Wrestling Against Bullying: Outside and Inside of the Ring

Professional wrestling is known for its larger-than-life personas, thrilling athleticism, and drama. But beyond the spectacle, wrestling has also become a powerful force for positive social change, particularly in the fight against bullying. Several initiatives, from national partnerships to local events, demonstrate the commitment of the wrestling world to creating a safer and more cooperative environment for young people. In this post, I will spotlight two of them.

WWE and Boys & Girls Clubs of America: Be a STAR

In 2016, WWE and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) began a multi-year national partnership to empower youth across the country. This collaboration has led to numerous programs, including the Be a STAR (Show Tolerance and Respect) bully prevention program.

Be a STAR was created with the goal of promoting positive behaviour and preventing bullying by providing resources and education to young people. WWE Superstars, due to being seen as role models by many young fans, were quickly utilized as a key part of the initiative. WWE Superstars visited Boys & Girls Club locations nationwide, offering a unique opportunity for young people to connect and interact with their heroes and learn about the importance of respect, tolerance, and standing up to bullying, as the Superstars share their personal stories and provide valuable resources for individual clubs. Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, Naomi, and Titus O’Neil have even been inducted into the Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame, highlighting the dedication that they have shown to the cause.

Other WWE Superstars, like Sheamus, have also been vocal advocates against bullying. In 2011, Sheamus visited a school in Bridgeport, Connecticut to spread awareness about the issue.

Yanagase Pro Wrestling: Eliminating Bullying and Creating Energy

On a local level, Yanagase Pro Wrestling (YPW), based in Gifu, Japan, has been making a significant impact on its community for 17 years with its annual "Eliminating Bullying and Creating Energy" event. YPW events are a source of local pride, drawing fans from all walks of life to cheer on wrestlers from Gifu and surrounding areas. The promotion not only provides a platform for local talent but also contributes to local businesses and tourism by attracting fans from across the Chubu and Kansai regions.

The "Eliminating Bullying and Creating Energy" event is a testament to Yanagase Pro Wrestling's commitment to social responsibility. By using the excitement and drama of professional wrestling, the event raises awareness about the important issue of bullying. It demonstrates how wrestling can be more than just entertainment; it can be a powerful tool for social change and positive community impact.

These initiatives, while different in scale, share a common goal: to empower young people to stand up against bullying. Whether through national partnerships like Be a STAR or local events like those held by Yanagase Pro Wrestling, the wrestling world is demonstrating its commitment to creating a safer and more supportive environment both inside and outside the ring.