Dirt sheet
A "dirt sheet" is a term used in the English speaking professional wrestling culture to refer to wrestling magazines or websites that cover professional wrestling from a real-life perspective as opposed treating the storylines as if they were part of an actual sport.[1][2][3][4][5] Another word sometimes used for these publications is "rag sheet."[6]
Reputation
Many wrestlers in the past resented so called "dirt sheets" since they felt that they ruined the business by exposing it as staged,[7] but second generation wrestler Bret Hart has stated that despite this many wrestlers themselves were avid readers of the magazines in his youth because they too wanted to keep up with the backstage news,[8] other people such as wrestling journalists have backed up that this is was the case in the past.[9] Wrestler Steve Austin has also expressed that he often saw wrestling newsletter passed around the locker rooms when he started out in the industry.[10] In the 21st century some people in the industry, such as Vince Russo and Eric Bischoff, still think that such publications hurt the wrestling business and also ruin the fans imersion and enjoyment.[11][12][13][14][15][16][17] Some wrestlers such as Matt Hardy have themselves written for news websites, Hardy having written for 411Mania.[18] Former WWE wrestler Big Cass has stated that he reads dirt sheets.[19][20]
List of publications or websites often considered dirt sheets
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter (WON), often considered the first "dirt sheet," it was created and run by Dave Meltzer.[21][22]
- Pro Wrestling Torch (PWTorch), it was created and run by Wade Keller.[23]
- Pro Wrestling Insider (PWInsider), it was created and run by Dave Scherer.[24][25]
- Pro Wrestling Sheet, it was created and run by Ryan Satin.[26]
See also
- Kayfabe
- Glossary of professional wrestling terms
- The Dirt Sheet, a wrestling web series
References
- ^ Bob Hansen; Like a Champ; 2007 - Page ?
- ^ Jonathan Alan Gray, Cornel Sandvoss, C. Lee Harrington; Fandom: Identities and Communities in a Mediated World; 2007 - Page 70
- ^ James Guttman; World Wrestling Insanity Presents: Shoot First... Ask Questions Later; 2008 - Page ?
- ^ Joey (8 January 2014). "Dirt Sheet History: Wrestlemania XX".
- ^ "WWE release surprising update on Kevin Owens' 'quitting' angle from RAW". GiveMeSport. 1 September 2018.
- ^ Adam Kleinberg, Adam Nudelman; Mysteries of Wrestling: Solved; 2005 - Page 135
- ^ Austin, Paul. "Dirt Sheets: Love Them or Loathe Them?". Bleacher Report.
- ^ Hart, Bret (2007). Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling. Ebury Press. p. ?. ISBN 9780091932862.
- ^ Jeff Archer, Rick Boucke, Linda Frantzen Carlson; Theater in a Squared Circle: The Mystique of Professional Wrestling; 1998 - Page 121
- ^ Stone Cold Steve Austin, Dennis Bryant (2003). The Stone Cold Truth. Pocket Books. p. ?. ISBN 0-7434-7720-0.
- ^ Kyle Bowman; Saving Pro Wrestling: Booking & Writing Storylines; 2013 - Page ?
- ^ "411MANIA". Vince Russo Says Marks & ‘Dirt Sheet’ Writers Are Gay.
- ^ "Does Social Media Ruin The Moment In WWE?". Cultured Vultures. 27 March 2018.
- ^ Milliron, Jake. "Dirt Sheets: Their Effect on Pro Wrestling & Pro Wrestling Fans". Bleacher Report.
- ^ "WWE News: Sasha Banks comments on dirt sheet reports of backstage heat and turning heel". www.sportskeeda.com. 2 July 2018.
- ^ "Vince McMahon Explained, Quite Frankly, Why He Doesn't Like Dirt Sheets". 9 March 2016.
- ^ Mrosko, Geno (4 October 2013). "Bischoff claims TNA contract won't expire in 2014". Cageside Seats.
- ^ DeMarco, Greg (14 December 2016). "Wednesday Cook Wednesday: Hardy Hate…DELETED".
- ^ "Big Cass Talks About His WWE Release After Indie Event". Wrestling Inc. 5 October 2018.
- ^ "Big Cass comments on his WWE release". Wrestling World.
- ^ Brian Solomon; Pro Wrestling FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the World's Most Entertaining Spectacle; 2015 Page ?
- ^ "Jerry Lawler Calls Out Dave Meltzer; Details Early Struggles With Bret Hart". Wrestlezone. 18 May 2018.
- ^ Patrick Jones, Joel Shoemaker; Do it Right!: Best Practices for Serving Young Adults in School and Public Libraries; Neal-Schuman Publishers: 2001 - Page 147
- ^ "Popular Dirt Sheet Throws Major Shade at Brian Christopher's Death". 1 August 2018.
- ^ "Konnan Fires Back At Dirt Sheet Writer Over Racist Remarks". 29 November 2018.
- ^ "Collider Acquires Pro Wrestling Sheet, Will Hire Team to Produce More Content". www.bleedingcool.com.