Why doesn’t modern wrestling feel real anymore?

In this episode of Mic Check with Mr Anderson, Al Snow breaks down what he believes is missing from today’s wrestling and why chasing 5-star match reviews doesn’t translate into real money, real reactions, or long-term careers.

Snow argues that many modern wrestlers aren’t performing for the fans in the building, but instead wrestling to impress peers, critics, or online reviewers. The result, he says, is a style that looks impressive but often lacks emotional connection.

He explains how over-planning every second in the ring kills authenticity, leaving no room for natural reactions, improvisation, or real crowd engagement. According to Snow, today’s performers are often more afraid of making mistakes than creating moments and that fear shows in their performances.

One of Snow’s strongest points centres on the illusion of competition. Wrestling doesn’t need to be real, he says but it must feel real. The only true mistake is breaking that illusion in front of the audience.

Throughout the conversation, Snow also critiques the lack of clear character identity in modern wrestling. Many wrestlers, he argues, are difficult to describe beyond their move set, making it harder for fans to emotionally invest.

He contrasts today’s heavy focus on athleticism and work-rate with the traditional values of wrestling psychology and selling skills that made matches believable and stories memorable. Without those foundations, Snow believes wrestling risks becoming impressive but forgettable.

This is a candid, veteran perspective on why modern wrestling has changed and why reconnecting with storytelling, character, and audience belief matters more than ever.