Bleacher Report - Articles by Jordan Basenback

Chair Shots and Ladder Matches: The Role of Violence in Pro Wrestling

Jordan Basenback — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 06:23:57 -0400

Professional wrestling affects behavior both unintentionally and intentionally; viewers believe in the reality of the scripted movements and therefore emulate their heroes.

Such belief in the reality of actions expressed on the professional wrestling broadcasts represents an opportunity to misunderstand the violence portrayed by wrestlers on RAW, Smackdown, and other professional wrestling television programs.

The most obvious knock against professional wrestling in the industry’s role in television violence is the thought by many that wrestling is savage.

Many scholars have condemned professional wrestling, “for lacking any human dignity in its portrayal of violence and for fostering fighting among impressionable youth.” (Tamborini 2).

Scholars are not the only ones who feel this way as professional wrestling in all forms have been routinely condemned by many other fields, most of whom have never actually watched the programming that World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) or other promotions such as Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling (TNA) have put on television.

In a 2002 professional study on the violence in professional wrestling, the researchers studied 10 hours of WWE programming, including both the company’s RAW and Smackdown programs.

At the conclusion of the study, the researchers stated that all past studies on professional wrestling violence had failed in that the researchers, for the 2002 study “[knew] little about the manner in which it [professional wrestling] portrays violence” (Tamborini 2).

The fact that all researchers, including the writers of the 2002 study, are missing is that the world of professional wrestling is that of scripted storylines and of sports fiction. The violence that just the casual fan or critic of the sport sees is a “fight” that was weeks or months in the making.

Such ignorance of such intricacies of professional wrestling culture, such as seeing violence and assuming that the wrestlers and the fans are savage because of the media’s outdated views on the over-the-top, bloody sport, partaken by overweight and out-of-shape men that many remember from the 1980’s, increase, in critics' minds, the amount of violence found on WWE programming.

In addition, to a vastly overexaggerated view of wrestling violence by many in the media and various conservative parent groups and civilians, the fact remains that comparative violence on nationally broadcast network television shows are worse in the percentage of violence shown.

The scholarly study referenced before also stated, “The results [of the study] showed that 16 percent of violent interactions in wrestling result in unrealistic harm, compared to 24 percent in … [network television] primetime programs…” (Tamborini 14).

This statistic contradicts common American feelings on professional wrestling, where wrestling is in fact less violent then primetime network programs which are on at the same time as WWE and other wrestling programs, but escape most of the ire that parental groups put on the WWE and other related professional wrestling organizations.

These parental groups have routinely demanded that professional wrestling, and most notably WWE, be forced to decrease not only the violence on the company’s programs, but the language on the programs.

“[T]he Parents Television Council (PTC) has ranked WWE programming among the worst shows on… television… [because WWE is] too violent for family hour” (Tamborini 2).

The problem with the Parents Television Council condemnation is that the primary offender for professional wrestling violence, WWE’s RAW, comes on at 9 o’clock at night on Monday night, which is traditionally a school night and a time at which adult programs with “non-kid friendly” content are shown.

The fact that RAW is shown at 9 then contradicts the notion, by the PTC, that family hour and WWE programming coincide. The PTC is not the only parenting group that has condemned the WWE, as there have been countless others, but a common theme within the parent groups is that the WWE has to do something about kids watching the WWE’s TV-14 rated shows.

The parents have taken the responsibility, off of each parent, in choosing what their children watch, and have put the blame of changing their programming on the WWE, which is not geared toward children based on the language, violence, and sexual nature of the RAW program.

Monitoring one’s own children in what they are watching and what they are doing is central to being a good parent. Nothing makes this point more clear than the news of the deaths of a “9 year old from North Carolina and 6 year old from Florida… [from trying to] imitat[e] wrestling moves,” seen on WWE programming (Tamborini 15).

Without the presence of WWE programming in these homes, or with the presence of discussions on what is acceptable or not in society, and what is safe and what is unsafe, it is likely these two boys would not have perished.

It also should be noted that RAW is rated TV-14, which means that any child under 14 years of age should not be watching the program the children who died, from attempting maneuvers that they witnessed on television, were less than 14 years of age, and was therefore not the target audience the WWE was aiming for.

Though, the deaths of the 9 and 6 year olds were tragedies, the WWE should not be blamed because both WWE’s RAW and Smackdown are marketed for adult males given the violence, sexual content, and the time at which RAW is shown, 9 o’clock.

