IWC

One of the significant impacts of the IWC is its ability to shape wrestlers' reputations quickly and decisively. Through forums, social media, and influential podcasts, opinions shared within the IWC can rapidly escalate, transforming into widely accepted narratives. Unfortunately, negative narratives often overshadow a wrestler's genuine skills and accomplishments, creating an undeserved stigma that can hinder career growth and opportunities. Wrestlers like

@WillOspreay

and

@JohnCena

have frequently been victims of intense IWC criticism, despite their evident popularity among casual fans and impressive contributions to the industry. Moreover, the intense scrutiny and harsh criticism from the IWC can take a substantial mental and emotional toll on wrestlers. Professional wrestlers already face tremendous physical pressures; adding emotional distress from relentless online criticism can lead to burnout, anxiety, and diminished self-confidence. This culture of negativity does not encourage improvement; rather, it discourages wrestlers, undermines their passion, and can even shorten careers. The IWC's gatekeeping behaviour further exacerbates these issues. Many within the community adopt an elitist attitude, prioritizing technical prowess and obscure wrestling history knowledge over mainstream appeal. While appreciating technical skill and historical context enriches fan experiences, using these elements to demean or invalidate others' enjoyment is damaging. Gatekeeping deters new or casual fans from fully engaging with wrestling, potentially stunting the sport's growth and broadening the gap between dedicated fans and wider audiences. However, there are clear paths toward a healthier, more positive community. The IWC has the power to cultivate constructive criticism rather than harmful negativity. Constructive criticism focuses on identifying areas for improvement while acknowledging strengths and contributions. Fans can consciously shift towards celebrating wrestlers' accomplishments, recognizing efforts to entertain and perform, and offering feedback in ways that motivate rather than demoralize. Another essential change involves actively promoting inclusivity and openness within wrestling fandom. By embracing diverse tastes, styles, and preferences, the community can foster a welcoming environment for all fans. Wrestling's strength lies in its diversity, from high-flying performances to grounded technical showcases and character-driven storylines. Embracing this variety, rather than dismissing it, enriches fan experiences and attracts broader audiences. One significant and particularly troubling impact of the IWC has been on female wrestlers. Female wrestlers often face disproportionate scrutiny, objectification, and criticism online, frequently unrelated to their actual wrestling ability or performance. Comments targeting appearance, personal life, and character can overshadow genuine achievements, reducing the recognition of their athleticism and contributions to wrestling. Wrestlers such as

@MsCharlotteWWE

@AlexaBliss_WWE

@Saraya

@NatbyNature

have endured excessive scrutiny and often invasive personal criticism, demonstrating how toxic elements within the IWC disproportionately impact women.