Cook's Corner 10.06.08: Wrestling with Stereotypes

Posted by Steve Cook on 10.06.2008

Wrestling fans have been called many things over the years. Is that fair? I'll decide that today because I'm the decider. Tally ho.

One of my favorite columns on this website is Five-Star Conversation. I may be a bit biased because the writer of the column happens to be a friend of mine and we share similar political viewpoints, but I think most people would agree that Geoff Eubanks is a very talented writer. After finishing the column I went on down to the comment section, and a question from a gentleman named Spaz Monkey (I hope that isn't his real name) made me think.

"Or are you just trying to be the IWC stereotype; unhappy with the product no matter what they do?"

Wrestling fans have long been subjected to ridicule from outsiders that don't watch wrestling and don't understand the appeal of it. That's all right with me…I've grown accustomed to such things. I thought it would be interesting to take a look at various stereotypes affixed to wrestling fans and see if they have any merit. There also seems to be a growing difference inside the wrestling fanbase between the "IWC" and folks who are anti-IWC and pro-whatever a wrestling promotion feeds them, but that might be another topic for another time. Today I wish to look at commonly believed "facts" about wrestling fans.

Stereotype 1: Wrestling fans are unhappy with the product no matter what they do.

Are wrestling fans often unhappy with what they see on wrestling shows? Of course! Even if you throw out the smart mark perspective there are still the marks out there that get pissed when that evil authority figure sticks it to their favorite wrestler. Wrestling isn't always supposed to make you happy. Unless you're a fan of every single wrestler on the show and are happy with their performance whether they win or lose, you're not going to like everything you see.

While writing wrestling columns for this site and the late TWTF.net, I've noticed that the most successful columns are the ones that have the strongest opinions. Usually the strongest opinions happen to be negative in their outlook because of human nature. Think about it…when the McDonald's cashier gives you a quarter pounder when you ordered a big mac, you complain about it, right? If they give you the big mac, you just take your food over to the table and eat it. You don't make a big fuss and graciously thank the cashier as loudly as you would complain about getting the wrong order. Wrestling fans are the same way, as are sports fans, as are American Idol fans.

The old saying is true…everybody's a critic.

Stereotype 2: Wrestling fans are stupid.

This one I don't buy into at all. Sure, there are plenty of wrestling fans that aren't all that intelligent, and many of them have an Internet connection to spread their stupidity across the planet. But there are plenty of college graduates (even some with masters degrees, as the penguin won't stop reminding me) that still watch the pro wrestling even though they know it is pre-determined. I think the fact that the vast majority of wrestling fans know that the sport isn't really a sport is something that non-wrestling fans can't wrap their heads around. Yeah, wrestling's scripted, but so is just about everything else on TV.

Stereotype 3: Wrestling fans are fat and/or unattractive.

Not 100% true. I've seen some attractive women at wrestling shows before…believe it or not, I've even seen a couple at the ROH shows in Dayton. I'm not sure if it's the same two that attend every show, it's tough to tell because months pass between each show. Unfortunately, they seem to be in the minority because the majority of wrestling fans I've seen and met are either overweight or just not very attractive. Most of them have been very nice and are fun to be around, but I'd be lying if I said they were physically attractive. However, it should be noted that I'm from Kentucky…a place isn't exactly overflowing with good looks. Most of the girls I'm attracted to that live in the area were originally born in other states. What can I say…I like them foreigners.

As for the fat thing, most of the wrestling fans I know are either fat or skinny, there's very little in-between. Unfortunately when I go to shows I'm usually stuck around other fat people. That means I have less room to get comfortable. I don't like it.

Stereotype 4: Wrestling fans live in their parents' basement.

Not all of them do. But it should be noted that I'm writing this column in my parents' basement and my best friend that watches wrestling actually does live in his parents' basement and rarely leaves the house. So there are definitely some wrestling fans that live up to the stereotype. I wonder what the percentage would be…maybe I should get Gallup to do a poll.

Stereotype 5: Wrestling fans can't get laid.

I know many exceptions to this rule. Some have more success with it than others, and I'll admit that I don't have a very good track record. I think my own lack of success has very little to do with my wrestling fandom and more to do with my lack of social skills. Wrestling isn't exactly a topic that you want to bring up on a date unless the girl shows up wearing a Jeff Hardy t-shirt, but it's no more embarrassing an interest than, say, fantasy football. Now there's a topic of conversation that guarantees an eye-roll or two.

So what have we learned today? Not all stereotypes are true, but some of them are at least based in reality. Wrestling fans are just like everybody else, except that they like to watch grown men wearing spandex beating the living hell out of each other. That's not such a weird thing, is it? Hopefully the day will come when wrestling fans can be treated just like everybody else and not be judged by what they like to watch on television. After all, it's not like we make fun of people for watching crappy sitcoms or lame dramas. Can't we all just get along?

Random Thoughts

Recently I've been watching a Best of Delirious DVD produced by Smart Mark Video. I have a feeling that the interview would have been a lot more entertaining if I was drunk. As it was, it was notable for him kissing up to all the indy promotions he had appeared in and burying Matt "Evan Bourne" Sydal & Jimmy Jacobs. He also refused to comment on Daizee Haze. I'm assuming the interview was done in character, but with pro wrestlers it's sometimes difficult to tell.

I also recently watched some August 2007 ROH that I picked up in a 10 dollar sale. After watching Death Before Dishonor Night 2, Caged Rage & Manhattan Mayhem 2, these five things I know are true:

-I miss goofy Chris Hero and his cockamamie flipping around. Sure, the Young Knockout Kid's pretty cool and it's much easier to take him seriously, but I miss the Hero that would hit an offensive move and then do a ridiculous celebration like he was the Cincinnati Bengals and actually managed to win a football game. I like my wrestling to contain humor and laughs, and goofy Hero & Sweet & Sour Inc. were always good for that.

-After watching Bryan Danielson vs. Mike Quackenbush, vs. Pac & vs. Morishima, I'm even more convinced that he's the best in the world. You can argue this, but you would be wrong.

-Anything involving Kevin Steen & El Generico vs. the Briscoes reeks of awesomeness.

-People like to hate on Claudio Castagnoli's promos, but I say that he has a pretty good command of English considering that it's his fifth language.

-I like everything about Sara Del Rey except her kicks. I dunno, they look effective and all but they're kinda slow and awkward sometimes.

The Wrestlemania special on My Network was pretty disappointing, and the fact that more people watched a crappy magic show that was on after it makes me question my belief in my fellow Americans.

I couldn't watch more than a minute of the Vice Presidential Debate due to Sarah Palin's voice. I know Manu Bumb agrees with me on this and he can't be the only one…that voice is reason enough to ship her back to Alaska post haste. It's like nails on a chalkboard.

Maybe one of you can help me with this…who is the girl in the new Bud Light commercial? I swear I've seen her somewhere before, but I can't remember where. It's probably something blatantly obvious.

This Just In: Cincinnati Bengals running back Chris Perry just got out of bed and reached for the remote control to his television. He promptly fumbled it.

On Saturday I played golf, did some bowling, shot some darts, played some cornhole and fell asleep before Kimbo Slice got knocked the fuck out. I'm wondering who was the worse for wear after Saturday…Mr. Slice or myself. Unless Kimbo spent the whole day drinking (possible), I think I've got him beat. Then again, who can't beat him? Ha ha ha ha ha! Ho ho ho ho ho. Hee hee hee hee hee.

Well, that's all for now. You may see me again on the website this week, but if you don't I'll be right back here next week. Peace!