Given that the target audience is adult males, and the rating is TV-14 it is the responsibility of the parent to censor WWE programming by turning the show off.

Many aspects are combined in the effects of violence in professional wrestling on the general public. The views of wrestling by those who watch and do not watch greatly differ in the audience’s views on professional wrestling.

The fact that professional wrestling has more violence then that of other primetime programs is true. It is the still the responsibility of the parent; however, to monitor and converse about what their child is watching.

Monitoring what children watch will lessen the chances of the emulation of inappropriate trademarks, wrestling maneuvers, and suggestive actions between the children that watch the mature programming of professional wrestling.

Who are the Future WWE Hall of Famers?

Jordan Basenback — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:05:29 -0400

Sure, there's still time for things to change and develop as current WWE superstars develop and continue their careers, but will they end up with the ultimate sign of respect?

Of course I'm talking about the WWE Hall of Fame. Who will be there in the future?

Looking over it now, here's a list of who I think will be there down the road.

1. HHH

He's a 12-time World Champion, and he's married to the daughter of the guy who decides it all. Do I need to say anymore?

2. Shawn Michaels

He's won at every level, he's the showstopper, the main-eventer, he can do almost any match, and his size has nothing to do with it. He's the defining wrestler of his generation, and could be at the top of a lot of lists for the greatest of all time.

3. The Undertaker

He's the most intimidating wrestler is out there today, and in a lot of minds ever. He's one of the best actors, technicians, and entertainers that the WWE has ever seen. Stats wise, he's a six-time world champ, and has an undefeated streak of 16-0. The Undertaker reeks of Hall of Fame all over him.

4. Edge

The man is still young enough to wrestle 5-10 more years and is without a doubt the best heel of his generation. He's a 12-time tag team champ and a five-time world champ. The list is going to grow too. He's led stables, shows, and was the 2001 King of the Ring winner. Edge is the defining wrestler of this era (2003-Present).

5. Chris Jericho

He has the best mic skills out of all these men and is one of the most sustaining forces. Has not won as much as the others because of his size, but is definitely a defining force in the last 10 years of the WWE.

6. The Hardy Boyz

They might still make it in as singles wrestlers, as there is still a lot more time to go. But how can they not be linked together after being one of the best tag teams of all time, and certainly one of the most popular.

Team Xtreme won seven tag team titles together and both Matt and Jeff are on their ways to making even stronger singles careers.

7. Mick Foley

The best hardcore wrestler ever in the WWE, Mick Foley was a lot more then that as he was a successful world champ and dynamic personality during the Attitude Era and beyond.

8. John Cena

Say what you will about his pure wrestling skills, but the man is popular in most demographics: you know, children, women, and those men who empathize with Marky Mark, and is the biggest media force in the company right now. Let alone the fact that he's won three WWE titles with a lot more to come.

9. Randy Orton

Next to Edge, is the best heel right now in the WWE. He is so psychotic and wins many titles. Will be a force for the next 10-15 years.

10. JBL

I don't like him as a wrestler now, but he was very good about 5 years ago. He's tight with McMahon and sadly that's how he picks some inductees (see Randy Savage, whom he's not tight with).

Many more from the Attitude Era will get in, but this list was for current wrestlers only.

Cleveland Browns' Derek Anderson: To Bench or Not to Bench-that is the Question.

Jordan Basenback — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:08:00 -0400

My, how one month changes everything. It was one month ago that the Browns were a competing team for the AFC North crown. One month ago, playoff football and late-January pro football seemed inevitable, and one month ago that Derek Anderson and the rest of the high-flying offense witnessed last year, were considered the saviors of Browns football.

Now, after four games of inconsistent and "pitiful" play Derek Anderson is considered a bum and now many fans and media are calling for his head. Is he really to blame though? I mean is he doing the blocking? Is he catching the balls? Does he have to give Kellen Winslow duct tape too, so when he gets popped he doesn't give up the ball?

Granted, Anderson hasn't been the best this season, but neither has Schaeffer, Hadnot, Edwards and a lot of offensive players which were integral to the success of the Browns last year.

Has Derek Anderson thrown bad interceptions this year? Yes, but are all of his seven interceptions his fault? No, and has Braylon Edwards played like he is capable of doing? Hell no. In the first three games this season the fourth year receiver had five catches and five drops along with other passes thrown his way which could have been caught if he had been more aggressive.

