Wrestling With Stardom:

: The Factors and Contexts that Inform Relations Between Wrestling Stars and their Audiences

Abstract

The purpose of this doctoral study is to explore the wrestling star image and investigate the different relationships wrestling stars share with varying audience members. In doing so, it will develop a complex depiction of a type of celebrity and an industry that has, in the past, received scant attention within academia. It will build upon the growing scholarship of wrestling studies, providing the first in depth audience study that examines the connections between wrestling stars and audience members. The research uses a cultural studies framework, situated within a number of fields that the project will bring together, including star and celebrity studies, audience research, industry studies and wrestling scholarship.

Date of Award	2018
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Aberystwyth University
Supervisor	Kate Egan (Supervisor)