Grappling for viewers
By Frank Zicarelli from Toronto Sun Televison Magazine Spring 1985.
To devout wrestling fans who were often derided and chided for viewing some inane activity, these are times to rejoice.
Their sport has scaled new heights and they no longer have to mask their unbridled enthusiasm in closed quarters. Even television, which in some ways legitimized wrestling as a bona fide sport, has again offered its stamp of approval.
Wrestling is flourishing once more.
A quick glance through the TV listings reveals wrestling's success. Five local stations have made wrestling a weekly staple and Hamilton's CHCH-TV went a step further three weeks ago by premiering wrestling in primetime on Saturday evenings (7p.m).
"There was nothing really to the move. Wrestling is so popular and it's taking off so unbelievably, that we were almost forced to show it on primetime," said Randy Ward, the station's promotion manager.
TNT Wrestling is the No. 1 cable show in the U.S. and four of the top 10 shows are wrestling shows. It's taking off and it's that simple. NBC has even caught on and will show wrestling once a month during its Saturday Night Live time slot.
"How long will it remain in primetime? It may be six months, six years or it may be longer. Wrestling has always had its hardcore fans, but now you're seeing more people getting interested," added Ward.
CHCH has been showing wrestling for 28 years but this is the first time they've slotted the program in primetime.
Other stations committing hours to wrestling include, CITY-TV (Toronto TV- Station), TSN and Buffalo's WGRZ and WUTV
Still, there are those who perceive the sport merely as contrived mayhem, dismissing it as nothing more than a gimmick.
"Everybody has been afraid of wrestling. Now they're jumping on the bandwagon. But people haven't changed and many continue to think it's fake," said Toronto-based wrestling promoter Jack Tunney.
"Sure there's showbiz in wrestling - as there is in football, hockey and baseball."
There's nothing covert behind wrestling's increasing popularity. The sport hasn't changed over the years. It is still based on benevolent heroes in pursuit of evil villains.
The difference appears to be that more people seem interested in watching the chase.
The involvement of entertainers, such as Mr. T and rock singer Cyndi Lauper has given the sport a boost - especially among young people.
And of course the grapplers themselves are masters of flamboyance - from their dress to their outrageous pre-bout speeches.
An American magazine recently had on its front cover a picture of Hulk Hogan and Cyndi Lauper.
Even the kiddies can get into the act. Where there used to be cuddly dolls, the coming rage is replicas of wrestlers such as Hulk Hogan, the Iron Sheik, Andre the Giant, Big John Studd and Jimmy (Superfly) Sunka.
Not so long ago, only a hardcore fan knew what a leg lock, pile driver or a collar-elbow hook up were all about.
Now your 6-year-old could probably show you.
Their sport has scaled new heights and they no longer have to mask their unbridled enthusiasm in closed quarters. Even television, which in some ways legitimized wrestling as a bona fide sport, has again offered its stamp of approval.
Wrestling is flourishing once more.
A quick glance through the TV listings reveals wrestling's success. Five local stations have made wrestling a weekly staple and Hamilton's CHCH-TV went a step further three weeks ago by premiering wrestling in primetime on Saturday evenings (7p.m).
"There was nothing really to the move. Wrestling is so popular and it's taking off so unbelievably, that we were almost forced to show it on primetime," said Randy Ward, the station's promotion manager.
TNT Wrestling is the No. 1 cable show in the U.S. and four of the top 10 shows are wrestling shows. It's taking off and it's that simple. NBC has even caught on and will show wrestling once a month during its Saturday Night Live time slot.
"How long will it remain in primetime? It may be six months, six years or it may be longer. Wrestling has always had its hardcore fans, but now you're seeing more people getting interested," added Ward.
CHCH has been showing wrestling for 28 years but this is the first time they've slotted the program in primetime.
Other stations committing hours to wrestling include, CITY-TV (Toronto TV- Station), TSN and Buffalo's WGRZ and WUTV
Still, there are those who perceive the sport merely as contrived mayhem, dismissing it as nothing more than a gimmick.
"Everybody has been afraid of wrestling. Now they're jumping on the bandwagon. But people haven't changed and many continue to think it's fake," said Toronto-based wrestling promoter Jack Tunney.
"Sure there's showbiz in wrestling - as there is in football, hockey and baseball."
There's nothing covert behind wrestling's increasing popularity. The sport hasn't changed over the years. It is still based on benevolent heroes in pursuit of evil villains.
The difference appears to be that more people seem interested in watching the chase.
The involvement of entertainers, such as Mr. T and rock singer Cyndi Lauper has given the sport a boost - especially among young people.
And of course the grapplers themselves are masters of flamboyance - from their dress to their outrageous pre-bout speeches.
An American magazine recently had on its front cover a picture of Hulk Hogan and Cyndi Lauper.
Even the kiddies can get into the act. Where there used to be cuddly dolls, the coming rage is replicas of wrestlers such as Hulk Hogan, the Iron Sheik, Andre the Giant, Big John Studd and Jimmy (Superfly) Sunka.
Not so long ago, only a hardcore fan knew what a leg lock, pile driver or a collar-elbow hook up were all about.
Now your 6-year-old could probably show you.