Former WWE talent Paul London has expressed concerns about how social media has negatively influenced the professional wrestling industry. Over time, the traditional concept of “kayfabe” — the portrayal of wrestling storylines as real — has diminished as fans gain more behind-the-scenes knowledge, especially with the rise of the internet and social media platforms. In an interview on “INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet,” London remarked that social media has contributed to the current state of wrestling in a harmful way. He criticized the industry for prioritizing getting attention over genuine wrestling skills, stating, “It doesn’t matter if you can tie your shoelaces or spin or do something resembling wrestling, as long as you’re getting attention and getting your eyes on the product.”
London shared that he took a break from wrestling between 2018 and 2021, partly due to burnout fueled by changes brought on by social media. He noted, “The standard has been removed,” reflecting on how he was once brought into the business by veterans of an older era, contrasting that with today’s environment. During his hiatus, he planned to return to Ring of Honor, thanks to efforts by his friend Jay Lethal, but those plans were halted by the pandemic. Although Ring of Honor kept paying him, the uncertainty around events led to a prolonged break. London also mentioned working a less satisfying job during this time but appreciated the increased freedom compared to his wrestling career.
Returning to the topic of social media, London reiterated his view that it negatively affected his own life and the industry as a whole. Additionally, he commented on the impact of the Speaking Out movement, acknowledging its importance but suggesting it has also shaken the business. He explained that while important voices came forward, the movement opened the door for many to try wrestling without the necessary dedication, which forced the industry to compromise by becoming more scripted and rehearsed, making it less enjoyable to watch.
Fan Take: This perspective from Paul London highlights a growing concern among fans who miss the era when in-ring ability and storytelling took precedence over social media hype. For WWE and the broader wrestling world, balancing authenticity with modern promotional methods is crucial if the sport hopes to maintain its loyal fanbase and artistic integrity moving forward.
