Includes bibliographical references (pages 185-194) and index.

"Professional wrestling revels in its exaggeration of masculinity: the physical appearance of wrestlers, the violent and sexually-charged moves in and out of the ring, the role assigned to women, and the use of weapons such as chains, barbed wire and steel folding chairs. This study reveals the links between watching televised matches and increases in verbal aggression, rebellion, and a tendency toward violence and retaliation."

"The book begins with a brief history of professional wrestling and a summary of the criticisms of the sport. It discusses how gender issues play a part in the effects of wrestling on its viewers, arguing that wrestling goes beyond the image of physical violence to models of interpersonal behavior. The expansion of wrestling into storylines outside the ring involves problems with class, race, and homophobia and nationality for which violence is presented as a solution. The attractiveness of wrestling and its ability to lure fans back year after year is fully explored."--Jacket.

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