How Scripted is WWE?
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How much of WWE is actually scripted? We explore the answer to this question and more in our latest blog post.
What is WWE?
WWE is a professional wrestling promotion founded in 1952. It is the largest wrestling company in the world, and showcases many different styles of wrestling, including traditional matches, tag team matches, Royal Rumble, and Battle Royal. Many of WWE’s biggest stars are former wrestlers from other promotions, such as WCW or ECW.
What is the history of WWE?
WWE is a professional wrestling promotion headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. Founded by Jess McMahon and Toots Mondt in 1952 as Capitol Wrestling Corporation, WWE is the largest wrestling promotion in the world, holding over 500 events a year. McMahon’s grandson Vince McMahon is CEO of the company.
WWE’s flagship program is Monday Night Raw, where wrestlers like John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, and The Miz compete in matches with high production values and storylines that are often compared to soap operas. While the matches are usually predetermined, the athleticism and entertainment value of WWE has made it one of the most popular forms of sports entertainment in the world.
What are the different types of WWE matches?
There are several different types of matches in WWE, each with its own unique rules and stipulations. The most common match types are singles matches, tag team matches, triple threat matches, fatal four-way matches, battle royals, and handicap matches.
Singles matches are the most basic type of match in WWE, with only two superstars competing against each other. The first superstar to score a pinfall or submission wins the match. Tag team matches are similar to singles matches, but with two teams of two superstars each. The first team to score a pinfall or submission wins the match.
Triple threat matches are contested between three superstars, with the first superstar to score a pinfall or submission winning the match. Fatal four-way matches are similar to triple threat matches, but with four superstars instead of three. Battle royals are multi-person matches in which superstars are eliminated from the match by being thrown over the top rope. The last superstar remaining in the ring is the winner.
Handicap matches are contested between two or more superstars and one or more handicapped opponents. The handicapped opponents may be anyone from WWE staff members to local jobbers (wrestlers who lose consistently). The object of the match is for the handicapped opponents to score a pinfall or submission on one of the superstar opponents.
How are WWE matches scripted?
There are a variety of ways that WWE matches are scripted. The most common is for the match to have a basic outline, known as a “spot show.” This is where the wrestlers plan out a series of key points or “spots” that they want to hit during the match. The wrestlers then improvise the rest of the match around these key spots. Sometimes WWE matches are completely improvised, but this is less common.
Another way that WWE matches are scripted is through the use of promos. Promos are pre-taped segments that air on WWE programming, typically prior to a match. Promos help to build up storylines and generate interest in upcoming matches. They also give the wrestlers a chance to cut pre-taped promos, which can be helpful in generating heat or getting over with the crowd.
What are the benefits of scripting WWE matches?
While some people argue that scripting matches takes away from the true athleticism of pro wrestling, there are actually several benefits to doing so. For one, it allows for a more entertaining product. WrestleMania, for example, is one of the biggest sporting events of the year, and it would be difficult to achieve that level of success if the matches were not well-scripted.
Another benefit of scripting matches is that it protects the wrestlers from injury. Pro wrestling is a physically demanding sport, and wrestlers often put their bodies at risk when they step into the ring. By scripting matches, WWE can minimize the chances of someone getting hurt by making sure that wrestlers know what they need to do in order to stay safe.
Finally, scripting matches allows WWE to control the outcome of the competition. While some people may see this as a negative, it actually gives WWE a lot of power to influence who its fans cheer for and boo against. This can be beneficial from a business standpoint, as it allows WWE to create storylines and rivalries that will keep fans engaged week after week.
What are the drawbacks of scripting WWE matches?
While there are many advantages to scripting WWE matches, there are also some drawbacks. One of the biggest drawbacks is that it can take away from the excitement of the match. If the audience knows what is going to happen, it can be difficult to get caught up in the moment. Additionally, scripting can often make matches feel less realistic. This is because the wrestlers are not working with each other in the same way they would if they were not following a script. This can make it difficult for fans to suspend their disbelief and enjoy the match.
In conclusion…
In conclusion, WWE is definitely a scripted entertainment company. However, that doesn’t mean that everything that happens in the ring is planned out ahead of time. There is definitely room for improvisation and creativity, especially when it comes to the athletes’ in-ring performances.
While the outcomes of matches are usually determined ahead of time, the wrestlers are given a lot of freedom to determine how those matches will play out. This allows for some spontaneity and surprises, which keeps things interesting for both the wrestlers and the fans.