In the famous words of NFL legend Rosey Grier. "It's Alright To Cry". There was a time where anger was the only emotion a fan would show while watching wrestling. Ask the wrestlers of the 70's when the territories were in full motion. They can tell you about being spit on, stabbed, kicked, punched and yelled at by fans who love wrestling. These days because of social media we get to see firsthand the wide range of emotions on full display by todays fans. Anger seems to be an emotion of the past as it's been replaced by tears of joy. Kids, adults, men and women can be seen crying on tv as well on their own social media videos.. It seems that everyone is experiencing the water works pour down their faces. Sometimes it could be a long awaited return to the squared circle. Maybe a championship was won or maybe the storyline moves you in a way you tear up. It does seem strange when you say the words " I cry while watching wrestling". But people cry while watching all forms of entertainment. Movies, tv shows, sports. In sports you might see tears of disappointment while in movies and tv shows tears of joy and sadness. Wrestling these days seems to do all that. Even when we know about a rumored return, as soon as it happens we get emotional. It's a combination of the writers writing great storylines and the wrestlers really selling the emotions that make us feel a certain way.
When a wrestler retires and we have been watching them since our childhood and they have their last match, it's more than just a last match. A lifetime of great memories are tied into that. For some of us wrestling is more than wrestling moves, crowd chants and championship titles. We are emotionally invested in our favorite wrestlers and we follow them no matter what promotion they go to. Their journey as a wrestler is a shared journey with the fans. Through injuries and returns. Good times and bad we stay emotionally invested. Todays wrestling is more relatable then ever as the over the top characters of wrestling are pretty much gone and have been replaced with real personalities. We have all seen wrestlers themselves cry on tv and get choked up because the storyline is not far from the truth. How can you not feel the emotions with them as a fan. I've said it before and I will continue to say it. Wrestling is unlike any other form of entertainment. So, next time you are watching wrestling and you tear up for any reason. It's ok. You are not alone. Shadow La Fuente Signing Off.
