How to Enjoy Professional Wrestling

The scripted, over-the-top world of professional wrestling has made an indelible mark on pop culture. This brand of sports entertainment has always had a cult following, but it gains in mainstream popularity each year. Those who know what to expect from this mix of sports and theater can not only enjoy it but also feel like they're part of the show.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Arrive early enough to see the dark matches. These are matches put on just for the live fans and are not televised.
2. Make up a sign to hold up in the crowd. Writing it about a specific wrestler is good, but be creative.
3. Expect the unexpected. You never know when someone or something will interrupt a wrestling match or a wrestler's speech.
4. Taunt the heels, especially when they're in the ring with a microphone. Shouting "What?" after every phrase they say always works well.
5. Don't leave immediately after the last scheduled match is over. Often the wrestlers have something else planned for the live fans when the TV cameras go off.
6. Support your favorite wrestler by chanting his name during a match, especially if it looks like he's losing.

Tips & Warnings

• Lose yourself in the performances. Professional wrestling is really no different from an action movie. The only difference is that it's live.
• Avoid checking the wrestling insider Web sites where the results of the matches may be hinted at or given away. It's more fun to watch the matches when you don't know what's going to happen.