Truth, Lies and Weakness
Recently there was a debate on a popular wrestling fan site concerning wrestling as theatre, and in my diverse line of work it’s a debate I was fascinated by. Beyond the Mat’s Barry Blausten commented in his poplar documentary on the colorful and theatrical world of wrestling, and even legendary George Hackenschmitd claimed that without theatrics, wrestling wouldn’t work. Even in his era.
Wrestling is no different from theater in many regards. The audience will decide who they like and dislike based on the attitudes of the wrestlers, such as the battle between Eric Canyon and Scott Renwick in recent times. SWA fans have attached themselves to Renwick as an underdog under fire, constantly rising above challenges made by Eric Canyon and showing the heart of a champion, while Canyon has fallen into the role of the villain with his hellbent vendetta driving him towards control of the company.
Moaning.