When Triple H responded at WWE’s Money in the Bank press conference with a blunt and short statement on R-Truth/Ron Killing’s return, that it was “all part of the show, man”, that was all some folks needed/wanted to hear.
This was all a work. It was wrestling storytelling. They got us good!
Not everyone is sold on this narrative. Was this a work turned shoot turned work, work with shoot elements, or all fictional?
If you accept the logic that this was a storyline, then it was a callous one. Various wrestlers from WWE were recently released. Does Truth’s “worked” release make Carlito’s cool?
Others, like Karrion Kross, according to rumours, have not been approached or told if their contracts will be renewed. The issue with rumours is that we don’t exactly know for sure.
If you get caught up in kayfabe, it becomes complicated. Kayfabe is a concept that infiltrates every part of wrestling. It creates a natural sense of distrust and mental gymnastics.
One that sees wrestlers even now doubt the legitimacy of the Montreal Screw Job and think it was a conspiracy. One where we, as fans, must deal with the often-contradictory relationship between the behind-the-scenes and fiction on TV.
In some ways, Stone Cold Steve Austin’s “Don’t Trust Anyone” mantra is a good rule of thumb. Yet, keeping everything at a distance is hard.
Wrestling is emotive. It makes us feel. We are, by choice and not, part of a wider community.
Feelings impact how we think and view the world. Loyalty sees us choosing truths like it’s a choose-your-own-adventure.
But cutting through the kayfabe, the big question some aren’t considering is: why would it be a problem for WWE to acknowledge they’ve listened to their fans?
George Orwell Would Be Fascinated
Not for the first time, not even the only time last night, did WWE evoke a concept first suggested by writer George Orwell in his classic dystopian novel, “1984”. Nor is it the first time in WWE’s history where its language has held Orwellian undertones.
A book that, in the current zeitgeist, feels as fresh and relevant as ever. If George Orwell were alive, I’m sure he would be as fascinated by wrestling and its impact on politics and popular culture. However, many use the term Orwellian wrong.
Using it as a shorthand for authoritarianism is ironically Orwellian in itself. Orwell’s concern was with how language’s implicit meanings and messages can be changed and manipulated to create a domineering narrative of what must be true.
Essentially, language can be used for control. It’s not just about governments or companies, advertising, and media. It’s how we as people and groups use phrases, words, responses, and even memes that stop us from questioning assumptions.
Talking of memes, one stood out in revealing how quickly some accept the truth of R-Truth’s return. A king (perhaps the Emperor Nero), representing TKO and the R-Truth Saga, watches on as a city, the dirt sheet’s credibility, burns.
It was funny, although for me, not because of its intentions. Like war propaganda, it’s telling a narrative on behalf of WWE.
First, positioning TKO as the ruler of the landscape and always in control above us as fans. Second, turning the contract expiration of a universally beloved wrestler into a storyline termed “saga” exaggerates this supposed story into something greater. Lastly, the dirt sheets burning, another dig at the wrestling media, who can contradict the WWE narrative.
It serves WWE’s narrative of doublethink.
Doublethink
Doublethink is the concept that someone holds two contrary views. For example, wrestling is not ballet, it’s a tough business. Then, when a universally loved wrestler is set to leave, they feel outrage despite previously believing this is a cold, impersonal business focused on money and drawing power.
Already, I can imagine some folks coming at me with merchandise numbers, given that new shirts for R-Truth have just been released. Using this as evidence to show Truth’s release happened by design rather than capitalising on timing.
The same as some fans accused me of sexism for highlighting issues in the presentation of Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley last year. It’s easier to dismiss than engage.
There is an internal logic that makes sense based on their feelings and the truth they have chosen to believe. It’s the acceptance of what you are told without questioning or seeing if the puzzle pieces will fit together.
Doublethink isn’t as easy as saying someone’s lying or pointing out hypocrisy. It’s knowing something is untrue and forgetting it so that it becomes true and then forgetting that you forgot it wasn’t true to begin with.
Doublethink is about reconciling with contradictions. Cognitive dissonance meets gaslighting yourself. It’s the disregarding or changing of history to suit the present.
On the same night, Rey Mysterio said that WWE now gives “authenticity” to Lucha Libre. Lucha Libre has existed since the late 1800s. Lucha Libre is older than WWE. It’s part of Mexican heritage.
The implication is that only now, because the American-owned WWE owns a company practicing this distinct style of wrestling, is it legitimate. It echoes Triple H’s comments that wrestling before WWE existed in “smoky bingo halls” in wiping out history for the benefit of putting WWE over.
Don’t Let (R)Truth Get in the Way of a Good Story
In “1984”, what the leadership says is the truth. We must see reality through their lens. Usually, this means criticism is not allowed. Some fans are willing to buy what they are told and apply doublethink.
Doing so means they can remove themselves from considering legitimate issues or moral questions. This isn’t exclusive to WWE.
I’ve debated and unpicked pretzel logic with AEW fans who have used the “it’s just wrestling” defence to excuse misogyny with MJF’s character. I’ve seen AEW fans blame Warner Bros. Discovery, not AEW or Tony Khan, for failing to give women more time on Dynamite.
It mirrors the logic of that meme where TKO, rather than WWE, was placed as king. Some fans have been specific in saying they blame TKO rather than WWE or Triple H for recent sackings. This is despite the history of releases, many Black Fridays and Wednesdays.
It’s easier to keep contradictions and complicity separate. It’s a logic that allows them to enjoy wrestling without dealing with the complexity of the backstage or political drama. Something that is increasingly everywhere and unavoidable in real life.
AEW, WWE, and their wrestlers are complex and often contradictory. Some prefer simplicity and keeping that real out of the fiction, even though the two get spliced together in the complex web of kayfabe. Some don’t want to think this deeply about complex human relationships.
“It’s just wrestling”, until it isn’t. Why would it be a problem for WWE to acknowledge they’ve listened to their fans?
That question will fuel social media discord and see folks tied in knots. For WWE, the narrative is what’s true until it isn’t, and it changes.
Just be happy. Watch. Enjoy the show.
Don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story.
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