Kayfabe as convergence

Abstract

Kayfabe blurs the line between reality and fiction and exists through a co-construction process that moderates the traditional power dynamics of producers and audiences. This chapter examines how the co-constructed nature of kayfabe demonstrates the importance of convergence culture’s prosumption and content interactivity concepts. Convergence culture involves blurred lines between producer and consumer identities and positions, and kayfabe extends this conceptualization to demonstrate the audience’s active role in co-constructing the text through the process of content interactivity. The co-construction of kayfabe demonstrates that such blurring has always operated in professional wrestling. This chapter explores this argument through autoethnographic observations conducted at live wrestling events sponsored by Chicago promotion All American Wrestling (AAW).

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