The debate about realism vs. sports entertainment is ongoing as fans from all eras like to share our thoughts on what we consider real wrestling or which one we prefer.
For many, there’s room for both if done right and the storytelling in the ring is present, while others are happy watching the athleticism on display or the methodical approach of tradition styles.
What’s more respectable – Being a Wrestler’s Wrestler like Bret Hart or an Entertainer Like Hulk Hogan?
We’ve said that a lot of today’s wrestling feels like video game wrestling and prefer more of a mix with grounded styles, but that’s the beauty of wrestling. With so many styles, it’s nearly impossible not to find something we can enjoy.
One of the things that are morphing is the move from the entertainment aspect into more of the sports based storytelling.
The WWE is leading the charge as Triple H is relying more on the sports part, but there’s still plenty of sports entertainment included as well.
Times change
One of the stories from the mid 80s when the WWE launched WrestleMania was how Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff weren’t happy with Mr. T being brought in.
They didn’t feel he’d paid his dues and reportedly wanted to teach him a lesson, but Hulk Hogan and Vince McMahon managed to negotiate a peace of sorts.
It was a classic traditional vs. spots entertainment while traditional old school was the law of the land. Hogan has repeatedly said Piper and Orndorff didn’t get it, that they just didn’t understand what Vince was doing.
Hogan did, and it’s why he and Vince made such a great team in the 1980s as Hulk Hogan became the biggest draw ever.
Shawn Michaels shared his thoughts on this when he joined Julian Edelman on his podcast Games with Names.
Michaels was asked if he respected Bret Hart more Hulk Hogan more as a spotlight was shone on the different skillsets.
“At that time, you do because you’re into that version of wrestling. Over time I have come to understand and appreciate what it is to draw money – period. This business doesn’t get where it’s at now without guys like Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, and The Rock. I think there’s a number of us – that was a time where we felt that it was more about work rate than it was just being a big name.”
Times change and people evolve, and in many ways today’s wrestling is more exciting, but there is a legitimate argument that big moves have replaced building drama. Which style do you prefer? Let us know in the comments below.
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