2008 Woodie Awards
Pete's Corner: The true show that's live and uncut
Peter Fournier
Issue date: 3/19/08 Section: Sports
During the almost four-month writers strike of 2007-08 winter season, I may have been one of the few people who didn't miss one of their favorite television programs because the action is almost non-stop.
On the eve of World Wrestling Entertainment's super bowl, Wrestlemania 24, I'm arguing that wrestling is one of the better shows out on television for several reasons.
Events/shows that most people consider comical ran every week other than the Christmas holiday during the strike, and is constantly one of the highest-rated shows on network television.
What people don't know is that it takes more than a couple of guys faking punches and injuring themselves to make the WWE what it truly is: the best programming on television today.
I'm sure there are people out there reading this, scratching their heads, and wondering whether I haven't fallen off a limb. But then again what other show has the following:
1. Writers that never go on strike.
WWE has a team of creative writers who determine the outcome of matches well in advance of them actually occurring. They decide who will be part of which storylines and who would fit best in which feud. Theyíre the main reason that stars such as Hulk Hogan, The Rock, and Stone Cold are known as legends in the company today.
2. A true sports feel.
The set of a WWE television event consists of a giant screen which shows the action to the crowd around the arena, a boxing-style ring, a ring bell to officially start the matches, and actual "competition." Though the winner may be predetermined, it doesnít hurt to guess who may win the match.
3. No stunt doubles.
Most actors hire body/stunt doubles to do a precarious act for them. Not so in wrestling. All the action is done by the characters, and the injuries suffered by the "superstars" are real. The injuries may sometimes be self-inflicted, but the harm done to the body is no special effect.
4. A non-stop season, almost 50 weeks.
On the eve of World Wrestling Entertainment's super bowl, Wrestlemania 24, I'm arguing that wrestling is one of the better shows out on television for several reasons.
Events/shows that most people consider comical ran every week other than the Christmas holiday during the strike, and is constantly one of the highest-rated shows on network television.
What people don't know is that it takes more than a couple of guys faking punches and injuring themselves to make the WWE what it truly is: the best programming on television today.
I'm sure there are people out there reading this, scratching their heads, and wondering whether I haven't fallen off a limb. But then again what other show has the following:
1. Writers that never go on strike.
WWE has a team of creative writers who determine the outcome of matches well in advance of them actually occurring. They decide who will be part of which storylines and who would fit best in which feud. Theyíre the main reason that stars such as Hulk Hogan, The Rock, and Stone Cold are known as legends in the company today.
2. A true sports feel.
The set of a WWE television event consists of a giant screen which shows the action to the crowd around the arena, a boxing-style ring, a ring bell to officially start the matches, and actual "competition." Though the winner may be predetermined, it doesnít hurt to guess who may win the match.
3. No stunt doubles.
Most actors hire body/stunt doubles to do a precarious act for them. Not so in wrestling. All the action is done by the characters, and the injuries suffered by the "superstars" are real. The injuries may sometimes be self-inflicted, but the harm done to the body is no special effect.
4. A non-stop season, almost 50 weeks.
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