The Art of Wrestling: How Ethos, Pathos, and Logos Make the Greatest Show on Earth
By Michael Kelman Portney
Professional wrestling, at its best, is not just entertainment—it’s rhetorical art. Each match, promo, and storyline hinges on the same foundational principles that great orators and philosophers have used for centuries: ethos, pathos, and logos. These rhetorical appeals are the key to creating compelling characters, unforgettable storylines, and emotionally resonant moments. If Socrates were alive today, he would own an NWO shirt.
While skeptics dismiss wrestling as "fake," true fans understand that the magic lies in how well wrestlers and promotions execute these principles to connect with their audience. Let’s dive into the anatomy of wrestling through the lens of rhetoric, exploring how ethos, pathos, and logos work together to make pro wrestling a unique and enduring art form.
Ethos: They Have to Look the Part
Ethos is all about credibility. In wrestling, this begins the moment a wrestler steps into the spotlight. Do they look and act like the character they’re portraying? Can the audience believe in their persona, whether it’s an unstoppable monster, a scrappy underdog, or a cocky showman?
Physical Presence: Wrestlers like The Undertaker or Brock Lesnar are immediately believable because of their imposing physiques and commanding presences. But ethos isn’t just about size. Rey Mysterio, with his high-flying agility and resilience, proves that credibility comes in many forms.
Character Consistency: A wrestler’s ethos is strongest when their character feels authentic. Stone Cold Steve Austin didn’t just play a beer-drinking rebel—he was one, blurring the line between reality and fiction. When a character’s actions or motivations don’t align with their presentation, they lose ethos, and the audience disconnects.
Engagement Beyond the Ring: Modern wrestling extends beyond the squared circle. Wrestlers build ethos through interviews, social media, and public appearances. Authenticity in these spaces strengthens their credibility and deepens fans’ investment.
Logos: They Need a Reason to Fight
Logos is the logical backbone of wrestling. A match or storyline needs a reason to exist—a conflict that makes sense and engages the audience’s intellect.
Clear Motivations: The best wrestling feuds have logical foundations. Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels clashed over respect and betrayal, while Roman Reigns’ dominance as "The Head of the Table" stems from his desire to lead and protect his family legacy. Fans need to understand why a wrestler is fighting and what’s at stake.
Storyline Continuity: Wrestling is often criticized for abandoning storylines or introducing abrupt, nonsensical changes. Great promotions avoid this by building narratives with clear cause-and-effect relationships. Daniel Bryan’s rise to the top at WrestleMania 30 is a masterclass in logical storytelling, where every obstacle he overcame added to the emotional payoff.
The Role of Championships: Titles provide an inherent logic to wrestling. Competing for a championship is a straightforward, universally understood motivator. Without clear stakes, even the most talented wrestlers can flounder in meaningless matches.
Pathos: The Emotional Core of Wrestling
Pathos is where the true artistry of wrestling shines. It’s the ability to make the audience feel—whether it’s joy, anger, heartbreak, or triumph. This emotional connection is what turns casual viewers into lifelong fans.
The Underdog Story: Few narratives resonate as deeply as the underdog overcoming impossible odds. Mick Foley’s gritty determination and Daniel Bryan’s defiance of The Authority connected with fans because they saw themselves in those struggles.
Villains and Heroes: Wrestling thrives on the battle between good and evil. Ric Flair perfected the role of the arrogant villain, while Hulk Hogan inspired generations as the ultimate hero. Great villains understand how to manipulate pathos, drawing boos and hatred that elevate their opponents.
In-Ring Storytelling: Wrestling isn’t just about moves; it’s about moments. A well-timed comeback, a dramatic near-fall, or a shocking betrayal can evoke more emotion than any physical feat. Shawn Michaels’ farewell match against The Undertaker is a prime example of how pathos can turn a wrestling match into high drama.
Promo Delivery: The promo is where pathos often reaches its peak. Dusty Rhodes’ "Hard Times" promo is legendary because it spoke directly to the struggles of ordinary people, making his character relatable and unforgettable.
When the Triad Aligns: Wrestling’s Greatest Moments
The most iconic moments in wrestling history happen when ethos, pathos, and logos come together seamlessly:
Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant (WrestleMania III):
Ethos: Hogan was the all-American hero; Andre was the unbeatable giant.
Logos: The story was simple and logical—Hogan had to prove himself by overcoming the ultimate challenge.
Pathos: When Hogan slammed Andre, it wasn’t just a physical feat; it was an emotional high that electrified the audience.
Daniel Bryan’s Triumph (WrestleMania 30):
Ethos: Bryan was the underdog who had earned fans’ trust and admiration.
Logos: His battle against The Authority was a logical storyline of rebellion and perseverance.
Pathos: His victory felt like a collective win for every fan who had ever been told they weren’t good enough.
The Craft of Wrestling
Pro wrestling is more than scripted entertainment; it’s a masterclass in storytelling and human connection. The wrestlers who endure as legends are those who understand and execute ethos, pathos, and logos with precision. They make us believe, give us reasons to care, and, most importantly, make us feel.
The skeptics who call wrestling “fake” miss the point. Wrestling isn’t about pretending to fight; it’s about creating moments that resonate on a deeply emotional level. It’s a reflection of life itself—a blend of logic, credibility, and raw emotion wrapped in theatrics.
So, the next time you watch a wrestling match, don’t just focus on the punches and slams. Look for the ethos in the wrestler’s character, the logos in their motivations, and the pathos in how they make you feel. Because when done right, pro wrestling isn’t just a show—it’s art.
Michael Kelman Portney is the author of this article and an unapologetic believer in authenticity as a beacon. Visit misinformationsucks.com for more.
