Pro Wrestling: Is There Truth To “You Deserve It”?

Wrestling fans often chant “You deserve it!” to show appreciation for wrestlers they believe have earned success. This chant typically follows a significant win or title victory, highlighting the fans’ emotional connection. Fans use this chant to recognize hard work, dedication, and perseverance, creating a positive atmosphere. Wrestlers often acknowledge this support, enhancing their bond with the audience. However, some critics argue that wrestling’s scripted nature means no one truly “deserves” wins. Despite this, the chant remains a heartfelt expression of fan support and admiration.

Wrestling fans often harbor misconceptions about title reigns, believing certain wrestlers “deserve” championships or that it’s “their time,” despite wrestling being a predetermined sport where outcomes are primarily business decisions. This misconception is fueled by storylines that make fans emotionally invested in wrestlers, leading to a belief that victories should mirror the perceived merit or popularity of the performers.

Case Studies
Drew McIntyre at Clash at the Castle 2022 and 2024:

In 2022, Drew McIntyre faced Roman Reigns at Clash at the Castle in a match that many fans felt should have ended with McIntyre winning the championship. Given the event’s location in the UK and McIntyre’s popularity, fans believed it was his moment. However, WWE decided to have Roman Reigns retain the title, aligning with their long-term business strategy of building Reigns as a dominant champion . This decision, while disappointing to fans, was consistent with WWE’s narrative plans and the financial benefits of extending Reigns’ title reign .

Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 39:

Cody Rhodes’ journey in WWE has been one of redemption and fan support. Many believed his WrestleMania 39 match against Roman Reigns was the perfect opportunity for him to win the WWE Championship, especially after his return to the company was highly publicized. However, Cody did not win, leaving fans frustrated and confused. This decision was part of WWE’s broader storyline strategy, ensuring that Reigns remained a central figure in their ongoing narrative .

Fan Reactions and Misconceptions

On social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit, fan reactions to these matches often include disappointment and outrage when a favorite does not win a title. Fans use hashtags like #GiveCodyTheTitle or #DrewDeservesIt to express their discontent and campaign for their favorites . However, business considerations such as merchandise sales, viewership metrics, and the company’s future storyline plans influence these outcomes more than wrestler effort.

Understanding the Business

Wrestling promotions like WWE and AEW operate on a model where the storytelling and long-term character arcs are critical to maintaining viewer interest and driving business success. Title changes should always maximize fan engagement, merchandise sales, and pay-per-view buys. Decisions about who holds a title often involve multiple factors, including marketability, storyline potential, and international appeal, rather than solely a wrestler’s in-ring performance or popularity.

Understanding this business aspect can help fans temper their expectations and appreciate the complexities of wrestling storytelling. It emphasizes the importance of enjoying the narrative journey rather than focusing solely on the outcomes.