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Are wrestlers obligated to take photos and sign autographs, or should fans leave them alone?
Everyone knows that Vin Diesel is not his character Dominic Toretto. They don't flash their headlights at him if they spot him in traffic for a street race, or attempt to apprehend him for the bounty put out by the fictional equivalent of the FBI.
But while most entertainers have the option of keeping their characters separate from their real personas, wrestlers are often under pressure to keep up their 'act' twenty four hours a day. They must be particularly careful when interacting with fans in public or on social media lest there be a backlash.
On the other hand, if it were not for the fans, the wrestlers would not have employment. Anyone who has ever worked on a set salary instead of hourly knows that you are never really 'off the clock' in those situations and sometimes you have to knuckle up and do your job.
Here are five reasons wrestlers should always make time for fans, and five that those same fans should know when to keep their distance.
Should make time for fans: Building the fanbase that lasts a lifetime
You never know when the random fan you come across will be the one that supports you for the next thirty years of your career.
Ric Flair is quite fond of speaking with fans and always tries to make time to do so. Legends of Ric Flair signing autographs while using a urinal, signing an autograph on a twenty dollar bill, and keeping in character when speaking about his opponents abound.
Every one of those fans has ended up supporting Ric through all of his trials and tribulations.
Fans should back off: Wrestlers are mortal men and women, and get tired, too
Wrestlers are only human beings and have their failings and foibles just like the rest of us.
Sometimes they can be tired, hurt, irritable, or sick. This can make them seem unfriendly or grumpy. However, how many people can truly claim that they are ALWAYS nice and personable regardless of what's happening in their own lives.
If you see a wrestler who is trying to be incognito or seems exhausted perhaps you should leave them alone.
Should make time: Fans effectively sign wrestler's paychecks
Despite the fact that various promotions actually employ the wrestlers, it's the fans who generate their income.
Fans buy merchandise, tickets, tune into PPVs, and generally support the wrestlers financially with their fandom. It's important that wrestlers remember which side their bread is buttered on, and who is wielding the dish; The fans.
Fans should back off: Wrestlers have lives, too
Sasha Banks once had some harsh words for a fan on Twitter, calling him a 'creeper.'
While Sasha was lambasted by the fans for her somewhat rude response, one must remember that Sasha was trying to make a flight and her celebrity status would not help if she were late thanks to Homeland Security.
Maybe Sasha was a tad harsh, but if someone is obviously in a hurry and/or busy--even if they are a famous celebrity--you can always choose to let them be.
Should make time for fans: One bad interaction can last forever.
Unfortunately, in the internet age, if one has a bad interaction with a fan it can be immortalized on the web forever.
It can take weeks, months, or even years to recover from one of these incidents. Wrestlers should hedge their bets, protect their brand name, and try to be nice even to difficult people just because if they don't they could be tried and convicted in the court of public opinion.
Not to mention that their peers will never let them live it down, as seen in the photo of Big E's socks above.
Fans should back off: Wrestlers are big, powerful athletes and when they lose their temper it can go badly
You'd think with stories like Meng biting off a man's nose and Ken Patera hurling boulders through restaurant windows people would more cautiously approach wrestlers in public.
Sometimes conversations can get heated, and mocking or disrespecting a pro wrestler could get you in trouble. Knowing when to keep your distance not only respects the wrestler's privacy, it could keep you out of the hospital!
Should make time for fans: Wrestlers can be inspiring
No celebrity or athlete has EVER made as many Make a Wish appearances as John Cena. the charity organization helps children with terminal diseases meet with their favorite celebrities.
There are numerous stories on the internet of very sick children being inspired by Cena to 'never give up' and actually beat their illnesses. That same logic can apply to everyday people. Pro wrestlers have the power to turn someone's life around just by taking a few minutes of their time and being gracious.
Fans should back off: Wrestlers can be annoyed when you gush over them
Despite their high profile jobs, most wrestlers consider themselves regular people when outside the ring.
Having someone come up and fawn all over you might be an ego boost the first few times, but it quickly becomes annoying and wrestlers struggle to be kind when all they want to do is get away from someone who behaves for all intents and purposes like a stalker.
Should always make time for fans: It's just the decent thing to do
At the end of the day, each of us has a choice about how we make other people feel. Just being rude or unkind can ruin someone's day, or even make them depressed and cause major havoc in their life.
With wrestlers, the responsibility is even greater, because of their high profile and celebrity status. There really is no good reason not to make people feel a little better by donating a few moments of your time for a picture.
Fans should back off: Wrestlers are not 'animals in cages.'
Pro wrestlers might be celebrities, but they aren't sideshow attractions (anymore) or zoo animals.
They're human beings with rights and lives of their own. Insisting or expecting them to take pictures or speak with fans takes away their right to consent, and that's just wrong.
Just because they are paid to entertain the fans doesn't mean they owe the fans their own time.
There you have it; Five reasons wrestlers should strive to be nice and make time for fans, and five why fans should know when to leave them alone. What are your thoughts on this matter? Please comment and let us know, and thanks for reading!
