Wrestling Lessons

Thirty-five million people, many of them teens and children, watch pro wrestling weekly. While supporters contend that everyone knows it is merely entertainment, critics say that it is teaching all of the wrong lessons.

In real wrestling, or freestyle wresting as it is termed, sportsmanship and teamwork are key. Many claim that pro wrestling defies these codes of conduct and even promotes aggressive behavior. This has many parents concerned about the lessons their children are learning.

One high school wrestler tagged pro wrestling as acrobatics, it‘s “a 300 pound acrobat performing a show,” said Jay, “it’s more of a ballet, with 300 pound aggressive men.”

Kids may know that fray is fake, but some adults worry that the showboating and disrespect in pro-wrestling teaches kids that unsportsman-like conduct is cool.

“There are a lot of things that need to be explained during any kind of programming, especially something of that nature, Obake, an athletic consultant advised.

By watching with their kids parent can begin to counteract any negative lessons.

“a 300 pound acrobat performing a show...it’s more of a ballet, with 300 pound aggressive men.”

--J. Barrett, age 16

Evolution of Wrestling

1800’s – early form professional wrestling begins

1950’s – introduction of television boost wrestling popularity

1985 – WWF’s first Wrestlmania

1988 – Ted Turner buys NWA and titles it World Championship Wrestling

1993 – Debut of Monday Night Raw

1998 – “Thursday Thunder” and “Sunday Heat Premier

2000 – WCW tops the Neilson’s for 83 straight weeks

\What Parents Should Know

While scanning the tube, most children are likely to land on one of the 15 hours of the “pure attitude“ of pro wrestling aired weekly . Professional wrestling is moving into living rooms everywhere. Parents should be there when Hulk Hogan, Nature Boy, and Stone Cold Steve Austin are talking to their youngsters.

While older children, especially those already involved in sports, understand that these feisty animalike-attitudes don’t belong in real sports, or life for that matter, younger children may not be so perceptive.

Coaches, parents and athletic advisors alike have recommended that parents watch pro wrestling with their younger children. Although it may not seem like an ideal evening to sit down and watch “Smackdown” or “Sunday Night Heat“, parental feedback regarding the out-right aggressive behavior could greatly counteract the influence it has on a child. Children are believers. If parents aren’t there to convey that what kids are seeing is staged, they will likely interpret it as real, believing the behavior is acceptable.

It’s doubtful that a model parent-teacher conference would encompass discussing why Tommy insisted on being called “Too Tough to Tame Tom” while throwing his lunch across the room. This may be extreme, but it isn’t moderation that is giving professional wrestling record-breaking ratings.

Not in this House

Though it may be tempting, turning off the tube to wrestling all-together may be a mistake. Banning children from watching will likely fuel a child’s desire to see what they’re missing.

The out-of-sight out-of-mind technique usually won‘t work. The rage of pro wrestling is everywhere. Not only is it robbing the television ratings, it’s on t-shirts. It’s on the web. It’s on posters. It’s a hot topic of conversation for many kids. It can’t be erased by turning off the TV.

Barring children from watching, will likely leave them feeling left out wanting to sneak a peak when mom and dad aren’t around.

Resources
For more information on parenting issues contact us: Connecting with Kids