I would also like to know, how having Brady Quinn out there will make things 100 times better then the quarterback that lead us to 10 wins last year 2.5 times the amount of wins of the 2006 season. If Quinn were to be the starter he would go through the normal "rookie" syndrome of missing receivers and depending heavily on Kellen Winslow and other slot receivers.

Braylon Edwards would again be unhappy because he wouldn't be getting the amount of touches he was getting under the tutelage of Derek Anderson, who can make the deep throw.

Now, does Anderson need to get better in the pocket, on decision making, and shorter routes such as screens and dump offs? Of course, but he already has a big enough base to get the ball out there to the playmakers. When he has time, unlike when the O-line had injuries and he looked terrible in the Baltimore game, he is one of the top 10 quarterbacks in the game.

The Cincinnati game this week was really a turning point as D.A. got his confidence back in the second half. Sure, he only had about 150 yards and the game wasn't pretty, but every little step helps.

If every little bump in the world scared everyone in Professional football some of the NFL's greatest dynasty's would not have occurred like the '90s Cowboys and '60s Packers. Living in Cleveland, you should know that not everything is going to go your way all the time.

So, I really question the fandom of some who call for the head of a man that gave you so much joy as he beat the Seahawks last year, or the pain of losing to the Bengals, or gave you the knowledge that every game the Browns played in could be won last year.

I know that for me, Derek Anderson will never die in my mind for the year he had last year and even though he's had a few bumps he could bring it back to us if we give him the chance.

-Jordan Basenback

The WWE Blue Chippers

Jordan Basenback — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:44:30 -0400

Within the WWE there are several up and comers that begin to be noticed by the fans and management that may one day lead to major pushes within the company. Through this article I will go over a few wrasslers that I believe are making major strides and may within the next year or two get in major angles or championship pushes.

The Miz

Well I think it's pretty evident that the former "Real Worlder" has gone from someone that read his lines for the Divas contest on the back of his hand and someone that was gonna check your reality into a full on "Chick Magnet" and someone that is in one of the best tag teams of this era. I was really hoping that both him and Morrison would be traded to RAW this year, but I guess a main event slot on ECW is good enough for now. He's sold his character to the fans and has worked very hard at his craft to the point where many now accept and respect him as a main stay in the WWE. I see him as a future Intercontinental Champ and could rise even higher if he gets more over with the fans and progresses his character more.

John Morrison

He's got the acrobatic exciting moves that has good 'ol J.R. saying that John reminds him of a young Shawn Michaels. With his ability and athleticism in using the ropes i'd say he's more of a combo of Shawn and Chris Jericho and with time and the hard work he puts in he could be at the main event level on RAW or Smackdown in a year or two. I think a Y2J-Morrison feud would be killer or even a Shawn Michaels- Morrison feud would be cool too.

Evan Bourne

Look he lacks some size, but with his skills it doesn't matter. Anyone who's been watching ECW in the past few months can see how exciting this guy is. He brings something new to the table each week and escapes almost unscathed after the opponent realizes what just happened. He's starting to get bigger and bigger pops on ECW and after a few great feuds could insert himself on the ECW main event level. (I know great accomplishment.) But in a few years he's also a mid-level guy on RAW, and is the next Jeff Hardy or Rey Mysterio.

Kofi Kingston

He's unconventional and it works, he's gotten a push for it too, in 8 months he went from squashing James Curtis in his debut to winning the Intercontinental Championship and having a match at Summer Slam. He will be bigger once he gets more feuds and angles under his belt he will get more championships.

Vladamir Kozlov

He straight up destroys people and is getting heat when he does it, I think his size and persona in the ring will be too much for Vince to pass up. I mean if Khali's gotten like 5 pushes toward gold then why shouldn't someone that can wrestle and doesn't look like a total dope in the ring.

Paul Burchill

He's got good size and charisma and it doesn't hurt that his "sister" is pretty hot, oh yeah, and he's frickin powerful and gets good heat for being a rich goon. He'll be a world champ someday and should have been on the card this year against Kofi Kingston. Even though Santino's the funniest and one of the most entertaining superstar in the WWE.

The Brian Kendrick

His heel turn has put him on a course for mid level championship in the next year. I think he'll be in the Money in the Bank next year but not win it i.e) John Morrison this year. His bodyguard Zeke has also taken away concerns with height and is already a better figure in wrestling then Bam.

Written By. Jordan Basenback