That take is catchy, but it oversimplifies what people were actually celebrating.



First, yes—professional wrestling is scripted entertainment, not a real competitive sport like boxing or football. Promotions like WWE carefully plan match outcomes and storylines. The dramatic moments you mentioned—like underdogs beating giants or “returning from the dead”—are part of that storytelling tradition. Wrestlers such as Rey Mysterio, The Undertaker, Big Show, and Triple H built their fame on those larger-than-life narratives.

But here’s where your argument misses something important:

Fans aren’t necessarily “ignorant” of it being scripted—they’re choosing to enjoy it anyway.

It’s similar to watching movies or following a TV series. People know it’s not real, yet they still get emotionally invested.

Now, about the Nigerian angle—when Nigerians celebrated Obafemi’s win, it wasn’t really about thinking wrestling is a legitimate sport. It was more about:


National pride: Seeing a Nigerian succeed on a global stage hits differently.

Representation: People like seeing someone from their background in big international platforms.

Cultural moment: Social media amplifies excitement, sometimes beyond logic.



Also, calling it “just fake” ignores something else:

Wrestling is physically demanding and risky. Even though outcomes are predetermined, the stunts, falls, and athleticism are very real. Injuries happen more often than people think.


So instead of “we love illusions,” a more balanced way to look at it is:

People enjoy entertainment and celebrate their own when they shine—sometimes both at the same time.


If anything, the real question is:

Why does it bother you that people found joy in it?