The shootings at schools in Colorado, Georgia, and Oklahoma have reenergized the debate over juvenile crime. Pundits and politicians have pointed to guns, R-rated movies, violent video games, Marilyn Manson concerts, and family breakdown as causes of America's culture of violence. The epitome of violence, sadomasochism, and sleaze, professional wrestling is trash TV for ugly Americans.
Wrestling is big business.
The WWF is building a 1,000-room casino hotel in Las Vegas. Both groups sell action figures, neckties, and greeting cards. Vince McMahon just announced the formation of a professional football league, the XFL, which will debut in 2001. And now yet-another professional wrestler is entering the political ring. WCW star Rik Flair has announced that he's running for governor of North Carolina.