Professional wrestling, particularly WWE, is a theatrical spectacle that blends athleticism, storytelling, and showmanship. One of the most visually impactful, and often debated, elements is the use of weapons, most notably the steel chair. While the chair shots appear brutal, a complex and carefully orchestrated process is employed to minimize the risk of serious injury. This article will delve into the techniques and secrets behind faking chair shots in WWE, exploring the safety measures, performance skills, and ethical considerations involved.
The Anatomy of a “Steel” Chair
The term “steel chair” is somewhat misleading. While the chairs used in WWE events are indeed made of metal, they are typically specially designed to be lighter and more pliable than ordinary chairs. This modification is crucial for reducing the force of impact and preventing severe injuries.
The chairs are often constructed with thinner gauge steel, meaning the metal is not as thick or rigid. This allows the chair to bend and deform more easily upon impact, absorbing some of the energy and reducing the potential for trauma. Furthermore, the welding points are sometimes weakened intentionally, encouraging the chair to break apart rather than transferring the full force to the wrestler’s body.
Padding is rarely added directly to the chair itself, as this would be easily visible and detract from the visual impact. Instead, the wrestlers rely on other techniques to protect themselves.
Mastering the Technique: Protecting Themselves
Wrestlers are highly trained athletes who spend years honing their skills in the ring. Faking chair shots is just one aspect of their broader repertoire of performance techniques. Several key elements contribute to the illusion of a devastating blow.
The Angle of Attack
The angle at which the chair is swung plays a crucial role in minimizing impact. Wrestlers are trained to swing the chair in a way that maximizes the visual effect while minimizing the actual force applied. This often involves striking the back or shoulder at a slightly oblique angle, rather than hitting directly on the head or spine.
The target area is also important. Wrestlers typically aim for the upper back or shoulder muscles, which are better able to absorb the impact than more vulnerable areas like the head, neck, or spine.
The “Bouncing” Effect
One of the most common techniques is to create a “bouncing” effect. This involves swinging the chair in a way that causes it to glance off the target area rather than making solid contact. The wrestler receiving the chair shot will often assist by arching their back or slightly moving their head to create the illusion of a more forceful impact.
The sound of the chair hitting the body is amplified by the arena’s sound system, further enhancing the realism of the moment. However, the actual force of the blow is significantly reduced by the bouncing technique.
Communication and Trust
The execution of a believable chair shot requires a high degree of communication and trust between the wrestlers involved. They must be able to anticipate each other’s movements and coordinate their actions precisely.
Visual cues and subtle signals are often used to ensure that the chair shot is delivered safely and effectively. The wrestler delivering the chair shot will typically make eye contact with their opponent and adjust their swing based on their partner’s positioning.
The level of trust between the wrestlers is paramount. They must be confident that their partner will protect them from harm and execute the move safely. This trust is built over years of training and working together.
The Art of Selling
Selling is the art of reacting to a wrestling move in a believable way. Wrestlers must be able to convey the pain and impact of a chair shot, even if the actual force of the blow is minimal.
This involves a combination of physical and emotional acting. Wrestlers will often writhe in pain, clutch the affected area, and display facial expressions that convey agony. They may also stagger around the ring or collapse to the mat, further enhancing the illusion of a devastating injury.
The skill of selling is crucial for maintaining the audience’s suspension of disbelief. Without believable selling, even the most impressive-looking chair shot will fail to have the desired impact.
The Role of Referees and Production
Referees play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the wrestlers during matches. They are trained to monitor the wrestlers’ condition and to intervene if they believe that someone is in danger.
When it comes to chair shots, referees are responsible for ensuring that the move is executed safely and that the wrestlers are not taking unnecessary risks. They may also communicate with the wrestlers during the match to provide guidance and ensure that they are adhering to the agreed-upon plan.
The production team also plays a vital role in creating the illusion of a believable chair shot. Camera angles, lighting, and sound effects are all used to enhance the visual impact of the move.
Close-up shots can make the impact appear more brutal, while slow-motion replays can highlight the drama of the moment. The sound of the chair hitting the body is amplified by the arena’s sound system, further enhancing the realism of the moment.
Ethical Considerations and Safety Protocols
The use of chair shots in professional wrestling has been the subject of much debate. While the techniques described above are designed to minimize the risk of injury, there is always a potential for harm.
Concussions, cuts, and bruises are common injuries in professional wrestling, and chair shots can increase the risk of these injuries. In some cases, more serious injuries, such as broken bones or spinal damage, can occur.
In recent years, WWE has taken steps to reduce the risk of injury associated with chair shots. Stricter guidelines have been implemented regarding the use of chairs as weapons, and wrestlers are now encouraged to use alternative methods of storytelling.
The company also provides comprehensive medical care for its wrestlers, including access to top-notch doctors and trainers. This helps to ensure that any injuries are treated promptly and effectively.
The Evolution of Chair Shots in WWE
The portrayal of chair shots has evolved considerably over the years, reflecting changes in audience expectations and a growing awareness of the risks involved.
In the past, chair shots were often depicted as brutal and unsparing, with wrestlers taking multiple unprotected blows to the head. This style of wrestling was popular during the “Attitude Era” of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
However, as the long-term effects of concussions and head trauma became better understood, WWE began to phase out the use of unprotected head shots. The company implemented a “no head shots” policy, which prohibited wrestlers from intentionally striking each other in the head with a chair.
This policy has helped to reduce the risk of serious injuries, but it has also changed the way that chair shots are portrayed in WWE. Today, chair shots are typically used sparingly and are often delivered to the back or shoulder, rather than the head. The focus is now on creating a dramatic moment while minimizing the risk of harm.
