Migs

Most of the examples (other than Adnan), generally involve a white wrestler cosplaying as a minority. Are there as many examples going the other way? If not, it's progressive in the idea that race and ethnicity is fluid, but regressive in that such practices were exclusionary (why not employ an actual Native American?).

About this, I must say I was totally offended by someone who said during the GWE process that basically people voting for joshi workers did it because of creepy reasons. Well, yes, part of Takako Inoue or Cuty Suzuki's appeal and character was sex-appeal. It actually played into the way they worked too (either vulnerable babyfaces or heelish bitch). But I don't think Aja Kong (the highest woman in the Top 100 BTW), Bull Nakano, Dynamite Kansai, Shinobu Kandori or Kyoko Inoue get points for being hotties. Now, pro-wrestling is about selling a procuct. And sex sells. It's nothing new. And we're getting back to the "blowjob" babyface in US territorial wrestling and the fact they drew tons of female fans. What's the difference between Stan Lane and Trish Stratus ? Apart from the fact Lane fucked a thousand of his fans while Stratus probably didn't, I'm speaking strictly in term of promotional tactics. (and really, if Stratus had fuck a thousand male fans, I'd have no issue with that either, to be perfectly clear) I don't think there's a difference, really. There are some differences in presentation, usually, because the blowjob babyface needs to be somewhat "credible" to the male fans as well, while traditionally promoters were not considering the credibility of the female talent (because the women were surely just there to see the blowjob babyface, in their minds). As a result, Ricky Morton is "tough." That's changed, to an extent (and the change seems to be gaining speed). To your first point - I don't think someone who enjoys Joshi has to do it in a creepy way. But also - just because Aja Kong isn't a traditional hottie doesn't mean a straight male fan isn't going to internalize his appreciation of her differently than that of Misawa.

Lots to chew on. Trying to work through some thoughts here, so this is a bit of a mess, but here goes: I do think feminism in wrestling will always struggle a bit in a world where the primary fanbase is overwhelmingly straight males. But I don't think it's about misogyny; I think it's about the importance of aesthetics in the way we respond to wrestlers. And I think because of it, we won't see a proper feminist perspective in wrestling until the crowd is more gender balanced than it currently is. Think about the first wrestlers you liked as a kid - what did you like about them? When I consider this, it always comes back to their aesthetic. Mid-80s era Randy Savage was my favorite wrestler in part because of his aesthetic - the colors, the robes, the sunglasses... the whole package. And it was about that combined with how he wrestled too, of course. The energy, the athleticism - Savage's aesthetic worked for me, and it's why I can watch even a bad Savage match and get joy out of it. (For reference, I also was/am a huge fan of the Rockers, the Hart Foundation, the Midnight Express - I clearly liked a specific aesthetic in my wrestlers). I think when straight males watch female wrestling, it's hard to unwrap the attraction to aesthetics from something at least partially sexual. If I really enjoy a female wrestler - I think I'm generally attracted to her (in the way that I'm attracted to any woman who dresses well and has an awesome character, I guess). This isn't that different from the way we view male wrestlers, but it does manifest itself differently. This is not to say that men will only cheer for or watch female wrestling featuring women they find sexually attractive, or that men are incapable of enjoying female wrestling for its value outside of that. I think a good portion of the crowd, at this point, views women in such a way that we're beyond the "We want puppies" era, and that's an awesome move forward. Crowds are engaging with the female wrestlers as whole people, defined not just by their looks, to a greater extent. But it does mean that if wrestling maintains it's straight male perspective on the world, women are always going to be off to the side slightly. If a good portion of the crowd is going to sexualize them in a way that they do not do with their male counterparts, it will fundamentally keep them off to the side, as a different part of the show from male wrestlers. Now, maybe we're seeing a sea change, and the way WWE is making strides in presenting women means more lifelong female fans, a balance in the crowds, and that will push the "crowd" perspective into something that's more equal and feminist as a whole.

It had a couple of good jokes. Child Undertaker is amazing, particularly the part with him being really stoked for a funeral. And cartoon Ric Flair is wonderful.

Morton/Sid couldn't happen under the gauntlet rules - if Morton wins, the blockers get the money and there's no third match. I liked this, but agreed that these two don't quite hit high gear here at any point.

They wrestled a bunch - early on (1993), a few matches in '97, but then a few times more in '98-99. And it would make sense to include some of those matches where they tag together.

These lists have been fairly accurate in the past, although we're far more likely to get that Kane set than Dreamer v. Raven for sure.

Absolutely bought a couple of those Styles near falls.

This finishing stretch has been laid out really nicely.

Reigns has great heel facial expressions.

I did like the table spot - pretty unique.

Are they doing Over the Edge '98 now?

Reigns not exactly getting a warm reception. Not even 50/50, just boos.

Really wasn't feeling the women's match, and then they did a Montreal finish... 19 years later. Yikes.

Just watched this, and I think I'd take it over their prior match. Better pacing, and a better finish, with an escalation of the violence instead of trading near falls. Far more creative and exciting than most barbed wire matches. An epic performance from both guys.

I've grown to enjoy Cena much more as he entered a period where he was more likely to actually lose a big match. I still enjoy rooting against him, but he definitely holds up his end of the matches with Punk, Bryan, Owens, etc.

For faux vintage, Shirtgun Wedding is pretty good.

I am irrationally excited that the Bellas spinoff show (creatively titled Total Bellas) is going to feature the marriage of John Laurinaitis and Mama Bella.

Cornette would be great with Cesaro (and with Cesaro/Kidd as a team if Kidd were to ever come back).

Apparently you can buy a 30-second TV spot on Impact for $335, so definitely time to advertise PWO on TV.

It's a cliche, but Jake v. Neidhart from Heroes of Wrestling is a true embarrassment to wrestling.

ECW was probably my favorite thing ever in wrestling. It has basically destroyed everyone involved with it. I have difficulty reconciling these two things.

Terribly underrated worker. So sad to see him go so young, but he was also clearly in a lot of pain.

LOL. For the hell of it, here's another one... Nattie (in front of pink screen): You know, maybe it's wrong of me, but I feel threatened by TJ's friendship with Cesaro. Flashbacks of TJ and Cesaro acting like two puppy dogs in love. Nattie's Mom [at the house with cats nipping at her sandals]: When I was your age, dear, I felt the same way about your dad's friendship with Uncle Bret. Nattie: I know, Mommy, but that was Uncle Bret and Daddy. This is different. This thing with TJ and Cesaro, I don't know, it's... Nattie's Mom: (Puts her arms around Nattie) You have to let TJ have his own friends and his own life. He's been through so much this year already. Nattie (in front of pink screen): I've decided that if TJ can have a best friend, so can I! Flashback footage of Nattie sharing coffee and giggling with the newest Total Divas cast member Renee Young. Nattie (in front of pink screen): I'm really nervous aboot asking Renee Young to be my new BFF. She seems so with it, so together. What if she says no? The best part of this season of Total Divas has been the repeated focus on the Neidhart family, who are such a delightful bunch of weirdos.