most people knew just how fake those reality shows are, they'd stop watching them.

That's a wonderfull way of putting it and I said something similar to that at work last week while defending my love for pro wrestling. I related it to magic. Anyone who see's David Copperfield had to know that he does not really make an elephant dissapear into the air. But it's having a performer that is so good that it makes you say, "Wow, how did he do that?" It's the same with wrestling. It's having some performers that will make you say, "How did they do that and not REALLY get hurt?"

I don't think it is an issue of it being personal, its just a question that is not raised about other dvds. I haven't seen to many threads started on an entire genre of entertainment asking "I don't like it, why do you?"

I think that is the main point. Eh whatever, my panties arn't in a bunch about it...cause I am wearing tights.

Anyway this question has been raised in a very insulting manor in the sports forum before, maybe I had a snap judgement.

For a serious answer. I buy the dvds because they entertain me. I have always enjoyed watching pro wrestling, I love watching the different moves, and their is some serous excitement about watching a favorite superstar finally get the belt. Even if it is scripted there is a thrill about watching a guy who has pretty much given up the later years of his life to entertain the crowd get a belt.

I also enjoy watching Mixed Martial Arts as well and I collect those dvds as well.

Also dvd is one of the greatest things to happen to dvd...oh and to wrestling , with the storage capacity we can get match after match, and full a ppv on one disc.

Hope that helped.

I would like to see more wrestling from the 60's and 70's on dvd-but have heard most tapings were taped over to save money.

I collect wrestling Pay-Per-Views and matches from back when i was younger (80's-92 or 93).I can't say i see the appeal of some of the new stuff.I watch on tv for free, but not worth spending my money on.Also, if I hadn't gotten into it when i did,then I would never have become a fan.I don't think the current product would hook me.

Also, I know it was just a typo, but i have a new sig.
Thanks, KnightLerxst


dvd is one of the greatest things to happen to dvd
so true!

Yeah, a lot of vintage NWA material was taped over on a regular basis. Anything pre 1980 is almost impossible to find.

I've been a fan for more than 20 years. I'll admit that the majority of the WWE sucks, I hate most of the stuff I see: terrible stories the wrong wrestlers getting a push ect. (does anyone like Mark Henry or Billy Gunn?) It is an addiction, even though I hate most of it I still watch every week because every once in a while something cool happens.

The great things about the DVDs (such as the Flair and Mick Foley DVD) you get to see the best stuff, and it reminds you why you watch wrestling to begin with.

By the way... Wrestling is not FAKE. Predetermined... yes. Scripted... yes. Fake NO !

It's a good thing I audio recorded many wrestling shows in the early 70's.....great great memories.

My brother says it Soap Opera for guys. He loves it. The pushing and screaming, bucking and biting, beating and breaking chairs over each others head (note: no one gets killed, only insulted so they can come back to get revenge ). Broads with big breasts in each others faces and if you are lucky, riping off each others cloths in a cat fight. Fun fun fun.

*Bows down and does the worship in your direction*

Thank you! Someone else out there gets it! As someone about to go into the business, I know this all too well!

I love the business and it's also very sad in certain respects. I wish I could have been a part of it but time has passed me by. I love it for all the reasons that people have listed...it's drama, it's comedy and it's world class athletes. I'm sure many people here can remember the interview one of their favorites did that made them want to see the match...or even cry.

It's also hard to for people like Vince McMahon to make everyone happy. Lots of times there's too much talking. Bad comedy, acting and guys that don't know the art of the business. I'm not such a fan of the current product, but there's guys that still get my attention and make me realize why I've been such a big fan for 21 years.

To me a great match is like an art form. There are plenty of injuries and guys gut it out because they don't want to lose their "spot." It's not something that's easy to explain, but it's easy to forget it's predetermined when you're involved in a great match.

So you long for the days of the great Ultimate Warrior matches?

Its all about ring of honor dvds. Cant beat it

I think in Mexico it's much more easy to understand

Most people [I'll say a large majority] in Mexico are fans of lucha libre. Everybody, as a child, as a teen, and through all ages, has always had a favorite wrestler. It's a very family friendly affair, and it's hard not to get into it with the atmosphere and all..especially if you go live.

I don't watch American wrestling, but I'm assume it's the same thing. Like sports, everyone has a favorite athlete, or a favorite singer, you cheer for him/her and follow his/her career..

And that too, it is scripted, and prepared, but all that you see is real, the flips, the falls, the throws, the slams, it's all real. The muscles are real too, and so is the sportsmanship and training needed to wrestler..so I guess wrestling is something for anyone who just likes the mythology of sports...to train hard, to become stronger, and climb your way up to the top..

If only there were some AAA DVD's...and not just "El Santo" movies

You say that like no one else in the thread "gets it"

Wrestling is fake?! LIAR!

I'd love to see some old lucha libre matches with Mil Mascaras. That guy was a badass.

Baron Von Raschke...I saw him wrestle live in Vegas about a million years ago. The claw was cool. I'd be interested in seeing some of the shows from the early eighties if they're available...just for nostalgia.

The WWE owns all the AWA footage now...

He looks like Tim Robbins Dad.

To me wrestling is an athletic exhibition, the same way that the Ice Capades are an exhibition and not a competetion. Noone would say that the skaters there are not atheletes.