Most people argue that World Wrestling Entertainment is not a sport, dismissing it as nothing more than entertainment rather than a display of true athletic competition. While the matches are scripted and rehearsed, they are still physically demanding on the wrestlers beyond what most realize. These athletes go through rigorous training and maintain a strict balance in their lives to keep themselves in peak physical condition.
One of the biggest controversial topics regarding WWE is that the outcomes of each match are predetermined, unlike sports such as football or soccer, where the results are based on performance in the moment. However, despite the scripted nature of these events, it remains physically challenging as these wrestlers take hits, strain their bodies and even suffer severe injuries during matches.
A prime example of this is JD McDonagh, who suffered a brutal injury during a recent match. He sustained multiple broken ribs and a punctured lung, demonstrating that, even though the matches are scripted, the risks are very real. Injuries like these are also not uncommon, and some have even ended careers for wrestlers. One of the most devastating injuries in WWE history happened to a wrestler known as Droz, who was paralyzed in the late 1990s. After being powerbombed incorrectly by D’Lo Brown, Droz suffered a broken neck. The horrific accident serves as a stark reminder of wrestling’s unforgiving nature.
Beyond the risks of injury in WWE, these wrestlers also dedicate a significant part of their lives to perfecting their craft. Much like athletes in all other sports, wrestling stars train intensively nearly every day of the week to maintain their agility, stamina and strength. This is crucial for wrestlers to ensure their ability to perform high-impact movements and withstand the hits they take during matches. The ability to complete maneuvers, such as power slams and submission holds, requires athleticism comparable to that of gymnasts and professional fighters.
Additionally, wrestling is undoubtedly designed for the audience’s entertainment, sharing a fundamental similarity to other sports. Traditional sports, such as basketball and football, rely heavily on the ability to attract the audience. Taking this into account, wrestling is no different. It simply combines storytelling with athleticism to offer a unique hybrid of sports and entertainment that does not fall into traditional standards.
Understanding the physical challenges that wrestlers face, the demanding standards of training and the undeniable risks they take, it is reasonable to argue that WWE should absolutely be considered a sport. Although it may not fit the conventional box that most sports fit into, the level of discipline, athleticism and danger involved solidifies its place among other sports.
