TWO YEARS. IT’S BEEN TWO YEARS SINCE I WAS INTRODUCED TO THE WORLD OF WRESTLING. IN THAT TIME, I’VE GROWN TO LOVE IT. EVERYTHING FROM “WORLD ENTERTAINMENT” TO MORE PERSONAL INDEPENDENTS (PWG, ETC.)
Putting aside names, there has always been a single thing that both have in common. Not talent, not even sales, however the constant battle over who’s better. We all have our own tastes, and preferences when it comes to favorite wrestlers even why we choose to watch.
The “wrestling community” has a welcoming facade, but there is so much more beneath the surface. You do have that positive group who watch because of genuine interest and to bond with others, on the flip side there are much more negative and hateful depths.
For lack of better explanation, those who refuse to acknowledge growth and how times have changed, those who always complain regardless. Trying to compare the two separate kinds, and bash those who love everything.
If it weren’t for the “independent” scene, we wouldn’t have Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins and the Daniel Bryan’s. Now, we get into “Entertainment vs close and personal.”
“World Wrestling Entertainment” or as we know it, WWE. The demographic reaching old and young. The generation where children can see their heroes, where those moments can be shared with family. Unfortunately, it’s more about making money, selling merchandise and who they can squeeze more out of from week to week. Who can “be the face of the company” and the newest experiment. Who can they get us to love and loathe? Whether pure accident or planned.
Travels from big venue to big venue, performing in front of ridiculous crowds. The only connection we have to them through seeing them on television and the t shirts we buy.
Independent wrestling is a complete 180 from “World Entertainment”. Unpredictable crowds, men and women doing things themselves. Not being restricted by what they “can and can’t” do because of a higher up. Where creativity thrives and fans can have a face to face connection with their idols and heroes. Where merch sales help the talent directly and aren’t filtered through corporate.
Where every fan, young or old can have a close knit community to escape to, feel connected to the “Janela’s, LeRae’s, etc.” Where you get deeply invested into every move, every good and bad guy.
There’s many kinds of wrestling. My point is, WWE or Independent, there’s no truly fair comparison. They’re not the same, but they both have evolved and changed over the years. Putting your foot down and being stubborn or tearing down fans with different opinions, because they don’t share the same favorite wrestler is what holds this community back from growth. It’ll will still be there regardless, but all I know is that I’ll continue to love it for what it is, regardless of name or difference.