The Failed State of Wrestling Journalism
Pictured: A failed journalist Photo via @Observerinthe90s Journalism in pro wrestling has never had a high reputation. While its model of anonymous source reporting is unfairly maligned, as it is the basis of all journalism, the subjects of reporting, read, promoters and bookers, have unprecedented power to change plan on whims, discrediting reports and reporters. In an industry not helmed by legit crazy people, this would not be a problem, but when the most notable promoter is less a human and more a caricature of a paranoid robber baron, it sets a poor example for the industry. Accuracy in reporting in an industry such as this can be forgiven because of this atmosphere, even if many journalists in this field never really figured out how to adapt to the landscape. However, the function of a healthy fourth estate is dual in nature. It reports the news and it speaks truth to power, acting as an adversarial entity towards the influential and lucrative entities for the benefit of tho...