In 2009, the anonymous Satoshi Nakamoto unveiled his new idea to the world. Based around the concept of a peer-to-peer cash system, Bitcoin was introduced to the world. Since then, cryptocurrency has become a mainstream concept. For a while, cryptocurrency remained a niche concept, traded and bought and sold only by a few. However, in the past couple of years, the crypto market has grown in esteem. Nowadays, businesses and celebrities are much more likely to accept Bitcoin-based payment for their products and services.
On the other hand, we have the World Wrestling Entertainment organization. The WWE is one of the most popular, if not the most popular professional wrestling organization in the world. Some of the greatest and most beloved wrestlers have stepped through the halls of the WWE, including, likely, the most popular wrestler of all time, Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson. Other big names include Hulk Hogan, John Cena, Edge, The Undertaker, and even Rey Mysterio.
Some might be wondering, what the connection is between cryptocurrency and professional wrestling. Well, in this article, we are going to look at the ways that the two worlds are linked. So, let’s take a look at the way crypto has impacted the world of pro wrestling.
Bitcoin Betting
First thing is first, as online sportsbooks grow in popularity, more and more mainstream and popular bookmakers are beginning to embrace the crypto market. Taking a look on the market, we can see an increase in the amount of Bitcoin sportsbooks has increased rather drastically. This is because most bookmakers are beginning to get international licenses at an increasing frequency. And since Bitcoin’s value is unchanged no matter which country one is in, it is much easier to use when betting at foreign bookies.
But what does this have to do with professional wrestling? Some of you might be surprised to learn that bets made on pro wrestling events are all the rage right now. Despite the fact that the people betting know that these matches are pre-written and pre-determined, betting on them is still tons of fun. Most of the time, nobody knows how a match will go, even if it is rigged. So, it is kind of like betting on a comic book film, and hoping your side wins.
But, this is a very broad impact that Bitcoin has had on the world of sports in general. Let us look at a couple of ways in which the crypto market has had a specific impact on the pro wrestling world.
Pro Wrestlers Involved in Bitcoin
First thing is first, many wrestlers have actively promoted and supported the crypto market. Not every wrestler involved has been pro-Bitcoin. However, many have come out in support of the world of cryptocurrency in general.
Among them, the most unapologetically outspoken is Summer Rae. The female wrestler has, on numerous occasions, spoken out about her almost bullish support of the crypto market. She’s claimed in quite a few interviews that she owns Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies.
But it isn’t just her. Kurt Angle and Mick Foley, both legends of the ring, have thrown their support behind a pro wrestling cryptocurrency project. Their voices certainly add a dose of authenticity and legitimacy to the project.
Pro Wrestling NFTs
Lastly, while not necessarily cryptocurrency, it is related to the market. Non-fungible token (NFT) is a form of digital art, which much like crypto exists on a blockchain. In the past couple of years, NFTs have grown massively in popularity, and specific, themed NFTs are especially popular. You can see where this is going.
Pro wrestling NFTs have seen a huge surge in popularity. Sports fans seem to have a special interest in NFTs, as we can see from the overall popularity of sport-themed NFTs. But even among them, pro wrestling NFTs are thriving.
