Storytelling in Wrestling

Extracted Attributes

• Goal

  Maximize audience connection, drive attendance to live events

• Key Elements

  Gimmicks (personas, attire, ring names, entrance music), feuds, matches

• Modern Trend

  Long-term storytelling and continuity

• Core Practice

  Kayfabe (maintaining character outside performance)

• Creative Analogy

  Marvel's long-term planning for flagship events (e.g., WrestleMania)

• Creative Process

  Collaborative effort within promotions (e.g., WWE)

• Primary Function

  Advancing narratives and entertainment in professional wrestling

• Genre Exploration

  Incorporation of comedy, drama, horror, science fiction elements

• Evolutionary Origin

  Shift from competitive catch wrestling (late 19th century) to staged entertainment

• Character Archetypes

  Faces (heroes), Heels (villains), Tweeners (morally ambiguous)

• Impact of Technology

  Internet and social media blurring persona and reality

• Business Strategy (WWE)

  Emphasis over pure competition (e.g., UFC)

Timeline

• Professional wrestling began to shift from competitive catch wrestling to staged matches to exhibit more excitement and draw larger audiences. (Source: wikipedia)

  late 19th century

• Professional wrestling became increasingly known as scripted, leading to a shift in appeal from its competitive element to entertainment value, incorporating drama, gimmickry, and outlandish stunts. (Source: wikipedia)

  20th century

• A creative shift in WWE saw the rise of the Antihero Persona and the modern Heel archetype, departing from classic Baby Face archetypes. (Source: related_documents)

  Attitude Era

• The rise of reality television and social media significantly impacted wrestling storytelling, blurring the lines between fiction and reality and allowing for new ways to engage audiences. (Source: web_search_results)

  recent years

• Wrestling promotions began exploring a wider range of genres and styles in their storytelling, incorporating elements such as comedy, drama, horror, and science fiction. (Source: web_search_results)

  recent years

Professional wrestling

Professional wrestling, often referred to as pro wrestling, or simply, wrestling, is a form of athletic theater centered around mock combat with the premise that its performers are competitive fighters. Professional wrestling gradually developed from competitive catch wrestling in the late 19th century, when wrestlers and promoters began staging fake matches to exhibit more excitement and draw larger audiences. Over the course of the 20th century, it was increasingly known that professional wrestling was scripted, but the appeal for fans shifted from its competitive element to the entertainment value; wrestlers subsequently responded by incorporating drama, gimmickry, and outlandish stunts into their performances, while maintaining the pretense of engaging in a competitive sport. Eventually, the term "professional wrestling" was legally defined as a non-sport by various government regulators because legitimate wrestling was effectively confined to amateur enthusiasts. Professional wrestlers perform as characters and usually maintain what is known in the industry as a gimmick—the persona, style, and traits conveyed by their distinctive attires, ring names, entrance music, and other distinguishable attributes and characteristics. Matches are the primary vehicle for advancing storylines, which typically center on feuds between heroic "faces" (also called babyfaces) and villainous "heels", although more modern wrestling has increasingly featured morally ambiguous "tweeners". A wrestling ring, akin to a boxing ring, serves as the main stage; additional scenes may be recorded for television in backstage areas of the venue, in a format similar to reality television. Performers generally integrate authentic wrestling techniques and fighting styles with choreography, stunts, improvisation, and dramatic conventions designed to maximize audience engagement. Unlike in other forms of entertainment, wrestlers usually remain in character even when they are not performing; this dedication to presenting scripted events as authentic is known as kayfabe. Professional wrestling is performed around the world through various promotions, which are roughly analogous to production companies or sports leagues. Promotions vary considerably in size, scope, and creative approach, ranging from local shows on the independent circuit to internationally broadcast events at major arenas. The largest and most influential promotions are in the United States, Mexico, Japan, and Europe (particularly the United Kingdom, France, and Germany/Austria), which have each developed distinct styles, traditions, and subgenres within professional wrestling. Many professional wrestlers also perform as freelancers and make appearances for different promotions. Professional wrestling has developed its own culture and community, including a unique glossary of terms. It has achieved mainstream success and influence within popular culture; many wrestling phrases, tropes, and concepts are now referenced in everyday language and in film, television, music, and video games. Numerous professional wrestlers have become national or international sports icons with recognition by the wider public, with some finding further fame and success through other endeavours such as acting and music.

Web Search Results

• Evolution of Storytelling in Wrestling: Analyzing the Shift from ...

