In psychoanalysis, the word "sublimated" is used to describe a drive that is channeled into a healthy outlet. A common psychoanalytic example is a surgeon who's sadism is sublimated into his medical work (he enjoys cutting people up, but it's channeled into something accepted).

It would be easy to describe pro-wrestling as a sublimated avenue for expressions of anger. The performers are telling stories and making art out of rage and violence.

But maybe this is just something we tell ourselves. What if pro-wrestling isn't actually as good and healthy as we all pretend it is? What if it's actually more destructive than it is "healing"?

Obviously, the issue isn't black and white. It can be therapeutic for some and harmful for others. It can even be therapeutic and harmful at the same time.

Are hurt people drawn to pro-wrestling because it provides them with an outlet? Or does wrestling, in fact, actually just break people? Why is wrestling — more than other art forms — so destructive with regards to its performers?

I don't think there are any real answers to any of these questions. But I think, at this point, it's irresponsible to not be asking these questions.