The Sad Truth Is That Hardcore Wrestling Will Never Be Mainstream Again

Wrestling is one of those things that is so hotly debated because most of what people discuss comes down to a matter of opinion.

Some fans like the bloody hardcore style of wrestling, while others like the over-the-top WWE style. And others still enjoy the more pure, mat-based wrestling.

One thing we need to accept as wrestling fans is that hardcore wrestling will never be mainstream again. This is not a bad thing, though.

While I understand the desire for certain fans to see their favorite wrestlers bleed all over the place, it adds to the suspense of the match and the story.

This will no longer be the norm, as there are more safe guards in place these days to prevent this kind of wrestling from being center stage as well as protect the well-being of wrestlers.

The elimination of this style from major promotions will not mean the elimination of certain hardcore matches.

We will still see plenty of weapons, but wrestlers will no longer be getting chair shots to the head or cutting themselves with a razor blade.

All of this is in the best interest of the wrestlers in the long run. Just look at some of the guys who have been praised as the best hardcore wrestlers.

Terry Funk and Mick Foley both have numerous issues related to their hardcore years with ECW and beyond.

Other guys like Sabu and Balls Mahoney look as if their foreheads have been ran over a cheese grater because they have cut themselves so many times for the sake of the match.

It is no surprise that most of the ECW roster from the original incarnation have major health issues related to how they performed.

Sure, they did it for the fans, but as fans we should want them to be around for as long as their bodies can take it, and then bow out and take care of themselves.

Ric Flair is another wrestler whose years of blading have taken a toll on his face and forehead. I am shocked sometimes that his hair has not become permanently blood red after how many times he has had his head covered in blood.

Triple H has also done his fair share of blading, but he did not do it as much and as a result, he has not had as many long-term effects.

Another factor in why hardcore wrestling will never be the main attraction again is the increased number of Hep C cases among wrestlers in recent years.

Sean Waltman is an example of someone whose career has suffered as a result of him contracting Hep C. Abdullah the Butcher is another whose name is synonymous with the disease as well.

Chris Nowinski is also making sure that wrestlers are getting proper treatment for concussions as well as preventative testing to ensure they are safe even when they don't think they have an issue.

All these factors lead to one undeniable truth—hardcore wrestling will never be mainstream again. It will continue to be something smaller brands use as a way to get more fans in the door, but WWE does not need to rely on these tactics, and they are a better company for it.