Why Reality TV Is the New Pro Wrestling

1971

Have you ever considered the uncanny similarities between the divas of reality TV and the stars of professional wrestling? Think about it. The manufactured rivalries and fistfights? The outlandish costumes? The unbridled egos, the double-crossed friendships, the sexual intrigue? We prove our point:

1. Showmanship

 
Former Miss USA Kenya Moore of The Real Housewives of Atlanta created a parody video with cartoonish depictions of her costars. On his TV show, Rowdy Roddy Piper mocked rival Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka’s Fijian heritage by smashing a coconut on his head. 


2. Redneck

 
Honey Boo Boo’s drawl is so thick that TLC uses subtitles. The tyke once said her secret wrestling move would be tossing a fart.  Hillbilly Jim wore overalls, hailed from “Mudlick,” Kentucky, and was a regular on Hee Haw.


3. Insults

 
Quad from Married to Medicine held up signs with words like “delusional” and “fraud” to dis costars during season one’s reunion show.  Nature Boy Ric Flair once gave opponent Ricky Morton a training bra, implying his rival was a youngster who still dated teenage girls.


4. Vulgarity

 
Joseline Hernandez from Love & Hip Hop Atlanta sparred with a DJ who accused her of being a man. Most responses were bleeped.  Stone Cold Steve Austin’s signature gesture is raising his middle fingers.


5. Big Hair

 
Meet mother and daughters
Virginia, Harvin, and Meyer from Big Rich Atlanta—their platinum-blond hairstyles make Kim Zolciak’s mane look like a neat bob.
  Hulk Hogan is known for his similarly bleached locks and Fu Manchu mustache.


6. Domination

 
NeNe Leakes, the undisputed queen of RHOA, has leveraged her outsized personality into roles on many shows, including her own,
 I Dream of NeNe.
  The Fabulous Moolah, aka Mary Lillian Ellison, was the women’s champ for nearly thirty years. In one match, Cyndi Lauper hit her over the head with a purse.
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