Highlights
- Leg slapping has been a long-standing tradition in pro wrestling, adding realism and excitement to moves by creating a loud sound effect.
- WWE's decision to ban leg slapping in matches sparked debates within the wrestling community, with some seeing it as a step towards presenting wrestling as a more legitimate sport.
- Wrestlers like Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels have expressed support for the ban, citing its potential negative effects on the wrestlers' bodies and the need for balance in the evolving business. However, fans remain divided on the necessity of the ban.
Pro wrestling, a captivating blend of athleticism and theatrics, has intrigued audiences for generations. Among its age-old practices, leg slapping stands out as a technique where wrestlers accentuate the sound of their punches and kicks by slapping their thighs. This exaggerated sound effect adds a thrilling sense of realism to their moves, making them appear more devastating and exhilarating. However, in 2021, WWE shocked fans with Vince McMahon banning this practice. This move by the wrestling giant sparked debates with former and current WWE Superstars expressing their views, as this move aimed to present the sport as a more authentic combat spectacle.
The Tradition Of Leg Slapping In Pro Wrestling
Leg slapping has deep roots in the sport's history, and its origins can be traced back to the early days of wrestling. The practice emerged as a way for wrestlers to enhance the theatrical aspect of their performances, making moves appear more impactful and exciting for the audience. Wrestlers soon discovered that by slapping their thighs while executing a punch or a kick, they could generate a sharp, resonating sound, adding an element of realism to the action inside the ring. The loud, cracking sound created by the slaps intensified the perceived impact of strikes, making it appear as though wrestlers were truly delivering powerful blows to their opponents.
Leg slapping played a crucial role in achieving this level of immersion, as it provided auditory cues that resonated with the audience's sense of realism. The sound of the slaps synchronized with the actions of the wrestlers, reinforcing the narrative and encouraging spectators to become emotionally invested in the outcome of the match. Leg slapping became synonymous with certain signature moves, elevating the status of specific wrestlers and moves within the industry. For instance, Shawn Michaels' "Sweet Chin Music" was renowned for its perfectly timed leg slap, which added an extra layer of excitement to the finishing maneuver. The leg slap became an integral part of the move's identity and contributed to its legendary status.
WWE Bans Leg Slapping In Matches
The decision to ban leg slapping in professional wrestling came as a surprise to many fans and industry insiders. The news broke in 2021 when Dave Meltzer revealed that WWE would no longer permit wrestlers to use leg slaps during matches. This announcement triggered an intense debate within the wrestling community and sparked various theories about the motivations behind the ban. One of the prominent reasons speculated for the ban was the desire to portray wrestling as a more legitimate and authentic sport. In recent years, the industry had seen an increasing focus on athleticism and in-ring performance, with a desire to blur the lines between scripted entertainment and genuine combat sports. The audibility of leg slapping, while adding theatrics and excitement to the moves, was considered by some as a reminder of the scripted nature of wrestling, which they believed detracted from the illusion of realism that promoters aimed to create.
Vince McMahon's reputed involvement in the ban fueled speculations that it was a personal decision. Some fans believed that McMahon, known for his hands-on approach to the promotion, wanted to shape WWE's image by reducing elements that reminded viewers of wrestling's theatrical origins. By removing leg slapping, he might have intended to present WWE as a more serious, competition-oriented product, thereby aligning it closer to the appeal of UFC and other combat sports. On the other hand, critics of the ban argued that leg slapping had become an integral part of the wrestling experience. For them, this was an essential aspect of the wrestling spectacle, and its absence might diminish the overall entertainment value.
The ban on leg slapping in pro wrestling received significant support from various quarters within the wrestling community. Some wrestlers spoke from their personal experiences, emphasizing how years of relying on leg slaps had taken a toll on their bodies. Moreover, leg slapping, when done excessively or poorly timed, could undermine the realism of a match and blur the line between the choreographed action and the illusion of competition. In a seminar with The Asylum Wrestling Store, WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart came in full support of the ban. He said, "You see guys do stuff, and you’re going, ‘That wouldn’t even make a slap sound.’ When you punch somebody in the jaw, it’s not a slap sound. You know, it’s a different kind of sound, and you’re making a slap sound for everything. Every single move you do is a slap sound, slap, slap and I totally agree. I’m glad they put their foot down on that, but they’re like ten years late."
Shawn Michaels also surprisingly spoke favorably for the ban in an interview with The New York Post. He said, "Clearly, I look back, and I go, 'OK I did it. I just did one.' I’m always of the cloth. I can remember when I started [doing leg slaps], people telling me, 'Too fast, too much, too this,' and there’s a balance there. They were right in some respects and at the same time, the business also evolves and changes. Football isn’t played the same. Basketball isn’t played the same, so I don’t know. I’m somebody that embraces those changes. I feel like somewhere in the middle and balance is so important."
Fans still remain divided on if banning the slaps completely was necessary. It's still seen at times in WWE and is prevalent in AEW.
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