The story told in a pro wrestling match is often about who is in possession of the body. Many matches are a symbolic battle for control of the suffering wrestler. It is often implied that the helpless man is held against his will, imprisoned in the ring, enslaved by the dominant wrestler.
Your body is your property, right? A pro wrestler certainly asserts ownership of his flesh: by sculpting his physique into a specific shape and size (i.e., by ordering his body into compliance); by marking his skin with tattoos according to his own specifications; by wearing clothing with his name or initials, which puts the mark of identity on himself.
At the start of every match, the wrestler is firmly in control of his body.
But soon after the bell rings, the other wrestler asserts physical control — grabbing and twisting the man’s limbs; forcing him to bend into mandatory, uncomfortable positions; disciplining the compliant man, through punishment, to become obedient and to “submit”.
The heroic wrestler’s illusions of self-control and autonomy are shattered when he becomes nothing more than putty in his sadistic opponent’s hands — physically expressing his submissiveness by falling to his knees or bending to the other man’s will.
Many of the holds and scenarios in the wrestling ring are intended to highlight and emphasize this shift in control — this handing over of one’s body to the mastery of the other man. It’s like a form of modern slavery.
For example, some wrestlers become trapped in the ropes, their arms tied back as if they’ve been restrained. The dominant wrestler has taken ownership of the helpless victim, controlling when he will be permitted to escape and avoid further torture.
Pro wrestling often portrays a man no longer in control of his own body and destiny. Being lifted off one’s feet, thrown against one’s will, tossed back into the ring by the hair, represents abduction or being arrested. What is a pro wrestling match but the use of force, deception, and the abuse of power for purposes of exploitation??
The helpless victim will then play up his enslaved position, falling limp and defenseless onto the mat, being lifted and carried like a possession, kneeling submissively before the other man. These poses convey to the viewer that the wrestler has been mastered, has given away his power and his right to autonomy to a superior athlete. He is “getting owned” right before our eyes.
