The Politics of Wrestling Fandom | Why the IWC Feels So Toxic

Why are pro wrestling fans so polarized? Why do some fans defend promotions at all costs while others seem determined to tear them down? And when did wrestling discourse become more about ratings, attendance, TV deals, and business metrics than the actual shows themselves?On this episode of Sit Down Shut Up Mark Out, Blade Daily is joined by Books and Bodyslams and Jeff from Skewered Universe Podcast for a deep dive into the politics of pro wrestling fandom. The crew explores tribalism in the IWC, the psychology behind fan loyalty, outrage culture, doom posting, anti-fandom, and the endless cycle of AEW, WWE, and online wrestling discourse.The group also discusses whether wrestling fans are genuinely more toxic today or if social media simply amplifies behavior that has always existed. Plus — Books and Bodyslams shares stories and observations from attending AEW Dynamite live this week.From wrestling history and classic wrestling fandom to modern fan culture, business obsession, and online debate, this episode digs into why wrestling fans argue the way they do — and whether it’s helping or hurting pro wrestling itself.Topics include: • Wrestling tribalism and fan wars • AEW and WWE online discourse • Ratings, attendance, and business metric obsession • Toxic positivity vs constant negativity • Wrestling history and fan identity • The evolution of the IWC • Live perspective from AEW DynamiteNo gatekeeping. No company loyalty tests. Just wrestling discussion for the sickos.Follow Sit Down Shut Up Mark Out!Instagram: https://instagram.com/sitdownshutupmarkout Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sdsumopod.bsky.social Threads: https://threads.net/@sitdownshutupmarkoutYouTube: https://youtube.com/@sitdownshutupmarkout Follow Sickos ClubInstagram: https://instagram.com/sickos.club Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sickosclub.bsky.social Threads: https://threads.net/@sickos.clubYouTube: https://youtube.com/@sickosclub  Sit Down Shut Up Mark Out is a weekly pro wrestling podcast hosted by Blade Daily and friends covering AEW, NJPW, STARDOM, ROH, and the best of professional wrestling from around the world. Every episode features wrestling analysis, reviews, predictions, fantasy booking, history, and fan-first discussion with plenty of laughs along the way.If you're looking for thoughtful wrestling conversation without endless rumors, ratings discourse, or fake outrage, you've found your people.⭐ Follow the podcast so you never miss a new episode.🎥 Watch live and on demand on YouTube at Jobber Underground.🌐 Visit JobberUnderground.com for articles, podcasts, merch, and more.📲 Follow Jobber Underground (@jobberunderground) on your favorite social platform for updates and wrestling discussion.#AEW #NJPW #STARDOM #ROH #ProWrestling #WrestlingPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.