It may not be real, but it’s fun to watch

They boast muscular physiques, stand over six feet tall and weigh more than 200 pounds. They are ruthless, wear demonic makeup and use moves such as the “Swinging Backbreaker” and “Scorpion Deathlock” to vanqiush their opponents.
And it’s all fake. But don’t let that discourage you.
Some of professional wrestling’s most cartoonish characters are coming to Seoul this weekend to show off their adrenaline-pumping, well-rehearsed moves in a three-day event titled “NWA 2005 World Wrestling Superstars Korea ATTACK.”
The festivities offer the rare opportunity to watch WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), WCW (World Championship Wrestling) and TNA (Total Nonstop Action) stars in the same arena. This is the less-recognized, 60-year-old NWA’s (National Wrestling Alliance) first tour of Korea.
Korean wrestling fans seem to be champing at the bit, particularly at the prospect of seeing Sting, “The Phantom of the Ring.” “I must watch Sting’s fight before I die,” said the chairman of a WWE fan club in Korea.
The event will feature some of the best-known figures in the pro wrestling world, regardless of their affiliation.
Besides Sting, wrestlers to appear include the apparently legendary Dusty Rhodes (and his son Dustin), TNA world champion Jeff Jarrett, all-TNA title winner AJ Styles, Diamond Dallas Page, Raven, Scott Hall and Buff Bagwell.
There will also be four female wrestlers, including Korean-Canadian Gail Kim.
Since debuting in 1985, Sting, 45, known for his spooky black-and-white makeup, has won numerous titles, including two UWF World Tag Team titles and NWA World TV and World Heavyweight titles.
Of course, a “title” is of dubious value when the matches are obviously scripted and rehearsed. Sometimes the wrestlers don’t even seem to be trying to make it look real.
But wrestling fans love the good-guy-versus-bad-guy comic-book drama anyway.
Gail Kim, 28, became the WWE women’s division champion in a Battle Royal in June 2003. Kim has a relatively small physique compared to other female wrestlers, but is quick and nimble, using the high-flying techniques more often seen in men’s wrestling.
Four large screens as well as sophisticated audio and lighting systems will be installed above the stage.
The faux combat starts at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Olympic Gymnastics Hall in Jamsil, southeastern Seoul. Ticket prices are 30,800 won ($30) to 165,000 won. For more information, call 1588-3443.

by Limb Jae-un