What is the difference between the AWA wrestling toys and the WWF wrestling toys that Mace played with as a kid? How do these two kinds of toys relate to how professional wrestling works?
In Kristoffer Diaz's The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity, the difference between the AWA wrestling toys and the WWF wrestling toys that Mace played with as a kid is that AWA toys were for a smaller wrestling organization, whereas the WWF toys were for a larger and more well-known one.
In professional wrestling, wrestlers work together to put on a show that entertains the audience. The performers take on larger-than-life personas and compete in staged matches that are often predetermined. The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity examines the spectacle of professional wrestling and how it is a form of theater and storytelling rather than a legitimate sport.
Mace, one of the characters in the play, is a former wrestler who played with wrestling toys as a kid. The toys he played with were WWF wrestling toys, which were for a larger and more well-known wrestling organization. This reflects the idea that the WWF was more mainstream and popular than the AWA, which was a smaller wrestling organization.
The AWA wrestling toys, on the other hand, were for a smaller wrestling organization, and this reflects the idea that the AWA was less well-known and popular than the WWF. The difference between the two types of toys thus relates to the idea of how professional wrestling works. Just as there are different wrestling organizations that vary in popularity and size, there are different types of toys that reflect these differences.
Theatre of Professional Wrestling
Professional wrestling is often referred to as sports entertainment, combining elements of both athletic competition and theatrical performance. The wrestlers portray characters with unique personalities and engage in scripted storylines that lead to dramatic confrontations in the ring. The audience is drawn into the world of professional wrestling through these storytelling elements, with matches being the culmination of ongoing narratives.
Popularity and Perception
The distinction between the AWA and WWF wrestling toys in The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity highlights the varying levels of popularity and perception within the world of professional wrestling. The WWF, later known as WWE, became a global phenomenon with mainstream appeal, while the AWA operated on a smaller scale with a more niche audience. The toys representing these organizations mirror their real-world counterparts, showcasing the differences in reach and recognition.
Merchandising and Branding
Wrestling toys serve as a form of merchandise that helps promote and extend the branding of wrestling organizations. By having toys available for purchase, fans can further immerse themselves in the world of wrestling and connect with their favorite characters. The choice of AWA and WWF toys in the play reflects the marketing strategies and target demographics of the respective organizations, underscoring the importance of merchandising in professional wrestling.
Cultural Significance
Professional wrestling has a rich cultural significance, serving as a reflection of societal values and norms. The portrayal of characters as heroes or villains, the drama of rivalries, and the physicality of the matches all contribute to the appeal of wrestling as a form of entertainment. The use of wrestling toys in The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity symbolizes the enduring popularity and impact of professional wrestling on popular culture.
In conclusion, the difference between AWA and WWF wrestling toys in The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity offers insights into the dynamics of professional wrestling as a blend of athleticism and storytelling. The toys represent the diverse landscape of wrestling organizations and the role of merchandising in promoting the sport to a wider audience. By exploring these themes, the play delves into the theatricality and spectacle of professional wrestling, engaging audiences with its portrayal of larger-than-life characters and dramatic showdowns in the ring.