Professional Wrestling audiences have soared in the last two years. It's
the most watched program on cable television.
But wrestling's also attracted a growing number of critics, who question
whether the adult themes are appropriate for millions of young viewers.
News Specialist Nadine Wimmer reports.
A wrestler says, "You'd better be careful." And that could well be a warning to
parents, not his opponents.
These wrestling events aren't just about sport.
New university research shows a two-hour match actually devotes only 36
minutes to wrestling.
A lurid crotch gesture was on display about eight times every half hour.
There were on average 2 episodes of suggested sexual activity, and 6
incidents in which wrestlers used tables, chairs and other objects to help beat
each other.
Add to it, a heavy dose of obsene gestures and even references to human
sacrifice.
Professor Walter Gantz, of Indiana University, says, "Adults don't know what's
on this show. And they're suprised when they hear about it."
Wendy Rendon is a parent. She says, "Sometimes the language is quite bad. Some
of their actions, their hand movements I just don't approve of."
It's not just causing problems at home, but at school, where kids mimic
what they see on the screen and try it on other kids or teachers.
Wrestling fan Murray McGuire told us, "I gave Joel Combs a Stone Cold Stoner
and I got caught by a teacher. They threatened to suspend me if I did it
again."
Professor Gantz explains, "It may be that they're imitating some of the
gestures that they're picking up on some of the slogans that are being used.
And in some cases, the young kids have no idea that for others, this may be
offensive."
To get a response from inside the ring, we asked kids for their
favorite wrestler.
"The one I like is Stone Cold."
"Stone Cold, yeah, Stone Cold."
Stone Cold Steve Austin makes no apologies.
"You have to raise your own kids. The Wrestling Federation is not going to
raise your kids. We're here for entertainment... We're kicking ___ in the
ratings and that's what it's all about," he says.
But even this 255 pound television tough guy admits some of the content
makes him cringe.
Professor Gantz sayd, "It's critical for a parent to watch with a child."
