Creating The Character: Part 4 (FINALE)
Developing the moves and style that put the "Wrestle" in "Wrestling Journalist"
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So, what is it that wrestlers do? That, in itself, can be a long, complicated question that varies from personality to personality. But one thing that becomes a commonality and falls into the purview of the title is that they, well, wrestle.
These styles change from person to person; in fact, regions around the world have specific wrestling styles unique to them. These styles embody a long-standing tradition of art, culture, and theater. Like theater, wrestling adapts directly to the personalities that shape it, and I deeply respect this aspect of our industry.
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Some styles will be familiar, like Mexican lucha libre (which literally translates to "to fight free"). It's high-flying, heavily acrobatic, often family-friendly fare, featuring bright colors and over-the-top action, literally and metaphorically.
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In the United Kingdom, wrestling often leans more technical but still maintains a stiffness akin to flat-out brawling—a tribute to the old British, Teflon, beer-drinking folks who could talk tough and act tougher.
Then, there’s Japan. Discussing the number of styles that have originated from or passed through Japan could fill a post or even a podcast episode on its own. It's known for being hard-hitting, almost to the point of sheer realism, extremely technical, very character-driven, and as vibrant as the colors of the rainbow.
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Some styles are safer and easier, leading to longer careers for wrestlers who not only take care of themselves—which is crucial—but also tailor their move sets to ensure their safety.
Others, however, fit the stereotype of wrestlers dying young and needing painkillers and other substances to manage their pain. Many injuries are self-inflicted due to their chosen styles; notable individuals who are no longer with us include The Dynamite Kid, Chris Benoit, Chris Candido, Scott Hall, Eddie Guerrero, and Misawa Mitsuharu, just to name a few.
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The journey to finding the right wrestling style for "The Wrestling Journalist" is a deeply personal one. It's not just a question, but a path I'm embarking on, and I invite you to walk with me.
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