The Performance Aspect
While safety is paramount, the performance aspect of chair shots is equally important. Wrestlers must be able to deliver and receive chair shots in a way that is both believable and entertaining.
This requires a high degree of athleticism, coordination, and timing. Wrestlers must be able to move quickly and gracefully, even when they are being “attacked” with a chair. They must also be able to sell the impact of the chair shot in a convincing way.
The best wrestlers are able to combine these skills to create a truly memorable moment. They can make the audience believe that they are in real danger, even though they are actually taking steps to protect themselves.
Conclusion: The Illusion Persists
Faking chair shots in WWE is a complex and multifaceted process that involves a combination of specialized equipment, performance skills, and safety protocols. While the techniques described above are designed to minimize the risk of injury, there is always a potential for harm.
WWE has taken steps to reduce the risk of injury associated with chair shots, and the company continues to evolve its approach to this controversial element of professional wrestling. Ultimately, the goal is to create a dramatic and entertaining spectacle while ensuring the safety and well-being of the performers. The art of illusion is carefully maintained to keep the audience invested in the story being told in the ring.
How does WWE create the sound effect of a chair shot if the chair isn’t hitting the head directly?
The sound of a chair shot is often enhanced through a combination of techniques. Microphones strategically placed around the ring, particularly near the point of impact, pick up the amplified sounds of the chair striking a protected area, like the shoulder or back. These sounds are then processed and boosted during the live broadcast and subsequent replays to create a more impactful and dramatic auditory experience.
Adding to the illusion, sound effects technicians often use pre-recorded sound bites of chair shots to augment the real sound. These pre-recorded sounds are mixed with the live audio, carefully timed to coincide with the visual impact, further fooling the audience into believing a direct and forceful blow to the head occurred. This layered approach contributes significantly to the perceived violence and realism of the match.
What kind of chairs are typically used in WWE matches to minimize the risk of injury?
WWE typically utilizes chairs that are thinner and lighter than ordinary metal chairs. These chairs are often constructed from a softer, more pliable metal alloy, designed to buckle and bend upon impact. This deformation absorbs some of the force, reducing the potential for serious injury to the wrestlers involved in the stunt.
Furthermore, these chairs may have been subtly altered to make them even more forgiving. For example, parts of the chair can be scored to make them bend more easily. Despite these modifications, wrestlers still experience considerable discomfort, which is why precise timing and cooperation are crucial elements of performing a believable and safe chair shot.
How do wrestlers protect themselves during a chair shot to the head?
Wrestlers typically employ several techniques to minimize the impact of a chair shot to the head. The most crucial element is the precise positioning of the chair and the wrestler’s hands. The receiving wrestler often raises their arms slightly to create a small gap between their head and the chair, allowing them to brace for the impact and absorb some of the force.
Additionally, wrestlers rely on their training and experience to “sell” the impact convincingly while minimizing the actual contact. They instinctively tense their neck muscles to reduce whiplash and use their body language to convey the appearance of pain and disorientation, further enhancing the illusion for the audience.
What role does timing and coordination play in faking a chair shot?
Timing and coordination are paramount to successfully faking a chair shot in WWE. Wrestlers must meticulously practice and rehearse the sequence of movements, ensuring that the chair appears to connect with the head or body at precisely the right moment. Even a slight miscalculation can disrupt the illusion and expose the technique.
The wrestler delivering the chair shot needs to control their swing, deliberately pulling back slightly to reduce the force of impact. The receiving wrestler must simultaneously react appropriately, convincingly selling the effect of the blow while minimizing actual contact. This synchronicity is essential for maintaining the realism of the performance.
Why did WWE ban chair shots to the head and what are the alternative moves used instead?
WWE banned unprotected chair shots to the head primarily due to concerns about long-term neurological damage and the well-being of its performers. Mounting evidence linking concussions and repetitive head trauma to conditions such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) prompted the company to prioritize wrestler safety and mitigate potential legal liabilities.
In place of direct head shots, WWE now encourages wrestlers to utilize alternative moves that simulate the visual impact without the same level of risk. These include striking the back, shoulders, or thighs with the chair, or using the chair as a prop for other offensive maneuvers such as chair-assisted slams or throws. These moves create the appearance of violence while reducing the risk of serious injury.
How has the audience’s perception of chair shots changed since the ban on headshots?
Initially, some fans were critical of the ban on chair shots to the head, arguing that it diluted the intensity and realism of WWE matches. However, over time, audiences have largely adapted to the change, recognizing the importance of wrestler safety and appreciating the creativity involved in creating believable alternatives.
Furthermore, WWE has become more adept at using camera angles, sound effects, and wrestler performances to maintain the illusion of impactful violence. While the absence of direct headshots is noticeable to some, the overall entertainment value and dramatic storytelling remain intact, demonstrating a successful evolution in wrestling presentation.
Besides chairs, what other weapons or props are commonly “faked” in WWE matches, and how?
Beyond chairs, numerous other weapons and props are commonly faked in WWE matches to enhance the drama and spectacle. Tables, for instance, are often pre-weakened or constructed from softer wood to ensure they break more easily upon impact, minimizing the risk of serious injury. Similarly, ladders used in ladder matches are designed with reinforced rungs and bases to provide stability, while still allowing for dramatic falls and collapses.
Steel steps are typically made of a lighter metal or even reinforced plastic to lessen the impact when wrestlers are thrown onto or into them. The key is to use materials that look dangerous but are designed to deform or break relatively easily under controlled circumstances, allowing wrestlers to execute visually impressive moves while minimizing the potential for harm.