3.2. The Last of the Old Guard
Vince McMahon's consolidation of power in the wrestling world was not a clean process, nor did it happen in the blink of an eye. All across the countr...
Smarten Up - An Education in Professional Wrestling
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About
Smarten Up is a critical discussion of the world of professional wrestling, exploring the workings of the genre, its impact on media and culture, its history and critical figures, and the characteristics that have made it an indispensable part of life in the twenty-first century. Whether you're a smark, a casual fan, or completely new to the form, Smarten Up is the podcast for you.
3.1. The Smarten Up Super Show
As we kick off our third season, we are going to dive deeper into specific topics that affect the wrestling world at a more structural level. In this ...
2.12. The Contrarian Reaction
Wrestling is unique as a medium in that the reaction of the live audience can dramatically impact not just the performers involved but the trajectory ...
2.11. The Meaning of Independence
WWE is the biggest American wrestling promotion, but it isn't the only one. In a post-WCW world, the independent wrestling scene has flourished, reach...
2.10. Promo Day
There comes a moment in any wrestling story where the performers will take the time to stop and speak directly to the audience. This fourth-wall break...
2.9. Smarten Up At The Movies: "The Wrestler" (2008) with Special Guest Dr. Derek Long
It's one of the most important representations of wrestling in mainstream culture of the last twenty years, but is 2008's Darren Aranofsky film The Wr...
Office Hours: NXT Takeover Philadelphia
In this brief special episode, we discuss our thoughts on tonight's NXT Takeover event and whether the time is right for Johnny Wrestling to become Jo...
2.8. The Royal Rumble
The Royal Rumble is WWE's crowning achievement in the world of gimmick matches. Brilliant in its simplicity yet endlessly flexible, it is a unique sta...
2.7. The Fashion Files
One of the primary objectives of any wrestling performer is to distinguish himself or herself from the crowd. In a primarily visual medium, costuming ...
2.6. Best for Business
World Wrestling Entertainment, Incorporated is a publicly-traded corporation worth approximately $2.5 billion. It is one of the largest companies in a...