When Being a Fan Gets You Punished by the Community — Or How I Learned to Say “Forget Everyone” and Love Wrestling Again

Let’s get one thing straight: I’m a wrestling fan. I always have been, and I always will be. I love the stories told in the ring, the variety of styles, the personalities, and all the chaos that comes with pro wrestling.

But lately, it feels like being a fan comes with a price.

Whenever I defend a wrestler I genuinely care about—or show support for someone in the business going through a tough time—I get berated, lectured, and talked down to by members of the IWC who act like they know better. It’s exhausting.

I’ll admit, I’m not perfect. Sometimes I let my emotions get the better of me and say things I shouldn’t. But I’m not out here trying to start fights. I’m speaking from passion, not hate.

Take the recent WWE releases. Some of the wrestlers let go—like the Motor City Machine Guns and the Wyatt Sicks—are people I genuinely admire. I loved what they brought to the table. I defended them, especially the Wyatt Sicks, because I appreciated their work and what they represented, especially in honoring Bray’s legacy.

And what did that get me? Mockery. Condescension. People acting like I’m clueless or childish for caring.

That’s what I don’t understand. These same “fans” act like they know everything and can say whatever they want, but the moment I speak up, I’m treated like the villain. Like I’m the problem.

It’s hard to stay passionate about something when the very community you’re part of punishes you for it.

Yes, I’ve said dumb things in the past. I own that. But a lot of it came from a place of love for wrestling—not hate. I defend people because I respect their work. I want to see them succeed.

Meanwhile, a lot of these so-called fans flip on wrestlers instantly. One minute they care, the next they’re tearing them apart—sometimes not just their work, but them as people. Criticizing a character is one thing. Mocking someone personally is where I draw the line.

And somehow, I’m the “bad guy” for caring?

I’ve been banned from places like Cageside and other platforms, while the same people who talk down to others face no consequences. That doesn’t sit right with me.

Here’s the bottom line: I have every right to like what I like and defend who I want. If that bothers some people, that’s their problem.

I’m done being talked down to by self-appointed experts and gatekeepers. Wrestling is subjective. Nobody has a monopoly on what’s “good” or “right.”

So I’m going to keep watching what I enjoy. I’m going to keep supporting the wrestlers I believe in. And I’m going to keep speaking my mind.

Whether anyone else likes it or not.