Is It Ethically Impossible To Watch Pro Wrestling?

Wrestling and wrestlers are inherently disconnected from reality - just consider the exceptionalism that has driven the mainstream US industry to proceed through global lockdown with not one date missed - and this curious space, afforded by an apathetic wider society and starstruck fanbase, abetted too many of them. Professional wrestling requires comprehensive and urgent reform, but we as fans need to do better, and we need to maintain this energy. Can we?

WWE's North American viewership has diminished since the company first partnered with the Saudi Arabian Kingdom. Viewership has receded further in the wake of the ongoing health crisis; the spectacle has disappeared from wrestling, but perhaps those fans have inferred the further erosion of its soul, too. This isn't too ambitious.

While PROGRESS has announced tentatively positive structural changes by revamping its management team and recruiting a woman and survivor to it in Vicky Haskins, industry leaders need to lead: WWE and AEW specifically. It's no longer enough to recognise the ills of wrestling's past by smugly disinviting carnies on social media, or doing more jobs than Hulk Hogan ever fancied doing, or doing a more dynamic, more fan-friendly version of WWE sports entertainment.

It's time to stare down the true image of its revolting face.

I will leave you by linking a tweet that about covers the tragic cost of the #SpeakingOut movement and the bravery of those behind it, encouraging you to read about the prevalence of sexual abuse elsewhere in society, and linking to a list of sexual abuse charities with a strong reputation in the United Kingdom.