Pro Wrestling: More Than Just “Fake”
Pro wrestling has long been dismissed as “fake” due to its predetermined outcomes and choreographed moves. However, behind the scenes, the injuries, the blood, sweat, and tears are all too real. Former Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce recently experienced the reality of pro wrestling firsthand.
Learning the Ropes
Kelce and his former teammate Lane Johnson were invited to interfere in a match at WrestleMania 40, which was held at Lincoln Financial Field earlier this year. Kelce admitted that he was initially unfamiliar with the world of pro wrestling, but he quickly got acclimated.
“When it was announced that WrestleMania was coming to Philly and they wanted Lane and me to be a part of it, I started to understand the significance of this event and how important it is to the wrestling community,” Kelce revealed during an appearance on “The Rick Eisen Show.”
To better prepare for their involvement, Kelce and Johnson visited wrestling gyms in South Jersey. They learned the ropes, quite literally, by practicing moves and bumps. Kelce learned how to execute a proper bump, how to clothesline, and even how to endure a chest slap without showing pain, despite the fact that it actually hurts.
Dispelling the “Fake” Perception
Kelce’s time in the pro wrestling arena shattered any notion that wrestling is “fake” in his mind. He described the experience as a blast and a ton of fun. He also emphasized that while some may argue that wrestling is staged, the physicality and athleticism displayed by the wrestlers are still awe-inspiring.
“A lot of people say wrestling’s fake or whatever, and it’s like, well, so is the TV show you’re watching,” Kelce pointed out. “But you can still have a level of respect for the amazing physical specimens that are doing outrageous things in front of you at speed. It might be choreographed a bit, but it’s still nonetheless very impressive.”
Life After the NFL
Kelce retired from the NFL after the 2023 season. Since then, he has become a familiar face on ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown” and is rumored to have an even larger role in the future.
So, the next time you come across pro wrestling, remember that it’s more than just “fake.” Behind the scripted storylines and rehearsed moves, there are real athletes putting their bodies on the line to entertain and captivate audiences around the world.
