Kayfabe (kayfabe) is a term used in professional wrestling (e.g., WWE) to describe events, stories, and characters that appear real but are actually staged. It is part of creating the illusion of reality, allowing viewers to believe in the authenticity of the rivalries, storylines, and characters in the ring.
The word "kayfabe" likely comes from the slang jargon of carnival workers and circus performers, where it was used to denote something fake or staged. In wrestling, it means maintaining "theatrical truth" both during performances and outside of them, so as not to break the audience's impression of what is happening in the ring.
Another theory suggests that there actually was a wrestler named Kay Fabian who was mute. None of these versions have ever been confirmed. Another hypothesis suggests that the term comes from the phrase "keep cavey," from the Latin verb "caveo," meaning "to be careful"; this phrase was used in Britain and by Jews living in East London between the First and Second World Wars. According to this theory, many American promoters and wrestlers of that time were of Eastern European descent and had strong accents, which led to the transformation of the term into "kayfabe."
All these theories regarding the etymology of the term kayfabe are taken from the English-language Wikipedia. There are several more theories, but if you google it, there are dozens of theories. So I think it's simpler to ignore the origin of this term and focus on its meaning.
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Kayfabe in general is:
Fictional stories and conflicts between wrestlers.
Wrestlers may have specific roles, such as heroes (babyfaces) or villains (heels).
Matches and interactions between wrestlers that look like real fights but are actually choreographed.
What is WWE?
WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) is an American company that engages in professional wrestling. It is the largest professional wrestling organization in the world and a media corporation that produces a large number of television shows, live events, pay-per-views, and digital content.
WWE is known for its unique blend of sport and entertainment, where matches in the ring are combined with dramatic storylines, colorful characters, and theatrical performances (kayfabe).
One of the most popular WWE wrestlers is John Cena. Although we have not experienced the wave of wrestling popularity, we know about this phenomenon from television and internet memes (pop culture in general).
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WWE Stars Almost Everyone Has Heard Of
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. One of the most famous wrestlers who became a successful actor in Hollywood. His charismatic style and unforgettable performances made him a favorite among many fans.
John Cena. He has not only achieved great success in wrestling but has also become a popular actor and musician. His catchphrase "You can't see me" and his "Attitude Adjustment" move have become iconic.
Triple H. Paul Levesque is one of the key figures in WWE both in the ring and behind the scenes. He also holds a high position in the company's management.
André the Giant. Although he performed before the era of modern WWE, his legacy remains significant. He was one of the most famous wrestlers of his time due to his enormous physical stature.
The Undertaker. Mark Calaway created one of the most famous characters in wrestling history. His mystical persona and long list of victories in the ring made him a WWE legend.
Hulk Hogan. He was one of the most influential figures in wrestling during the 1980s and 1990s. His charisma and energy in the ring captured the attention of millions of fans worldwide. In the 90s, in Ukraine, he was (in my subjective opinion) the most recognizable wrestler.
Randy Orton. One of the most successful wrestlers of modern times, known for his "RKO" move and numerous championship titles.
Brock Lesnar. He is known for his impressive physical strength and athleticism. Additionally, he competes successfully in mixed martial arts (MMA).
Rey Mysterio. One of the most famous luchadores who brought the Mexican style of wrestling to WWE. His acrobatic moves and mask made him a cult character.
Seth Rollins. He has become one of the main faces of modern WWE, thanks to his in-ring skills and charismatic persona.
Kayfabe and South Park
South Park parodies many elements of pop culture, including kayfabe. An episode that focuses on the theme of kayfabe in professional wrestling is titled "W.T.F." (Season 9, Episode 10). In this episode, the main characters—Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny—become obsessed with professional wrestling and decide to create their own wrestling organization.
Південний Парк. Реслінг
The kids initially start with traditional amateur wrestling but quickly realize that the audience prefers the theatrical aspect of professional wrestling, including dramatic storylines and acting. They create their own characters and invent various conflicts to engage the audience, thus creating their own version of kayfabe.
Південний Парк. Кайфабе
The episode satirizes both professional wrestling and the concept of kayfabe itself, showing how important the role of acting and staging is in creating captivating storylines for the audience.
Criticism of Wrestling
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Wrestling, like any form of entertainment, faces various criticism. Here are some of the main areas of criticism:
Violence and AggressionOne of the most common criticisms is that wrestling promotes violence and aggression. Because shows often include violent scenes and traumatic moments, some critics argue that this can negatively affect young viewers who may imitate the behavior of their favorite wrestlers.
Staged NatureSome people criticize wrestling for its staged and predictable nature. Although most viewers understand that matches and storylines are scripted, critics believe this can disappoint those expecting real athletic competition.
Risk of InjuryWrestlers often face serious injuries due to complex and dangerous stunts. While some stunts may look impressive, critics point out the health risks for participants and the long-term consequences of such injuries. Many wrestlers suffer from chronic pain and health issues even after their careers end.
Sexualization and Gender StereotypesWrestling is often criticized for the sexualization of women and the use of gender stereotypes. Although the situation has improved in recent years, with women's matches becoming more professional and equitable, many believe that in the past, wrestling exploited women solely as sexual objects.
Racial and Cultural StereotypesSome critics point to the use of racial and cultural stereotypes in character creation and storylines. This can lead to negative perceptions and prejudices against certain ethnic and cultural groups.
Ethical IssuesWrestling companies are sometimes criticized for exploiting their workers. Wrestlers often have a grueling schedule of performances and training, which can lead to burnout and health problems. Critics also point to insufficient medical support and social guarantees for wrestlers.
Impact on Mental HealthThe life of wrestlers, who are under constant stress due to performances and competitions, can negatively affect their mental health. Critics emphasize the need for proper psychological support and assistance for athletes.
These critical remarks highlight the importance of understanding the complexities and challenges faced by both wrestlers and the industry as a whole. Despite the popularity of wrestling, it is important to pay attention to these issues and work towards resolving them to ensure a healthier and more ethical environment for all participants.
Wrestling and Concussions
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WWE (and not only) collaborates with the Concussion Legacy Foundation (Center for Concussion Research and Neuroscience Institute). This organization was established in collaboration with several universities and medical institutions to develop and implement methods for diagnosing, treating, and preventing concussions.
The Center for Concussion Research and Neuroscience Institute conducts numerous studies aimed at examining the impact of head injuries on the long-term health of wrestlers and other athletes. They also develop rehabilitation programs and preventive measures to reduce the risk of injuries during training and performances.
One of the important aspects of the center's work is educating and informing wrestlers and the general public about the dangers of concussions and the necessity for timely treatment. The center actively collaborates with various sports organizations to spread knowledge about safe training and competition methods.
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Some wrestlers donate their brains to this center (after death, of course) to contribute to research. A wrestler's brain may be useful due to having recovered from a significant number of concussions.
