Hello, I'm Dr. Dave Boyd, a post-doctoral researcher specialising in Media and Cultural Studies, with a specific focus on Professional Wrestling. Based at Canterbury Christ Church University, I serve as a sessional lecturer in the School of Creative Arts and Industries, teaching across various departments including Media and Communications, Games Studies, Graphic Design, and the Creative Arts MA programmes. Today, I'd like to introduce you to my doctoral thesis, "A Critical, Cultural History and Quasi-Ethnography of British Professional Wrestling," which was recently awarded after a successful viva in early 2024.
My doctoral journey began in 2019 at Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) and spanned over four years of extensive research and exploration. My viva was an insightful and rewarding experience, with Prof. Claire Warden serving as the external examiner and Dr. Mitch Goodrum as the internal examiner. This thesis delves into the rich and complex history of British professional wrestling, starting from the iconic televised 'World of Sport' era to contemporary wrestling outputs. It offers a critically historical perspective on the evolution of British wrestling, examining key aspects such as spectatorship, fandom, professional practice, and cultural exchange.
Throughout my research, I explored how British wrestling fans have engaged with the sport over the decades, from the fervent supporters of the 'World of Sport' era to today's passionate communities. This section delves into the changing dynamics of fan interactions and the role of media in shaping these experiences. Additionally, the thesis investigates the professional practices within British wrestling, tracing the development of wrestling schools, training regimes, and the impact of prominent wrestling figures on the industry. It highlights the resilience and creativity of British wrestlers in adapting to a constantly evolving landscape.
A significant part of my work focuses on the cultural exchange within the wrestling world. I discuss how British wrestling has been influenced by and has influenced other wrestling traditions globally, particularly in the context of the WWE's global dominance. One of the most critical aspects I explored is the notion of authenticity and cultural identity in the age of neoliberalism. I examine how British wrestling grapples with maintaining its unique identity amidst the monopolistic rise of WWE and the commercialisation of the sport.
My passion for professional wrestling dates back to my youth. As a teenager, I avidly watched WWE during its terrestrial broadcast run and engaged in VHS tape trading to catch snippets of WCW and ECW. This lifelong fandom fuelled my desire to study wrestling from an academic perspective. Academically, my work is inspired by the groundbreaking contributions of scholars such as Sharon Mazer, Heather Levi, Claire Warden, Tom Phillips, and Benjamin Litherland. Their research provided invaluable insights that shaped my approach to this thesis.
"A Critical, Cultural History and Quasi-Ethnography of British Professional Wrestling" aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of British wrestling's past and present. By examining the sport through various critical lenses, I hope to contribute to the growing field of wrestling studies and offer a meaningful exploration of this unique cultural phenomenon.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about my work. I look forward to engaging with fellow scholars, wrestling fans, and anyone interested in the rich tapestry of British professional wrestling!
Comments