Wrestling and Writing: Unlikely twins of storytelling

Professional wrestling and writing books may seem to be two completely different worlds at first glance. On the one hand, we have the dazzling world of sports entertainment with its spectacular fights, outlandish characters, and far-fetched storylines. It is more than just a spectacle of athleticism; it’s a narrative-driven experience that engages audiences. The physicality of the sport is undeniable—every slam, every hold, every high-flying move is designed to evoke a reaction from the fans. But beyond the flips, punches, and dramatic falls, wrestling is a masterclass in psychology and storytelling, much like any other form of entertainment.

On the other hand, we have the quiet and introspective world of literature, where authors put their thoughts and stories on paper. But a closer look reveals many similarities between these two seemingly disparate fields.

The art of storytelling

Professional wrestling is a complex performance that merges physicality, emotion, and storytelling. Hence, at its core, it is about creating a story that resonates with the audience. Whether it’s a tale of underdog triumph, betrayal between friends or family, bitter rivalries, or the fall from grace, sports entertainment uses the same narrative structures that authors employ in novels. The difference lies in the medium: where writers use words to paint pictures in the reader’s mind, wrestlers use their bodies and actions to tell their stories. The ring is their stage, and every move they make, every expression they show, is part of the larger arc. 

Wrestlers are performers in a physical play where the script is written with every match. The stories they tell in the ring are often simple on the surface—good guy versus bad guy, hero versus villain—but the layers of complexity are what make them compelling. Just like in writing, the best wrestling stories are those that explore deeper themes and emotions. It’s not just about who wins or loses, but why they fight, what they stand to gain or lose, and how their journeys evolve.

Both wrestling and book writing are all about drawing the audience into the story and taking them on a journey. To create such a compelling and engaging storyline requires planning. In the wrestling world, complex storylines are developed that weave the relationships between the characters and the conflicts between the athletes. These stories culminate in epic matches and dramatic moments. Similarly, writers construct stories in their books that are full of thrills, action, love, and twists.

Characters first

Sports entertainment, like writing, is an art form that combines skill, creativity, and psychology to create a memorable experience for its audience. The best stories are those that make the audience feel as though they’ve been part of something truly special. Whether in a wrestling match or a literary narrative, the characters are essential to capture the audience’s emotions and imagination.

The good guy, or “babyface”, is often an embodiment of virtues like honor, bravery, and resilience. The bad guy, or “heel”, represents the darker aspects of human nature—greed, betrayal, and ruthlessness. The clash between these opposing forces drives the story forward, just as in any other story. However, the line between good and evil in wrestling, much like in well-crafted literature, can be blurred. A heel may have a justified reason for their actions, or a babyface may be forced to confront their own darker impulses to overcome their adversary. This moral complexity adds depth to the characters and makes the audience care about the outcome—and eventually coming back.

Just as a writer outlines their story, wrestlers, and promoters map out long-term story arcs, character development, and major plot twists. These stories can span months or even years, with characters evolving and rivalries intensifying over time. The payoff for these long-term narratives, much like in a well-crafted novel, is the emotional investment of the audience. When a storyline reaches its climax—be it a final showdown, a shocking betrayal, or a triumphant victory—the impact is even more powerful because of the journey that led to it. Fans experienced that recently when Cody Rhodes finished his story and won the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania XL.

Dedication to craft and audience

Wrestling and writing require dedication to succeed. Professional wrestlers spend hours training to get their bodies in tip-top shape or hone their promotional skills. Similarly, authors invest hours in writing, revising, and perfecting their works.

Moreover, just as a writer must understand their audience, so too must a wrestler. The psychology of wrestling involves knowing how to elicit the right reactions from the crowd—how to make them cheer, boo, or gasp in shock. It’s about pacing the match in a way that builds tension and excitement, much like a writer paces a story to keep the reader engaged. The best sports entertainers, like the best authors, know how to craft a narrative that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, eager to see what happens next.

Interaction with the audience is of great importance in both fields and can influence the output of a wrestler or author. Neither could not exist without their audience. In wrestling, the success of a wrestler or a wrestling show depends on how the audience responds to it. The live audience and those watching on television screens play a crucial role. Likewise, authors rely on readers to read and discuss their books. Therefore, wrestlers and authors alike must be resilient because they expose themselves to criticism and the potential rejection of their craft.

The finishing move

Whether you call it professional wrestling or sports entertainment, I’m a lifelong fan. It’s not so much about the fighting, but the characters and their stories. My earliest vivid memory is watching WWE’s King of the Ring as a ten-year-old. I spent several days trying to convince my 75-year-old great-aunt—with whom I was staying for a few days—to let me watch the show. Eventually, she relented. I remember her bewildered expression when she glimpsed the show, yet she still let me watch. It’s one of my fondest memories of her, and perhaps even of my childhood.

Like my great-aunt despised wrestling at first glance, there are valid reasons not to enjoy it. Nevertheless, it irks me when people dismiss it as boring simply because the outcomes of the matches are staged. If wrestling were dull just because it’s scripted, then we’d have to dismiss most forms of entertainment. We love movies and TV shows for the stories they tell and the emotions they evoke, even though they are scripted as well. Moreover, producers script many so-called “reality shows” to create drama. So, why should sport entertainment be any different?

Wrestling and writing books offer a unique and rewarding way to tell stories and evoke emotions. Both require a deep understanding of character development, narrative structure, and audience engagement. Whether through the written word or physical performance, the goal is the same: to tell a story that resonates with people on an emotional level.