Why I love the WWE!

Why I love the WWE!
Now, from the title this may seem like a poor attempt at a persuasive essay of a pimply-faced junior high student. I have spent much of my summer tuned into the WWE Network running through numerous WrestleMania Pay-Per-Views, re-plays of Raw, and documentaries of various sports entertainers. I just couldn't get enough!

As I reflected on the reasons why I would be so obsessed over this brand of sports entertainment I realized that there are multiple reasons. Some of them are strictly entertainment, but many are personal reasons. All of these reasons have lead to a summer of growth and reflection.

First off, I would like to point out and discuss the entertainment value of this incredible company. I have been watching WWF/WWE for most of my life. I began watching as a young child. I can remember hearing The Undertaker's iconic entrance music and his memorable backstage interviews. The WWE is known for being able to create some of the most well-known characters in the industry. Characters that would find their way into the hearts of children and adults alike! From touching stories of Ultimate Warrior's determination to Daniel Bryan's "YES!" movement filling stadiums around the world, WWE has continuously shown their connection to all types of people.

Now, being a full grown 28 year old adult watching, I realize what make this brand of entertainment so real to so many people; It's the story of trial and triumph. Throughout years and throughout storylines, on-screen personalities are faced with multiple obstacles that they are forced to overcome. Some of these challenges are fabricated, while some of the them are based on the wrestler's real life drama; all of them are relatable.

That is truly my favorite part!

Recently, my favorite storylines are CM Punk and Chris Jericho's feud from 2012, where Jericho dragged Punk's family through the mud, revealing Punk's family's drug issues. As I watched this tale unfold, my stomach turned realizing that I resonated with CM Punk's story. He is an anomaly. I am an anomaly.

Another great storyline was the ultimate underdog tale of Daniel Bryan. Throughout his career through Ring of Honor and other independent promotions, Bryan was never seen as the top guy of the company, but he always found his way to the top through hard work. His time in WWE was no different. It seems like WWE didn't want Bryan anywhere near the top, especially near the WWE Championship. Both on-screen and off-screen they seemed to do anything they could to keep him down. With The WWE fans, appropriately called the WWE Universe, behind him, Bryan was given a shot at the WWE Championship.

Yet, more recent storylines that have encouraged me is emergents of female wrestlers, such as Sasha Banks, Bayley and Becky Lynch achieving their childhood dreams. On exclusive WWE interviews on the WWE Network, these ladies let us into the secret catacombs of their upbringing as they searched, learned, and trained for a single shot at their dreams. Regardless of the Diva brand that WWE has carried over the years, these phanominal ladies showed that they don't rely on their good looks to survive in this industry. They have proven that they can legitimately handle business in the ring and on the microphone, telling a compelling story also.

I really got behind these storylines for one purpose; they were so authentic. I was able to relate to them and I loved seeing Bryan overcome the multiple obstacles that were intentionally placed in Bryan's way. It was great to root on Bayley as she fought for the NXT Woman's title and fought even harder to retain it. I loved these moments because I've felt that way myself.

Some of the most recent storylines

Too many times we as people deal with trials and tribulations and we prayerfully hope for triumph. Throughout this summer I have dealt with some of the most difficult times in my life and instead of trying to escape my woes through sports entertainment, I found that I was able to relate to these on-screen struggles and in some way I was able to be set on a new course and recover though the stories on the screen. Anytime we can we see a figure that we relate to, whether fiction or factual, pushing through obstacles and overcoming persecution, I believe it helps the average every-day Joe push through their own challenges.

Due to this, I continue to watch WWE Pay-per-views, documentaries and new episodes of Raw and Smackdown. I look forward to seeing the new storylines such as Roman Reigns striving for the WWE Championship; the unveiling of the WWE Woman's Championship Title from the former Divas Title and the multiple feuds and promos that create memorable moments that have entertained us for generations. Often I find myself latching on to and cheering for the entertainers that imspire me to try harder and to do better.