The Effect of Professional Wrestling and Violence on Society

As the United States develops into an increasingly dangerous place in which to live and attempt to raise children, there are ongoing efforts aimed at understanding the possible link between the rise in popularity of professional wrestling and violent behavior, especially violent behavior in children. The incidence of violence among children is on the rise, and parents continue to claim that there have been significant changes in the behavior of their children after watching professional wrestling on television. If there can be a link established between violent behavior in children and professional wrestling television shows, then the United States will be faced with a major decision concerning how, or even if, such shows should be taken off the air.

The statistics concerning professional wrestling viewership are startling. Five million American households watch up to fifteen hours of professional wrestling every week. At least one million of the viewers are children and 50% of viewers are teen and adult males. Yet, research by respected universities, such as Wake Forest, showing that there is a link between watching professional wrestling and date rape is never mentioned in the media; nor is the fact that teenage girls who watch professional wrestling on television are also more likely to be in physical fights.