10 Undeniable Wrestling Truths That Don't Make Any Sense
5. Any Move Is Superpowered Outside The Ring
Even in the PG Era, there is still some danger and excitement to be had when a bout breaches the confines of the squared circle. Outside brawling tends to by more risqué on pay-per-view, where PG can subtly slide up to 12A. Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens’ Royal Rumble 2021 Last Man Standing match was a recent example of how the backstage area can be reinterpreted as a battlefield.
Vicious backstage beatdowns were most prevalent during the ‘90s. We challenge anybody to look at a cold stretch of water the same way after watching Al Snow and Hardcore Holly fight in the Mississippi River (St. Valentine’s Day Massacre 1999). WCW were even inspired enough to release WCW Backstage Assault, a wrestling game that omitted a ring entirely.
Contemporary backstage attacks, while not as violent, cause the same physical devastation. A simple DDT is enough for medics to come running. A suplex on linoleum flooring will provoke accusations of sadism from the commentary team. Quite often the attack is limited to a clothesline and a few stomps, which leave the fallen party writhing in agony well into the ad break.