In the world of professional wrestling, where scripted battles unfold in the squared circle, the lives of wrestlers extend far beyond the ring ropes. For many, the stress and elation of supporting their favorite National Football League (NFL) teams become an integral part of their everyday existence. As the current NFL season inches toward its climax, the emotional rollercoaster for these wrestling stars is reaching new heights.
AEW star Britt Baker, a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan, showcased the intense emotional journey that NFL fandom can be. Documenting her every emotion on X (formerly Twitter) during the Steelers’ game against the Green Bay Packers, Baker exemplified the highs and lows that come with being a diehard supporter. Even after the Steelers secured victory with a game-ending interception, Baker found herself still on edge, suggesting that Steelers fans might be a case study for stress and cortisol levels.
But Baker’s passionate fandom was not an isolated case. WWE stars Johnny Gargano and The Miz found themselves on the edge of their seats during the Cleveland Browns’ clash with the Baltimore Ravens. From missed extra points to last-second field goals, the rollercoaster of emotions had both wrestlers pacing, with The Miz even contemplating the potential cost of a single point. Fortunately for them, the Browns emerged victorious, salvaging their record and providing a sigh of relief for the wrestling duo.
Meanwhile, WWE’s Shayna Baszler enjoyed a less nerve-wracking experience as her favorite team, the Minnesota Vikings, secured a 27-19 win over the New Orleans Saints. Taking to X, Baszler credited the victory to the “Passtronaut,” Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs, who, with an aerospace engineering major, has become a beacon of success for the team.
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The intersection of wrestling and NFL fandom poses an intriguing narrative. Beyond the scripted rivalries of the wrestling world, the unscripted drama of NFL Sundays elicits genuine reactions from these larger-than-life characters. It’s a glimpse into the personal lives of wrestlers, highlighting the human side that often remains concealed beneath the bravado of the ring.
The emotional investment in NFL games raises questions about the impact of fandom on the mental health and well-being of these wrestling stars. The stress, the jubilation, and the heartbreak become amplified, creating a unique dichotomy between the carefully choreographed world of wrestling and the unpredictable nature of football.
Britt Baker’s call for a “case study on the stress and rise of cortisol levels” among Steelers fans is not just a playful remark but an acknowledgment of the toll that passionate fandom can take. Wrestling stars, accustomed to delivering electrifying performances, find themselves navigating an entirely different arena—one where victories and defeats are beyond their control.
Told you! https://t.co/7ww1pyZVHP pic.twitter.com/GKWsLr7A4x
— Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. (@RealBrittBaker) November 12, 2023
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As the NFL season progresses, the emotional investment of wrestlers in their favorite teams becomes a subplot worth following. The juxtaposition of scripted drama and unscripted fandom adds layers to their personas, making them relatable beyond the wrestling ring. It prompts fans to see their favorite stars not just as performers but as individuals with a shared connection to the highs and lows of sports.
In the end, the wrestling stars’ journeys through NFL fandom unveil a side rarely seen by the audience—a side that struggles with the same anxieties, joys, and disappointments as any passionate sports fan. The wrestling ring might be their battleground, but the football field is where their unguarded emotions come to life, blurring the lines between scripted entertainment and the unpredictability of genuine, unfiltered reactions.
