Today, professional wrestling is a part of global pop culture. Wrestlers have become stars in movies, music, and even politics, and their catchphrases have become memes. How is it that a once niche entertainment now gathers millions of viewers around the world? Let’s get to the bottom of it!
From the ring to fame
Since the emergence of professional wrestling, its best representatives have become iconic figures. In the United States, Japan, and Mexico, wrestlers became folk heroes, and their images went far beyond the ring. Remember the legendary Mexican luchador El Santo? He was so popular that he starred in dozens of movies and was even honored with a statue in his hometown!
But the real breakthrough came in the 1980s, when wrestling merged with the world of music and television. Thus, the “Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Connection ” was born, a collaboration between WWE and MTV that featured musicians, actors, and wrestlers on the same screen. It was then that the world recognized stars like Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper, and Andre the Giant. This was the first step to wrestling becoming part of the mainstream.
Wrestling in movies and on TV
It would seem that only documentaries and sports shows are filmed about wrestling, but in fact it has long conquered Hollywood. For example, the movie Night and the City (1950) even then told about the dark side of the business. Later came the cult comedies Nacho Libre and Ready to Rumble, and in 2008 The Wrestler with Mickey Rourke and received an Oscar nomination.
TV series haven’t ignored the wrestling world either. South Park mocked its dramatic elements, and Kim Possible even dedicated an episode to one of the characters’ favorite sport. But perhaps the most high-profile success was GLOW, a show telling the story of women’s wrestling in the ’80s that earned an Emmy nomination.
Today, many wrestlers are becoming stars outside the ring. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, John Cena and Dave Batista have had successful careers in Hollywood, while Chris Jericho and “Macho Man” Randy Savage have tried their hand at music. Their names are known even to those who have never watched wrestling!
But it’s not just about the acting career. Wrestlers have been featured in ad campaigns, comic books, and video games. WWE has even released an album in which wrestlers rap and sing rock ballads!
Wrestling on the Internet
In the 21st century, wrestling’s popularity has reached a new level—it has now taken over YouTube. The WWE channel is one of the most popular in the world, and other promotions like AEW and Impact Wrestling have launched their own shows on the platform. Fans can now follow their favorite wrestlers anytime and anywhere.
Wrestling has become a part of global culture. Wrestlers are stepping outside the ring, starring in movies, and releasing music, and their iconic phrases are going viral. From the first shows in circuses to Hollywood and YouTube, wrestling has come a long way, and its influence is only growing. So even if you’re not a fan, rest assured, wrestling has been around for a while, just in a new form.