How Wrestling Transforms Into an Embodiment of Identity in WWE and AEW In the world of professional wrestling, the concept of "good" has long been defined by strict physical performance measures

How Wrestling Transforms Into an Embodiment of Identity in WWE and AEW In the world of professional wrestling, the concept of "good" has long been defined by strict physical performance measures. Wrestlers have to be able to hit a specific set of moves and be able to finish off their opponents at any time during the match. While this method has been successful in recent years for WWE, it's become clear that the industry needs to adapt to an evolving audience. To understand how this is happening, we must look back at the history of wrestling from its inception as a purely physical sport. Wrestling originated with the ancient Roman gladiatorial games and later evolved into a series of matches featuring two fighters attempting to outdo each other by hitting the most moves. This emphasis on performance and skill setups in the early days created an image of strength and power, which has become entrenched within the wrestling culture. However, with the rise of the internet and social media, wrestling companies have been challenged to create content that resonates with audiences. This has led to a shift in wrestling towards more emotional storytelling. Wrestling now takes on a persona of an individual rather than just another competitor, as we've seen with AEW's TNT Championship tournament and WWE's "The Road To WrestleMania" promos. This focus on personal growth has been evident in the rise of AEW's Chris Jericho, whose storytelling efforts have earned him a fan base that values emotional depth over physical performance. In contrast, WWE's Rey Mysterio stands out as an embodiment of physical performance with his signature move-up to top rope finishes. This emphasis on performance has been more pronounced within WWE than ever before, and it's evident in the rise of wrestlers like Rusev, who is now considered one of the most talented in WWE history. This shift towards personal growth isn't limited to wrestling, but has extended into other genres such as music and film. The storytelling and character development that have been incorporated into these industries reflects this new emphasis on personal growth. This embodiment of identity within each genre shows that WWE is not the only organization that values this approach, which has led to the creation of a more nuanced audience. Wrestling's evolution has resulted in a fascinating narrative that goes beyond physicality and emotionally resonates with audiences. By embracing personal growth, wrestlers have found success in telling stories about their own personal journeys, making the art of wrestling feel more like an art form than just another entertainment industry. In conclusion, WWE's shift towards embodiment of identity through personal growth has led to a more nuanced and compelling audience. As we continue to see AEW and WWE evolve into their respective genres, it's clear that the wrestling culture is on an exciting journey towards a greater understanding of what truly matters.

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