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Professional wrestling has been around for decades. Early legends such as Gorgeous George, Killer Kowalski, Nature Boy Buddy Rogers and Bruno Sammartino paved the way for the superstars of today. The reality of whether professional wrestling is not as "fake" as one thinks depends on how someone interprets the word "fake" when discussing the wrestling industry.

There is no doubt that the actual matches are scripted and the outcome is predetermined. The success of the match depends on how well the wrestlers perform and hit their spots in the ring. It doesn't matter if the "good guy" or "bad guy" wins. The true wrestling fan loves a good match.

What is very real about the world of professional wrestling - the men and women who put their bodies and careers on the line every night for the enjoyment of the fans. Wrestling fans love to see the body slams, swinging steel chairs and dazzling flips from the ring ropes. It's because of these moves that wrestlers suffer some of the most brutal and career threatening injuries imaginable. Just look at this small list of current superstars who have suffered injuries:

April 2005 - Randy Orton suffered a left shoulder injury and needed surgery.
January 2007 - Triple HHH suffered a torn right quadriceps.
October 2007 - Candice Michelle fell off the ring ropes and hit her head and neck. She was unconscious in the ring and didn't remember what happened. In March 2008 she needed surgery to repair a re-broken clavicle.
May 2008 - Randy Orton is tossed from the ring by Triple HHH during a pay per view and breaks his collarbone.
August 2008 - John Cena underwent surgery to remove a large disc fragment that was pressing on his spinal cord.
September 2008 - Mr. Kennedy had surgery to repair a torn labrum that has put him out of action 4-6 months.

The matches may be scripted, but the punishment and injuries are very real. It takes a lot of heart and determination to be a wrestler. The average person would not want to put their bodies through this type of abuse.

Injuries are just one aspect of the reality of wrestling. What about the number of unfortunate tragic deaths that have occurred over the years? Wrestlers committing suicide, losing their lives in tragic accidents, or overdosing on pain killers and alcohol. The wrestling industry has lost many popular fan favorites too early: Bruiser Brody, Ravishing Rick Rude, Owen Hart, Junkyard Dog, Kerry Von Erich, Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig, Road Warrior Hawk, Miss Elizabeth and Eddie Guerrero.

The show may be fake, but the people who entertain us are real. Their pain and suffering is real. The tragic loss of many great superstars is real. Truly - the reality is that professional wrestling is not as fake as we think.

Learn more about this author, Eugene G..
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