Fact Check: Are WWE fights scripted?

Are WWE Fights Scripted?

The claim that "WWE fights are scripted" refers to the widely held belief that the outcomes of matches and the storylines surrounding them are predetermined by the organization. This assertion raises questions about the nature of professional wrestling, its entertainment value, and the athleticism involved.

What We Know

Predetermined Outcomes: Professional wrestling, including WWE, is known for its scripted nature. According to a Wikipedia entry on professional wrestling, matches are governed by a script and overarching storylines devised by producers, who are often former wrestlers themselves 2. This means that the outcomes of matches are decided in advance, which is a fundamental aspect of the genre.
Kayfabe: The term "kayfabe" refers to the portrayal of staged events within the industry as "real" or "true," specifically the portrayal of staged events within the industry as "real" or "true" 1. This concept is central to the experience of professional wrestling, as it allows audiences to suspend disbelief and engage with the storylines.
Physicality and Athleticism: While the outcomes are predetermined, the physicality involved in wrestling matches is real. Wrestlers undergo extensive training to perform complex maneuvers safely, and injuries can and do occur during matches 7 10. This aspect of wrestling adds a layer of authenticity to the performances, despite the scripted nature of the events.
Scripts and Storylines: WWE scripts not only the outcomes of matches but also the dialogue and character arcs for its performers. A detailed examination of a WWE Raw script indicates that the matches are carefully planned to ensure that no two matches have the same finish, which helps maintain viewer interest 4 5.
Public Perception and Industry Acknowledgment: The acknowledgment of wrestling as scripted has been a part of the industry for decades. However, there remains a segment of the audience that may not fully grasp this aspect, leading to misconceptions about the authenticity of the performances 3 9.

Analysis

The claim that WWE fights are scripted is supported by a variety of sources, each providing insights into different facets of professional wrestling.

Wikipedia: The entries on professional wrestling and kayfabe provide a foundational understanding of the scripted nature of the sport. However, Wikipedia's open-edit nature means that while it can be a good starting point, it may not always reflect the most current or nuanced information 2 1.
Wrestling Inc. and Give Me Sport: These sources discuss the implications of scripting on match outcomes and the storytelling aspect of wrestling. Wrestling Inc. is a dedicated wrestling news site, which can lend credibility, but it may also have a bias towards promoting the industry 3 5.
Deadspin and The Week: These articles provide a look at the behind-the-scenes workings of WWE, including leaked scripts, which adds an interesting layer to the discussion. However, Deadspin's often irreverent tone may influence how seriously some readers take its content 4 6.
Sports Illustrated and ABC News: These sources provide a more journalistic perspective, discussing the balance between scripted outcomes and the real physical risks wrestlers face. Their established reputations lend credibility, but they may not delve as deeply into the nuances of scripting as dedicated wrestling sites 9 10.

Despite the wealth of information available, the discussion around WWE's scripted nature can sometimes be clouded by biases—both from fans who may want to defend the integrity of the sport and critics who dismiss it as entirely fake.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The claim that WWE fights are scripted is substantiated by multiple credible sources indicating that match outcomes and storylines are predetermined by the organization. Key evidence includes the acknowledgment of scripted outcomes in professional wrestling literature, the concept of kayfabe, and detailed examinations of WWE scripts that outline planned matches and character arcs.

However, it is important to recognize that while the outcomes are scripted, the physicality and athleticism displayed by wrestlers are genuine, and injuries can occur during performances. This duality adds complexity to the understanding of professional wrestling as both a scripted entertainment form and a physically demanding sport.

Limitations in the available evidence include potential biases in sources, particularly those that may promote the wrestling industry or sensationalize aspects of its scripted nature. Additionally, public perception can vary, with some audiences not fully grasping the scripted aspect, leading to misconceptions.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information regarding professional wrestling and consider the nuances involved in its scripted nature versus the real physicality of the performances.