The Behind-the-Scenes Truth Behind Sasha Banks' Rib Scar at WrestleMania 37: Separating Fact from Fiction
During their intense match at WrestleMania 37 Day 1, Sasha Banks was subjected to an ominous hair whip delivered by Bianca Belair. The result: a clear and visible mark on Sasha's rib, sparking speculation among fans about its authenticity. Was it a real injury or was it staged for dramatic effect? Exploring the nuances of professional wrestling's practices provides insight into this question.
Understanding the Nature of Sport in Professional Wrestling
Professional wrestling, while often considered entertainment, is a complex blend of athletic performance, storytelling, and showmanship. This genre blurs the lines between reality and performance, leading to frequent discussions about the authenticity of in-ring incidents. Fans and critics alike commonly debate whether certain actions are genuine or if they are exaggerated for better storytelling.
Wrestling Injuries and Makeup
In professional wrestling, injuries and marks are sometimes staged or enhanced using makeup or other techniques to amplify the storytelling aspect of a match. For instance, a minor injury can be emphasized through makeup to appear more severe than it is. This practice ensures that the narrative maintains its impact and enthralls the audience.
Wrestler Safety and Practices
Wrestlers are trained to take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety during matches. Professionals understand that despite the dramatization, legitimate damage can occur, sometimes "very shit happens," as one fan puts it. However, wrestlers often go above and beyond to make the illusion of injury more convincing. As William Regal once stated, his striking method involves hitting opponents with incredible force in safe locations, emphasizing the authenticity of the impact felt.
The Authenticity of Sasha Banks' Rib Scar
At WrestleMania 37 Day 1, the mark on Sasha Banks' rib was very real. Given the nature of the hair whip, it's likely that she genuinely sustained a minor injury. However, as with many in-ring incidents, this mark could have been enhanced with makeup both during and after the match. The in-ring authenticity of a mark is different from its presentation to the audience. The mark itself could have been a natural result of the impact, while its presentation might have been altered for dramatic effect.
Procedures for Managing Injuries in Wrestling
Wrestlers take meticulous care to both diagnose and manage the impact of in-ring injuries. After a match, they closely examine any marks or injuries, ensuring that they are properly treated. For minor injuries like rib marks, these marks might be enhanced with makeup to maintain directorial control and the overall narrative's impact.
Wrestling and the Perception of Authenticity
Professional wrestling's authenticity is not about the lack of effort but about the meticulous attention to detail in creating the illusion of a hard-fought battle. The word "fake" in this context does not imply a lack of effort or reality. Rather, it describes the cooperative performance nature of the sport. It is common for wrestlers to sustain real injuries, as Mick Foley detailed in his renowned book where he described Terry Funk's punches as being delivered with maximal force.
Conclusion
The rib scar on Sasha Banks' body at WrestleMania 37 is a prime example of the blend between reality and performance in professional wrestling. While the scar is real and earned, its presentation might have been enhanced with makeup. Wrestling's authenticity lies in the human element and the skillful art of storytelling, not in the absence of effort or injury. Understanding these nuances helps clear the air around such incidents, allowing fans to appreciate the sport for its unique blend of athleticism and drama.