Kings and Queen
02/08/2013
01/07/2013
The Intercontinental Podcast Episode 14: Technical Difficulties
Despite a few technical difficulties that result in a slightly shorter show than usual, we manage a good amount of discussion. We talk a bit about the fluidity of professional wrestling stories and the positives and negatives of this reality of wrestling storytelling. Independent wrestling and National Pro Wrestling Day (Feb. 2nd) is discussed, as is The Shield and how they are presented and marketed on a major network television program, verses how they could be presented in a more traditional theater environment.
We spend a bit of time talking about John Cena “getting reactions,” and how it reflects modern culture and audience attention span. We go a bit into what we love about wrestling before our mics are cut off by Vince McMahon.Listen by clicking above or DOWNLOAD HERE
(No new episode of the podcast this week, but here’s last week’s episode, in case you missed it.)
12/30/2012
The Intercontinental Podcast Episode 14: Technical Difficulties
Despite a few technical difficulties that result in a slightly shorter show than usual, we manage a good amount of discussion. We talk a bit about the fluidity of professional wrestling stories and the positives and negatives of this reality of wrestling storytelling. Independent wrestling and National Pro Wrestling Day (Feb. 2nd) is discussed, as is The Shield and how they are presented and marketed on a major network television program, verses how they could be presented in a more traditional theater environment.
We spend a bit of time talking about John Cena “getting reactions,” and how it reflects modern culture and audience attention span. We go a bit into what we love about wrestling before our mics are cut off by Vince McMahon.
This episode has been archived to Mediafire. You can download and listen by clicking HERE
10/10/2011
This video will be relevant for always.
08/05/2011
I feel like I’m finally at the point where when I see images like this, I do not think that it’s “cool,” as I did 15 years ago. Obviously I am a bit “brainwashed” by the WWE style and banishing of intentional bleeding, but I’ve forgotten what the point is in blading altogether. It seems no-win to me:
1) Your company upholds the idea of “legitimate” fighting… so what’s legitimate about taking a knife to your forehead, that you hide from the audience, halfway through a match to simulate an injury?
2) You acknowledge that wrestling is fake but that the art of the staged fight is still important and central to the story and theatrical element that is professional wrestling. How often can blading be justified as necessary to tell a story? As a musician and artist, I understand that art is art, but it has to justify itself. The more I see blood these days, the more I question how well it can be justified as an artistic statement.
(via droptoehold)
06/28/2011
» Fair to Flair: Lie to Me
Wrestling is fake. I’ll give you a minute to process that shocking piece of information that surely shook the very foundation of your reality. Breathe into a paper bag if necessary.
Ya good? Okay.
Wrestling is in a tough spot in terms of storytelling. A person goes into a scripted television…
Spot on! Here’s my only beef:
Casual fans can sit back and watch the show like I wish I could, but it takes a different approach to get those jaded fans to feel something when watching wrestling.
I completely understand the point you intended in your article, where a casual fan can, hypothetically, get sucked into the entertainment of the spectacle without the fact-checking, the consideration, the snobby-ness. In that regard, yes, I agree and wish I could, in all its genuine glory, appreciate the three hours of storyline based programming we are presented on cable TV a week.
However, I suppose my contention to this part is more of a question: do you think it’s possible to appreciate the show in this way and still enjoy someone like CM Punk? Chris Jehrico? Even, to a lesser extent, R Truth? I’ve met a few people while in touring bands that also appreciate wrestling, and, somehow, they have all been the type of fan that we’re discussing right now, and they HATE those guys. They, literally, don’t “get” them (in whatever sense of the word that is supposed to mean?). The exact quote regarding CM Punk (this was in March) was, “he talks too much, it’s boring.”
My friend John has run into the same issue. He met someone at a bar that was a wrestling fan, but the conversation capsized when he started describing his favorite wrestlers as Punk, etc. The other person didn’t get it, and that was it.
Now, I’m not saying it’s wrong to dislike someone like Punk, but I’ve sorta always liked the bad guys and wanted them to win. Since I began watching in ‘97, and Bret Hart launched his anti-America campaign, I was hooked. Maybe hooked for the reasons spelled out in this article, but that love led me to where I am today, internet be damned.
I’m having trouble reaching my point, and I’m in no way trying to argue with your article since this was just a very minute part of it, but I guess what I’m trying to say is in many ways, I am happy being just a little bit more than a casual fan.
02/26/2011
Busy Day Today!!
Mary and I will be participating in the Chicago Walk For Choice
The Rally to support Unions and Wisconsin
And then, obviously the most important part of my day, the Ring of Honor 9th Anniversary (Mary will not be in attendance but if you order the ippv, watch for me and my friends John and Derek).
Because, obviously, the rights of the People (the work force and women) are second in line to watching the Kings of Wrestling trash the All Night Express.
