Being ‘real’ in a staged sport: The process and negotiation of authenticity in wrestling star images

Authenticity can be seen as a point of convergence between celebrity and wrestling studies and is considered to be a central concern to both. The elastic nature of authenticity has been discussed across numerous fields where it is recognised as being historically and contextually shifting, as well as potentially, constructed and performed. This article will use the findings from an audience study and analysis of the wrestling industry to argue that ‘authenticity’ needs to be considered as an ongoing process of negotiation between numerous, interdependent components (audiences, stars, producers). Within this negotiation, all three components must continuously shift to navigate the numerous strategies at play that are attempting to authenticate themselves and each other in various ways.