The Importance Of Kayfabe

Alisa Burdick looks at one of wrestling’s more controversial topics today: kayfabe. What lengths should we go to protect it?

I watched “The Dark Side of the Ring” episode titled “The Slap Heard Round the World.” I’m not going to divulge specifics in case people haven’t seen the episode. What I will mention is a topic in that program.

The mystique of Kayfabe.

I grew up in the ’80s. As a matter of fact, I was born in 1980. Wrestling was considered a sport and participants were esteemed. Highly. Wrestling greats like Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Nick Bockwinkle and Dusty Rhodes; to name a few, wrestled on our TV screens and auditoriums.

I was a six year old girl who loved Macho Man Randy Savage and Ultimate Warrior in 1986. They mystified me then. Their power and abilities transcended mere comic books or mortal men. I’m still a fan to this day. In the evolution of technology; came spoilers, dirt sheets, and other ‘secrets revealed’ type information to destroy the magic that is Kayfabe.

Now, I know–courtesy of the internet–spoilers happen. People say “Just don’t watch.” In the world we live in today, pre-taping events has to happen for safety. However, leakage of information on any level doesn’t.

Jesse Ventura, in an interview for Title Match Wrestling Network said:

“Don’t insult the wrestling fan. They’re the most loyal fans on the planet. It’s not even if they pay–they’re the most loyal fans on the planet.” 

Governor Ventura, I’m inclined to agree.