The war between fanatics and critics alike and the debate on the authenticity of the action we see has existed since the sport’s outset. It’s still going on and in contrast to what I was before, when I stood on the side that defended its realism, I’m very much aware now that it’s purely for entertainment, but still, it did not depreciate my passion for the sport…even for a tiny bit.
Way before, I argued with my classmates just to convince them that the punches, kicks, and slams performed by professional wrestlers are real. Being a die-hard fan, I did not listen to every criticism and denunciation they annoyed me with, but if I haven’t kept my patience, I would have shut them up with a clothesline or two, yes, they were so lucky. The good thing about it was that I did not stand alone; I have fellow supporters and with them, we outnumbered the detractors. The exchange was just plainly for spice because we really got along great, the antagonists even joined our role playing games, wherein we acted as our favorite wrestlers, battling in an over-the-top rope elimination ala Royal Rumble or a tag team match against a group with equal number of players. Of course, they will never be complete without an official - one acted as our referee. 
As I’ve grown older, my fond for the sport also grew, but one day it came to a dramatic twist. While watching a match on TV, I noticed that when Stone Cold Steve Austin picked up his opponent by the head, he uttered words right on his face then something significant happened after that, Austin got countered. “WTF!!! My grade school classmates can’t be telling the truthâ€. In the state of denial, I continued watching the bout and then the same thing happened again. “This can’t be! Oh my, Wrestling is really FAKE!â€. It became clear to me why most professional wrestlers stomp their feet while they hit their adversaries, this is to make their punches sound real and hard and also, why they have long hair, the reason may be is to conceal their mouth while giving instructions to their opponents on what they should do next. Steve Austin is ironically bald and as much as I like the Texas Rattlesnake, he was just obvious, too obvious.
If I have caught their secret on a 19-inch TV monitor, what about the audience on the stadium, the spectators right on ringside? Did they know about this long before I discovered that the sport is not real? Why are they cheering as if what they’re seeing is raw and unscripted?
It made me understand that there are more to professional wrestling than just punches, kicks, and slams. After the revelation, I should have turned my back on the sport that I loved since childhood but I didn’t, I even admired the efforts these athletes do in the squared circle. It’s easy to knock guys out, win titles, and rack-up money but to perform stunts and entertain people at the same time takes a lot more than power and stamina. What differs professional wrestlers from the rest are their dedication and love on what they do. They are always on the road, having shows on different states three times a week and they perform on a pay-per-view event every single month of the year. Yes, matches are scripted, moves are rehearsed, and outcomes are planned but imagine what these guys go through just to please everyone in the arena, not to mention the rigorous trainings and the hardships they endure of being away from their families.
It is entertainment and having to realize that might have changed my perception but it strengthened more the zeal I have on the sport. If ever I see my grade school classmates and they’ll be making negative remarks versus World Wrestling Entertainment again, I’ll heartily admit that I was wrong, well, after I nail them down with a Pedigree.
Good thing my other bet, 