Summerslam 2013's Ring of Fire match between Bray Wyatt and Kane was an example of an Inferno Match where WWE considered the risks. Fire marshals with blankets, extinguishers and protective gear surrounded the ring, their blanket even used in a spot at the matche's end with Luke Harper and Erick Rowan. Back-track 15 years and you'll find the first Inferno Match between Undertaker and Kane, where absolutely none of these risks were catered for. Not only were 'Taker and Kane wrestling with the genuine risk of 1st degree burns, they even went as far as to sign off on a spot where 'Taker performed his fabled plancha over the top of the flames in an insane visual of time. The initial feud between Undertaker and Kane was one of the greatest feuds in WWE history. Perhaps it was only fitting that such an extreme match be the choice to settle the score. That doesn't atone for the fact, however, that both men risked their livelihoods in a bout that didn't need to go to such extremes. Therein ultimately lies the balance wrestling tries to find with gimmick matches: an impressive aesthetic, with an element of danger that doesn't actually risk the real life well-being of the workers. It's a balance they've got much better at since the end of the Attitude Era, proving that there's always a price to be paid for notoriety.
Betting on being a brilliant brother to Bodhi since 2008 (-1 Asian Handicap). Find me @LiamJJohnson on Twitter where you might find some wonderful pearls of wisdom in a stout cocktail of profanity, football discussion and general musings. Or you might not. Depends how red my eyes are.
