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For part 2, we’ll delve into a time when kayfabe pseudo-ended. No news to any of us, but for those who are new to this product, wrestling is predetermined. The winner is typically determined ahead of time (note, I say typically, because we all know of times when it was found out at the very end of the match). And though the physicality is very real, the opponents try not to injure each other. But this wasn’t always the case.
But, isn’t it real?
For years, the reality of wrestling and the preservation of kayfabe was maintained meticulously, and sometimes, to a fault. The most famous example of this came in 1984. In a report by Independent Journalism, John Stossel, investigative reported for 20/20, in an interview with “Dr. D” David Schultz offers up an opinion to get Dr. D’s reaction. Stossel states, doesn’t asks, but states, “I think this is fake.” After that, Dr. D hits him with two open-hand slaps, asking him, “you think this is fake?” Kayfabe and pride maintenance aside, Stossel sued WWF for $425,000.
Later, Stossel is fired and Schultz is suspended. Not by Vince McMahon though, by the New York Athletic Commission. At this time, the Athletic Commission of every state would be at every wrestling event the same as any other sporting event. The Commission would grant licenses to the wrestlers, refs, and timekeepers as well as collect a tax on all wrestling events. Ever the businessman, Vince McMahon decided that the taxes and licenses were over.
“Sports entertainment” is born
On February 10, 1989, Vince McMahon stated that professional wrestling should be defined as, “an activity in which participants struggle hand-in-hand primarily for the purpose of providing entertainment to spectators rather than conducting a bona fide athletic contest.” In front of the New Jersey Senate in a proposed bill to remove professional wrestling from the regulations of athletic commissions, Vince McMahon confirmed what many already suspected. Hence, sports entertainment was born.
Though many saw this as the end of professional wrestling, there were some benefits that came from wrestling being deregulated. With wrestling no longer under the watch of the state commissions, wrestling events no longer had to have the wrestlers cleared to participate or have an ambulance stationed at every event in case of injury. One of the largest benefits that came was the rise of independent promotions.
Looking forward
Without the taxes enforced and no longer having to pay for licenses, many promoters could not afford to put on wrestling shows. Out of this, Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) was one that would go on to revolutionize the wrestling landscape.
A look back now leads us to look forward. In part 3, we’ll see what these events have led to in professional wrestling today.
So, even the State Commissions were fooled? I mean, that’s how “believable” it was back then? Wow.