Professional wrestling might just become a thing of the past as WWE wrestlers are reportedly considering joining the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strike. The move has left fans and wrestling fanatics scratching their heads in confusion wondering if this is yet another publicity stunt or if these wrestlers are really trying to add acting to their already long list of talents.
Sources say that SAG-AFTRA has been in contract negotiations with video game developers since 2015. The union wants better pay, safer working conditions, and the right to know what video game their voice is being used in. Voice actors who are part of SAG-AFTRA went on strike in October 2016 and it has been a never-ending struggle since. Now, SAG-AFTRA is reportedly trying to bring WWE wrestlers on board with their cause as they too are considered “performers” in the entertainment industry.
WWE wrestlers, known for their scripted fights and acted out storylines, have been quick to jump on this bandwagon. One wrestler, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “We have been performing for so long, it is only natural that we want our voices to be heard and demand the wages we think we deserve. We might fake a lot of things in the ring, but when it comes to our wallet, we are dead serious.”
Another wrestler stated that SAG-AFTRA has opened their eyes to the different types of performances they do and how much they should be compensated for them. “We jump off cages, dive headfirst into tables, and put our bodies through a lot of physical tortures. I’m sure that’s worth at least a few extra zeroes in our paychecks,” he said.
Wrestling fans, however, are not as supportive of the wrestlers’ stance. Many believe that professional wrestling is not “real acting” and that wrestlers are simply trying to get more money for doing something they already love. Some even go so far as to say that wrestlers are just “glorified stuntmen” and not real actors.
WWE fans are also worried about how this will affect the future of wrestling as a whole. With the possibility of SAG-AFTRA getting involved, the industry might become even more scripted than it already is. Fans love the unpredictability and excitement that comes with watching a live wrestling match, but that could all change if SAG-AFTRA steps in.
On the flip side, wrestling superstars joining forces with SAG-AFTRA could also mean more crossover opportunities for them. Fans might see their favorite wrestlers in Hollywood blockbusters or video games, and wrestlers might finally get the recognition they feel they deserve as actors.
Only time will tell how this pans out. For now, fans will have to wait for more news to come out about WWE wrestlers potentially joining the SAG-AFTRA strike. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is for sure: WWE wrestlers are not holding back and will do whatever it takes to get what they want.
