AEW star Anthony Bowens has pushed back against people who dismiss professional wrestling as “fake,” pointing to the athletic demands of the industry and the very real physical toll it has taken on his body.
Speaking with MSR Sports, Bowens acknowledged that professional wrestling is entertainment, but argued that performing it at a high level requires genuine athletic ability. “Yes, it’s entertainment … but at the same time, it’s very hard to do this at a very high level and not be an athlete.”
Bowens highlighted cardiovascular conditioning and coordination as two of the physical requirements wrestlers need to perform successfully. “You have to be in intense cardiovascular shape. You have to be able to have coordination.”
While the outcomes and stories may be predetermined, Bowens stressed that the physical consequences of performing are very real. “The physicality is very real.”
He then listed some of the injuries he has accumulated during his wrestling career. “I don’t have an MCL. The right side of my meniscus is torn. I had to clean up my other meniscus. I’ve had multiple diagnosed concussions. Bruised nerves in my lower back. I have chronic neck pain.”
According to Bowens, those injuries have left him feeling the effects long after the bell rings. “After a match, I feel like I’m an older gentleman who’s been through it all, and I can’t get out of bed.”
Bowens’ comments underline the distinction wrestlers have long made when responding to the “fake” label: professional wrestling is entertainment, but the athleticism required and the physical punishment performers endure are very real.
