The Fine Line in Wrestling Storytelling: Gasoline, Bags, and the Standards of Entertainment

In a recent episode of “83 Weeks,” wrestling veteran Eric Bischoff delved deep into the controversial aspects of wrestling storytelling, particularly when it comes to pushing boundaries. The discussion was sparked by a memorable AEW moment involving Eddie Kingston, a gas can, and the intense visuals it presented.

Bischoff, reflecting on the use of gasoline in wrestling storylines, compared it to the infamous WCW incident where Terry Funk placed a bag over Ric Flair’s head. While the latter was criticized for potentially influencing young viewers negatively, Bischoff pondered whether the use of implied gasoline carried the same weight.

“It’s challenging to analyze things like this,” Bischoff began. “In a scripted drama, no one would think twice about using elements like gasoline, even though kids watch these dramas. But wrestling, for some reason, is held to a different standard.”

Bischoff highlighted the disparities between what’s acceptable in general entertainment versus wrestling. He pointed out that while fake guns are often used in TV dramas without much backlash, introducing them in a wrestling context would likely be met with resistance.

The wrestling icon concluded by acknowledging that while wrestling often aims to push the envelope, certain elements, like the gas can, remain sensitive. He emphasized the unique challenges wrestling faces, being held to different standards than other entertainment forms.