WRESTLING GOING MAINSTREAM?

Wrestling going mainstream?

 

ban75  / pixabay

One of the joys of professional wrestling is that it remains its own, unique subculture.  But, wrestling has always had its mainstream moments with rappers dropping Ric Flair in every other song and now President Donald Trump once taking part in wrestling festivities.

So, in this article we will look at the times in which wrestling culture has crossed over into the mainstream, and how it affects American culture.

As mentioned above, Ric Flair is still on the tips of many artists’ tongues. In fact, the constant mention of the wrestler has extended so far that he appears in a 21 Savage and Offset music video.

In the video, Ric Flair shows off his typical opulence with the rappers as he is bathed in gold chains and expensive clothing.  Flair’s flamboyance in his prime appealed to many soon-to-be rap stars, and several even appeared on his 30 for 30 documentary to commemorate Nature Boy’s career.

Wrestling is also transitioning from affecting mainstream culture to becoming part of the mainstream, accepted American culture.  WWE is getting more coverage on major sports networks such as ESPN, as the established media companies are looking to capitalize on the popularity of the sport.

ESPN even has a whole section on their website devoted to WWE.  Fox signed a large deal recently to show WWE content on their network after long negotiations with multiple television networks.

Of course, the most visible effect of professional wrestling on American culture is former wrestling stars becoming household names after retiring from wrestling.  From John Cena to Hulk Hogan to Dwayne The Rock Johnson, former wrestlers are pervasive in the mainstream.

Brief rumors of The Rock running for president were at one time swirling, and the movie star perhaps could capitalize on his overwhelming popularity.  It, of course, wouldn’t be the first time a former wrestling appearance parlayed itself into sitting in the Oval Office.

Former wrestling stars are able to use the skills they learned in the wrestling world to become enormous celebrities.  Professional wrestling serves as a type of entertainment breeding ground where stars are born and bred.

Unfortunately, it is quite difficult for wrestlers to become mainstream stars while staying in the world of wrestling.  However, as mentioned above, wrestling niche aspect is part of what keeps it so entertaining and interesting to viewers.  Wrestling fans are able to experience a unique atmosphere as the negative points of mainstream sports stay out of wrestling.

Wrestling video games such as WWE 2K19 also add to the profile of professional wrestling.  Perhaps WWE 2K19 cannot compete with the sales of Madden and FIFA, but the popularity of the game potentially draws in a new generation of fans.

FIFA has drawn in thousands of fans to soccer, and an addictive and fun video game has the potential to add a large number of WWE fans.  It also offers wrestlers with an opportunity to grow their profile and add new fans themselves after players wrestle with the virtual stars.

Sports betting also has the potential to enter the wrestling world. More sites are offering wrestling fans the opportunity to bet on their favorite wrestlers.

The profile of sports gambling is on the rise after the Supreme Court allowed states the chance to legalize sports betting.  Multiple states have sports gambling legalization laws in the works, and wrestling fans will see an increased push to drive them into sports betting.

All in all, wrestling has a huge influence on American culture, but it still has to keep the unique characteristics that draw fans into the family atmosphere.  So far, the WWE has found some balance between the two.

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