  Another notable trend in wrestling storytelling is the emphasis on long-term storytelling and continuity. In the past, wrestling storylines were often episodic and self-contained, with little continuity between individual matches or events. However, modern wrestling promotions have embraced the concept of long-term storytelling, with storylines unfolding over weeks, months, or even years, creating a sense of continuity and coherence that keeps fans engaged and invested in the action. [...] In recent years, the rise of reality television and social media has significantly impacted wrestling storytelling. Wrestlers are now expected to maintain a constant presence on social media platforms, interacting with fans and sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses into their lives. This increased connectivity has blurred the lines between fiction and reality, allowing wrestlers to further develop their characters and engage with audiences in new and exciting ways. [...] In recent years, wrestling promotions have begun to explore a wider range of genres and styles in their storytelling, catering to diverse audiences with different tastes and preferences. While traditional wrestling matches remain a staple of the industry, promotions have also experimented with incorporating elements of other genres, such as comedy, drama, horror, and even science fiction, into their storylines.

• Storytelling in Professional Wrestling | by The Spine - Medium

  This is probably what most people consider storytelling in wrestling as it is the most prominent, most profitable, and is what is primarily taught in wrestling schools. This is the type of storytelling you’ll see in WWE and other major promotions that have regular TV time such as AEW and TNA. To me, this type of storytelling is characterized as slow builds to tune into the next show. The match itself is irrelevant to the story, the match serves as a means to an end. I’ve been told multiple [...] Coming off the heels of Elimination Chamber and Revolution along with a bunch of very impactful shows from TNA, Stardom, etc, I’ve been thinking a lot about the storytelling aspect of pro wrestling. Of course, wrestling is entirely just a story much like most other forms of media. I think what sets pro wrestling apart is the avenues for said storytelling, and that’s where I think there’s a disconnect with audiences on what dictates “Long-Term Storytelling” and other buzzwords connected to this [...] wrestling will facilitate longevity. The real style of storytelling taught to most, if not every indie wrestler, is to wrestle as if the audience has never seen you before. Because, most of the time, they haven’t. This is how indie wrestling became a catch all for doing a lot of high spots, because to an extent this is how it operates. You may have seen that high spot from x wrestler a ton online, but in the actual venue… maybe 2 or 3 people have seen that done, and those are the people who

• Wrestling and Writing: Unlikely twins of storytelling - SK Alexander

  The difference lies in the medium: where writers use words to paint pictures in the reader’s mind, wrestlers use their bodies to tell their stories. The ring is their stage, and every move they make, every expression they show, is part of the larger arc. Just like in writing, the best wrestling stories are those that explore deeper themes and emotions. It’s not just about who wins or loses, but why they fight, what they stand to gain or lose, and how their journeys evolve. [...] AEW Revolution delivered another solid PPV, with entertaining matches, but it lacked surprises. The show also highlighted many of the company’s current issues. ### The art of storytelling In both wrestling and writing, the key is to captivate the audience and take them on a journey. Wrestling storylines are all about the relationships and rivalries between the athletes. Their stories culminate in epic matches and dramatic moments. [...] Home The Omniverse For Authorpreneurs Books About 27.08.2024 • #Contemplations #Characters #Storytelling # Wrestling and Writing: Unlikely twins of storytelling ## Professional wrestling combines storytelling, complex characters, athletics, and unexpected twists to captivate the audience. Writing, much like sports entertainment, is all about crafting memorable moments for the reader.

• 5 Lessons I learned about Storytelling from Professional Wrestling

  Jeff Jarrett is a WWE Hall of Famer and a veteran wrestler. He has been quoted as saying “if you confuse them, you lose them.”” He’s right, and it’s true in any kind of storytelling. It’s great to use structure and elements, and maybe a “Hero’s Journey.” But, if you stray too far from archetypes, you risk losing the audience. Don’t confuse your audience! [...] The face is the protagonist and most fans identify with that wrestler. He or she has to overcome his or her adversary to win. It’s pretty simple, really. It is a lesson in overcoming adversity. Each match has sequences and moves. The performers tell a story as they go back and forth before one wins. [...] Wrestling is an opera. We see the protagonist in the story overcome many obstacles. Each match and storyline is a chance to see the “moment of highest tension.” This is what a storyteller would call a climax. ## Lesson Four: The Comeback Story.

• What does it mean to tell a “story” in a wrestling match? - Reddit

  A 'story' being told within a match can be subjective but basically, it means that the match has a flow and pace that tells you something about