Watching wrestlers have such motivation to be the best in the industry can also transpire onto the younger generations, inspiring them to do something much greater outside of pro-wrestling when they eventually grow out of it. It creates a fire in hearts, which could not be replicated elsewhere in sports as not all sportsmen have the ability to convey and inspire people through words.
Many other sportsmen including footballers generally do not have the ability to convey themselves outside the sport. For example – Wayne Rooney or Harry Kane, although both achieving the greatest distinctions within their sports, are unable to convey a hearty and inspiring message. They feebly mutter the same repetitive, rehearsed lines after each match, with something along the lines of “well we played well but will fix mistakes in training.” This is dull. It’s not inspiring, it’s boring. They don’t have the same enthusiasm and the high pay cheques rolling in every week has dulled their sense of ambition. They don’t have a requirement to appeal to anyone, they’re just doing their jobs.
WWE is about bringing people together. Everyone knows it’s an act, but wrestlers and fans alike choose not to reveal it. No-one wants to break the kayfabe but in a general sense, we all know what’s really going on behind the curtain. (Kayfabe is defined as portrayal of events to be real e.g. wrestlers actually hating one another). At times, the fine line between kayfabe and realism in this post-modern era is blurred as WWE honours the ‘Make a Wish Foundation’ by connecting exceptionally poor-health fans with their favourite wrestlers.
Make a Wish Foundation is the largest wish granting organisation in the world and its partnership with the WWE remains unparalleled. Upon meeting - although a wrestler is ‘heel’, they will drop the theatrics to comfort and spend a day with terminally ill children in trying to make a special moment. Touching moments like these truly define the WWE and not just the violent label attached to them. Wrestlers such as John Cena, a popular role-model with catch phrases of “Hustle, Loyalty and Respect” holds the record for highest number of wishes, with over 500 wishes made for the foundation. This is more than double the likes of popstars, Justin Bieber and comedian Kevin Hart.
Many notable wrestlers on the roster fulfil wishes, and ultimately are a beacon of hope to these fatally ill children fighting a greater battle. More importantly, the wrestlers teach the children to be strong, to be confident and have the courage to be yourself. The WWE has a slogan of “don’t try this at home”, but realistically has greater aims of bringing together international communities through love for a common sport. It hones in on a message that bullying must be outcasted and is recognised as the bad guy that is showered with an encore of boos. This builds a notion that being a ‘good guy’ entails a person to act honourably rather than a brawn bully who eventually (nine times out of ten) loses.
Image Credits: dailymotion.com
0 Comment:
Be the first one to comment on this article.