For many guys growing up, pro-wrestling is something they watched and enjoyed but grew out of by the time they hit, say, 13.
But pro-wrestling is enjoying a renaissance of sorts in the US, led by the popularity of the World Wrestling Entertainment, a media company devoted to the sport. About 41 percent of WWE’s viewers are young men – the coveted 18-34 demographic that advertisers want.
Other indications also point to pro-wrestling’s slow but certain entry into the American mainstream. ESPN carried its first-ever live broadcast from a WWE event on Sunday, hosted by none other than funnyman Jon Stewart.
What’s bringing audiences back to pro-wrestling? What’s the history of the sport in the US? Are you a fan of pro-wrestling, call and let us know why.
Guests:
David Shoemaker, contributing writer covering pro wrestling for Grantland, and author of “The Squared Circle: Life, Death, and Pro Wrestling” (Gotham, 2013) and co-hosts the pro-wrestling podcast “Cheap Heat”