This is what a professional wrestling script looks like from the WWE
WE’VE all suspected it for years, and now we have the proof. Professional wrestling is staged. But, importantly, not everything is fake.
WE’VE all suspected it for years, and now we have the proof: professional wrestling is staged.
But, importantly, not everything is fake.
Below you will find a nearly complete script from the April 14 edition of WWE Monday Night Raw, which was leaked on social media.
And it’s rather interesting.
Everything right down to the commercials that will lead in to the action is noted down.
As for the action itself, each match-up has its own producer, strict timeframe and pre-determined victor.
But while the outcome is known - and that’s a big deal - the actual wrestling is still improvised.
Certain moves will be pre-determined but the flow of the matches is up to the discretion of the wrestlers.
They just have to make sure they finish on time.
As for the performances before the matches - the long speeches and taunts and crosses backstage - that’s all scripted.
The wrestlers are, however, encouraged to ad-lib as well to help add to the character’s authenticity.
The scripts are seen only as a guide.
Another interesting aspect of the leaked script is the checklist and specifically the inclusion of a “Holy SH!T!” moment that the wrestlers need to make sure they provide, along with a “big stunt” and “big finish/cliffhanger”.