4 Reasons I Love Professional Wrestling

Whether you call it professional wrestling or sports entertainment, I’ve been a fan for as long as I can remember. One of my favorite childhood memories is watching WWE’s King of the Ring in 1995. It took days of pleading to convince my 75-year-old great-aunt to let me watch it. I was over the moon when she finally agreed and let me stay up late to catch the show.

Initially, she let me watch alone, but then came into the living room to check what I was watching. The moment she caught a glimpse of the action, she looked completely baffled. Still, she just shook her head and let me enjoy it. It’s one of my fondest memories of her.

Now, just like my great-aunt, plenty of people don’t like professional wrestling. To be fair, there are legitimate criticisms: the violence, some questionable storylines, a history of substance abuse, and the way talent has often been exploited. But what really bugs me is when people dismiss wrestling just because it’s scripted.

If scripted entertainment were inherently bad, then people wouldn’t watch any movies or television shows. Producers carefully edit (or outright script) even most “reality shows” for drama. So why should wrestling be any different?

Anyway, here are four reasons I like professional wrestling:

The storytelling

Professional wrestling is so much more than flashy moves and brute strength. Just like any great piece of entertainment, wrestling relies on characters, conflict, and emotional stakes. The physicality of the sport is undeniable, but every slam, hold, and high-flying leap is designed to get a reaction from the crowd.

Sports entertainment is a masterclass in storytelling. The larger-than-life personas, the rivalries, the long-running arcs are meant to pull you in. Whether it’s over-the-top or surprisingly heartfelt, the drama keeps the fans hooked. And when it’s done well, it creates a strong emotional bond between the fans and the wrestlers.

We cheer when our favorites triumph; we boo the villains, and sometimes we even tear up when a beloved star retires or delivers a powerful promo. The real magic lies in the buildup that makes the big ones unforgettable.

A perfect example? Cody Rhodes finally finished his story and won the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania XL in 2024. That moment hit hard, not just because of the win, but because of the personal story that led up to it.

The variety of characters

One of the things I love most about professional wrestling is the sheer variety of characters. From heroic babyfaces who fight for what's right to ruthless heels who’ll do anything to win, the world of wrestling is packed with bold, unforgettable personalities.

Each wrestler brings something unique to the table, whether it’s their backstory, motivation, or skill set that shapes how they perform. Some are loud and flashy, others are quiet and intense. Some play it for laughs, while others deliver raw, emotional drama.

In many ways, wrestlers are actors in a live-action, physical play—one where the story is told through every move, every match. The basic formula might be hero vs. villain, but the real magic lies in the layers: the personal grudges, the comebacks, the unexpected turns. That depth is what keeps fans coming back for more.

The action

As someone who loves action movies, it’s no surprise I enjoy the physical side of wrestling too. Watching these athletes go head-to-head in the ring is thrilling. Their performances demand serious fitness, coordination, strength, and stamina.

From high-flying leaps over the ropes to powerful slams and throws, the acrobatic skills on display are often jaw-dropping. Some moves are straight-up spectacular and leave you wondering how they pulled it off. Others, however, can be reckless and downright dangerous.

Still, there’s no denying the sheer physicality and risk involved. Wrestling might be scripted, but the bumps and bruises are real. And when it’s done well, the athleticism is just as captivating as the storytelling.

The community and fandom

Wrestling has one of the most passionate and diverse fan communities out there. Whether it’s cheering together at live events, debating storylines online, or creating fan art, wrestling brings people together.

Just like discussing books or movies with fans, there’s something special about connecting with others who share the same excitement. Discussing match results, speculating on future rivalries, or just geeking out over your favorite wrestler adds to the fun.

Finishing move

Professional wrestling is more than just scripted fights and flashy costumes. At its core, it’s storytelling in motion. From underdog heroes and villainous heels to wild betrayals and emotional farewells, the ring is a stage where characters grow, stories unfold, and fans feel every win and loss.

In many ways, professional wrestling mirrors writing a book: compelling characters, rising tension, satisfying payoffs. It’s action, drama, and heart—all rolled into one.