BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James has delved into the world of professional wrestling for a new documentary, speaking with WWE stars about the physical and personal sacrifices required. In Albany, New York, he met reigning Women's WWE Champion Charlotte, who described the gruelling schedule of constant travel, being home only six days a month. 'This is what I want. I’m not married or I don’t have a family… so all my time and emotion can go into this,' she said.
Canadian wrestler Sami Zayn reflected on the dedication needed to reach the top, noting that most wrestlers are 'fans that took it too far.' He added, 'We didn't know where to stop. It was fine for everyone else to just watch a show, we had to be in it.'
The documentary also features tag team Enzo and Big Cass, with Enzo discussing a severe concussion. 'I don't remember a damn thing about that concussion,' he said. 'This job is physically demanding, if you wanna do it. The people that you see on a television show… are the cream of the crop because they're tough enough to do it.'
Fans were asked about the perception of wrestling as 'fake,' with one suggesting the term 'fiction' is more appropriate. 'You don't leave an Avengers movie and say 'oh, that was fake'. You don't go to see Swan Lake and go 'those weren't really swans,'' they argued, predicting a shift in public perception similar to that of superhero comics.
