First, let me say that this blog is not going to debate whether KAYFABE in Professional Wrestling is dead or alive... opinions vary widely on the topic and that's up to you to decide. The author has his personal opinions on the matter and you can discuss yours in the COMMENTS section of this blog if you choose.
@IndyMania doesn't usually discuss WWE on Twitter, but it was recently brought to our attention that the T-shirts displayed in this blog are now available in WWE's online store. (The link will NOT be posted in this blog or on our Twitter account. You can find it for yourself, if you wish.) Even though the author of this blog admits KAYFABE started dieing on a global level LONG before Dolph Ziggler started wearing "#HEEL" trunks and hoodies on Monday Night Raw, the aforementioned T-shirts being sold by WWE feels like the straw that's broken the proverbial camel's back.
Today's questions / topic for discussion is this:
1.) IF YOU BELIEVE KAYFABE IS DEAD, CAN INDEPENDENT WRESTLING RESURRECT IT? Is there no turning back now? Is it too late?
2.) IF YOU, AS AN INDY WORKER, CHOOSE TO MAINTAIN YOUR OWN PERSONAL KAYFABE, HOW DO YOU DO THAT? Even if you believe Kayfabe, in the broad sense of the term, is dead, how do you maintain your own personal Kayfabe? Or do you even bother trying? How were you trained regarding Kayfabe and do you live up to those teachings to this day? Do you think it's a waste of time because you're of the opinion "The fans know it's fake anyway." Or, do you stick to your personal beliefs, and what you were taught when you were originally trained, and maintain your own personal Kayfabe no matter what? If so, how do you go about doing that? To what extent / lengths have you gone to maintain Kayfabe. Stories are welcomed.
3.) AS A FAN, WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE? Are you able to go to your local independent promotion and "suspend your disbelief" for 2 - 3 hours? Do the wrestlers / talent at the indy shows you attend attempt to maintain Kayfabe, or do you see the "good guys" and "bad guys" socializing after the show, after you just saw them beat the crap out of each other in the ring? If so, does this "insult your intelligence" or do you not care? Are you "just there for a good show"?
(I could go off on an entirely different tangent at this point about the term "smart mark" and so-called "smart fans", but I'll refrain from that at this time.)
4.)
a.) HOW DID YOU, AS AN INDEPENDENT WRESTLER / TALENT FEEL WHEN YOU SAW THE NEW WWE T-SHIRTS?
b.) HOW DID YOU, AS A FAN, FEEL WHEN YOU SAW THE NEW WWE T-SHIRTS? WILL YOU BE BUYING THEM?
I stated at the beginning of this blog that I would not be debating whether Kayfabe is dead or not. But, unfortunately, I couldn't figure out how to write a blog like this without having the undertone of what I'm writing reveal how I feel. If you "read between the lines", I think you can determine how I feel about the subject. But, that being said, WE, AT @IndyMania, WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: PEOPLE IN THE BUSINESS as well as FANS. PLEASE LEAVE YOUR OPINIONS, FEELINGS, FRUSTRATIONS (if any), and PERSONAL EXPERIENCES / STORIES.
Finally, before someone mentions it, yes, I realize writing a blog such as this could be considered breaking Kayfabe. I don't like it any more than you do. (There's that undertone again. LOL)
Regardless, Kayfabe or not, we will continue to SUPPORT INDEPENDENT WRESTLING, and we hope you will too.
Sincerely,
@IndyMania - #SupportIndyWrestling
In my opinion thats one of the main reasons the buisness is in the state its in, lack of kayfabe. when i was trained kayfabe was taught and taking very seriously. I keep the mindset that what i'm doing is real and is no different than an mma fight. your shit can't look weak. you don't want a mark in the crowd saying "he didn't even touch him." you want that mark in the crowd to say "holy shit he just knocked the hell out of that dude!" even if that person is "smart" or thinks they are you want them to say that guy don't play he's the real deal. i'm not saying hurt your oponent, i'm saying if you know what your doing you can look like your killing a dude. to many pussies too complaining about "your to stiff" if it looks good and your not knocking someones teeth out do it. it's wrestling! if you didn't think it was gona hurt your in the wrong profession. Workers that go out and sit in the crowd and are seen with the dude they just had a grudge match with should get the fuck out of the buisness! i could prolly go on and on but i'm gonna stop here say yes kaybe may be on it's death bed but any pro should treat it like it's your religion. i am guilty of breaking kayfabe a little online, i try not to, but at a show never. hell just by writing this post i'm breaking kayfabe, but at least i know this will probably be read by mostly workers and "smart" fans. wow been a min since i've voiced a wrestling related opinion online, felt pretty good. sorry for all my grammar and spelling mistakes i'm sure theres plenty :)
ReplyDelete@Juduz5 It bothers me to see people who just busted there ass, blood sweat and tears to put the show on and then moments later go out back to smoke and kik it for all to see. I understand it's a show, but if we as workers don't believe in the story we are telling why should we expect the people too? I know several workers do not even know what kayfabe is, which makes me question the fate and future of Indy wrestling. Back in territory times more than half these guys wouldn't have made it, if you were s heel you couldn't pull into the lot riding with a baby, now after shows you can see on Facebook everyone is checked in to local pizza place. Irritates me that if kayfabe isn't dead, it is on life support and no one as much raises an eyebrow. That is all, Juduz had spoken.
ReplyDelete@klaun6 im a fan. im always going to be a fan. i love wrestling. i love wrestlers. i always knew it was a work, never cared. i also know that you cant beam people to planets from spaceships but i love Star Trek. i also know that Pam Andersons body is NOT that perfect but i love Playboy. That being said... if you are in the wrestling perfession, get in the spirit of the industry itselff... and get in charicter!! its for the kids man.... the kids. i have no problem suspending disbelief for any period of time. i have no problem booing Kurt Angle for a heel move even though hes one of my alltime faves. i have no problem cheering for Santino Marella even though im not that into him. at shows i enjoy being part of the pop. ive seen behind the curtain. i dont care. on with the show. But make sure the kids dont see untill they are ready to appreciate what u do for what it is. ALL WRESTLERS AND SPORTS ENTERTAINERS: i love you. even the ones who "suck"
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