|
> >But with the sci-fi shit, there's an element of intellect to >it. With the comics, there's an element of literature to it >(even the low brow superhero stuff which you seem to be >referencing here as comparison)... with wrestling, I like many >others just have trouble seeing the 'art' or redeeming value >of it.
my only frame of reference in regards to comic books is the superhero stuff. and i really only have passing knowledge of that. But I am aware of graphic novels and mangas. But still, i am at fault for comparing wrestling to these things because they really are two different types of entertainment.
> >I get that its elements of 'sport' and 'drama', but I still >see it as less than the sum of its parts. And I get that it >has a rich tradition to it, but not all traditions are >necessarily good and not all things build on their traditions >in a positive way. And I also get that many smart and talented >people watch pro wrestling. Many smart and talented people >also eat at Burger King, it doesn't change the nutritional >value of the product.
well, i see the analogy, but food is enjoyed the same way by everyone, whereas wrestling is consumed differently by different types of fans.
>I mean, you do bring up some interesting points I suppose, but >in the end all that means is I'm more interested in reading >about wrestling than actually watching it. Wrestling is the >least interesting aspect of this entire post to me. >
likewise if someone were to feel compelled to post about the acceptance of manga, i would be more interested in reading about manga than actually reading manga. If its not your thing, its not your thing. I dont necessarily believe you can argue someone into becoming a fan of something. You'll probably never start watching wrestling, and I can almost guarantee that I'll never read any comic books aside from an occasional Batman.
> >So who are the Alan Moore's and Art Spiegelman's of >Professional Wrestling? Where's the *good* stuff that nobody >here seems to know about? >
Im not familiar with Moore or Spiegelman, but Im assuming that they make alternative, artistic comics? either way, wrestling has to be judged differently than other artforms. Without going into too much history, I'll try to answer the question. You know wrestling is made up of different promotions. Of course, WWE is the biggest promotion, and a very distant second would be TNA, and third would be Ring Of Honor. There are hundreds of small regional promotions, some international promotions (Japan, Mexico). Each of these promotions have their own style of wrestling that is prominent, and within each promotion you have individual wrestlers who practice their own style of wrestling. WWE is a publicly traded company, so their main concern is attracting the most viewers and the highest PPV buy rate, therefore their style is aimed at attracting the widest audience. As such, it is generally considered to be the most base of wrestling promotions. But even within WWE, you have certain performers, certain types of matches, certain gimmicks and storylines that excel in spite of the company from which they were created.
TNA uses an 8 sided ring. I dont too much fuck with TNA enough to speak on it, but it tends to be much more athletic and quick than WWE, the wrestlers are smaller for the most part, and the matches showcase some pretty amazing maneuvers. However, overall, their product isnt polished as much as WWE's, and in my opinion, is kinda boring. Ring of Honor has a RABID fan base, and the shows can only be ordered on ppv or on dvd. Most of the storytelling is done in ring, through incredible athleticism. Right now, amongst smart fans, ROH seems to be the most respected. But most every wrestling fan, no matter how much they complain, will watch RAW every week. Its like, I might fashion myself a Doom fan, but since I am a hip hop fan first, I will check the new 50 Cent when it comes out.
Also, there are certain performers who will always make a bad match good, or a good match great. Shawn Michaels, Kurt Angle, Randy Savage (back in the day), Bret Hart, Ric Flair, etc. But the problem is that most of the guys who can work very well are trying to get to the WWE, if they are not already there. WWE is like MTV.
i could go on and on. so im just gonna stop with that.
> >Well, some things have more value than others. >
that statement is obviously true, if we were talking about life and death things. but in regards to this type of stuff, i disagree. wrestling, comics, basketball, football.... ultimately its all entertainment. of course there are varying degrees of skill, but it more or less comes down to how entertaining it is.
\
************************************** dominus vobiscum
http://dnlbcknr.tumblr.com http://www.instagram.com/dnlbcknr
|