How Important Was Kayfabe in Older Wrestling?

[kangroo]

Older wrestling went to much greater lengths to keep the line between the wrestler and the character hidden. Fans were not constantly seeing wrestlers behind the scenes on social media. How much did kayfabe add to the excitement of following wrestling?

[Jasmine]

Kayfabe was a huge part of older wrestling since it made matches and rivalries feel more believable. Wrestlers stayed in character outside the ring, and fans weren’t constantly seeing behind-the-scenes footage online. That separation created more mystery around wrestling and made betrayals, rivalries, and championship matches feel much more meaningful.

[DevD]

Kayfabe was a huge part of what made older wrestling feel believable. Fans were encouraged to see rivalries, friendships, and championships as real rather than carefully planned entertainment. Wrestlers protected that illusion outside the ring too, which made major betrayals and title changes feel much more meaningful when they happened.