How The WWE Uses Its Power To Give Back And Inspire Others
Starting tomorrow, thousands of people will make their way to the San Francisco Bay area to partake in the week-long festivities counting down to Wrestlemania 31.
Wrestlemania is, of course, the headlining event of the entire wrestling year, which brings out the best of the best in the business. From the classic Undertaker and Triple H, to current stars like John Cena, Brock Lesnar and Rusev, it doesn't get any better than this.
But, I bet you didn't know that behind this facade of smackdowns and high kicks, the organization does quite a bit of charity work and giving back.
During the countdown, various wrestlers will visit schools in the area to promote literacy, tolerance and anti-bullying. This may be surprising, since these wrestlers are talking trash and kicking ass every time you see them on the tube.
However, by promoting these messages, especially tolerance and anti-bullying, children are able to distinguish between fiction and reality.
Being a kid these days is no easy feat, and sometimes, fantasy is a lot easier to cope with and handle than reality, especially if you experience bullying. These kids see these wrestlers as more than just wrestlers; they are their idols and they are the hope that they, too, can achieve greatness.
I come from a period of Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Ric Flair and Degeneration X, and when these wrestlers graced the TV, it was a nice escape from responsibility.
Even watching these stars slap each other senseless was a great motivator of the greatness and confidence these athletes possessed.
I wanted to be just as confident and sure of myself as they were.
Now, knowing they are taking their roles, making a difference and inspiring the minds of young Americans (and Canadians) is even more inspiring. It means there is still hope for a generation that seems only fixated on the Kardashians and Hiltons for role models.
Aside from visiting young fans in schools, wrestlers will also visit a children's hospital to donate action figures and spend time with kids battling different terminal illnesses.
What better way to motivate children than encouragement from their favorite wrestlers?
Now, the giving back isn't limited just to the youth and die-hard fans. The WWE has always shown their support for the American Military, and as a result, will be hosting a panel discussion helping veterans to network with businesses in the Bay area.
It's no secret that finding employment after serving could be difficult, so it's refreshing to know these stars are doing what they can to help our heroes assimilate back to routine and a normal life.
In all my years, even now in my late 20s, I sometimes forget these wrestlers -- the Undertaker, Triple H and hell, even Stone Cold Steve Austin -- were and still are mere characters inhabiting a role.
Underneath it all, they are just like us.
The only difference is they get to punch their coworkers in the face, say what they want and get away with it. (I know we've all had the urge, especially on mornings before we've had our java.)
It's nice to also know that fame, money and their famous roles haven't removed the fact that WWE and the McMahons have created a business that gives back to its fans.
How many companies can say they give back like WWE?
