Culture and Pro-Wrestling.

[~Burning Hitman~]

Professional Wrestling as we have grown to admire isn't the same throughout the globe. So something I was wondering is how it's changed to fit it's culture. It's a very versatile form of entertainment, and ancient at that.

So what I'm asking is pretty much what are the differences in pro-wrestling varying from culture to culture?

Western Culture: The fans are very encouraged to be involved, shout, yell, cheer, boo, put out their hands for a high-five, and bring their own Not to mention their is a greater emphasis on character and story-telling than actual athleticism.

Eastern Culture: The fans are quite different. They sit for a majority of the time, hands on lap or folded, hardly ever any signs brought, they do not engage in many chants, and don't touch the performers.
It may just be the Anthropology major in me, but I find this rather fascinating! Is their a difference I missed?

Also! How did pro-wrestling develop the way it did in their respective country?

Why did Pro-Wrestling in the United States have such an intense focus on character, story-line, and theatrics?
Why did Lucha-Libre luchadors take so much pride in performing in a mask?
Why did Puroresu end up being performed so stiffly?

[the madscotsman]

I think as a westerner that we just like to see a battle between good and evil.
I think that Luchadors like the masks as it gives them a chance to be gods or super heroes. which is why I think the fans take it personally when the wrestlers lose their masks and keep wrestling.
As far as Puroresu goes I think it's down to the fact that they like to view it as more of a sport which means that the wrestlers have to work stiffer and why you'll see a guy rarely win a big match with his finisher.