10 Compelling Pieces Of Evidence That Prove Wrestling Is Worse Than It's Ever Been

Professional wrestling has always been the outcast of television. Other "legitimate" sports only acknowledge its existence when forced to by public pressure or because of a surge in popularity. It was a reflection of the popularity of wrestling to the casual television viewer, someone who wasn't a hardcore wrestling fan.

In the 1980s, Hulk Hogan was everywhere. He appeared on the Tonight Show, Regis and Kathy Lee, Arsenio Hall, appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, and hosted Saturday Night Live alongside WrestleMania tag partner Mr. T.

In the 1990s, it was The Rock and Steve Austin who made the rounds on the talk show circuit. They appeared on various late night talk shows, hosted Saturday Night Live, starred in some movies, and were interviewed by Howard Stern. You saw Austin 3:16 signs at NFL games, heard other celebrities ripping off the Rock's catchphrases, and saw merchandise everywhere.

In present day, is there anyone who has been accepted by mainstream culture? Ask a random person on the street to name a professional wrestler and I guarantee they say either Hogan, Flair, Austin, or Rock. You might get a few who say John Cena but doesn't even come close to the level of fame of his predecessors.

A way to test wrestling's popularity is to answer this question: Is it cool to wear a wrestling t-shirt? In the 1990s, it was.

Today? Absolutely not.