Professional wrestling became scripted in the 1920s to make matches more exciting and profitable.

In the early 20th century, professional wrestling was a legitimate competitive sport known as catch-as-catch-can. However, true athletic contests often resulted in defensive stalemates that lasted three to five hours. These long, grueling matches failed to hold the interest of spectators, leading to a significant decline in ticket sales and revenue for arena owners.Between 1920 and 1925, a group known as the Gold Dust Trio revolutionized the industry. This group consisted of legendary wrestler Ed 'Strangler' Lewis, his manager Billy Sandow, and promotional genius Joseph 'Toots' Mondt. They realized that by pre-determining winners and choreographing high-impact moves, they could guarantee an entertaining show every night.The Trio introduced the concept of 'kayfabe,' a term likely derived from pig Latin for 'fake.' This strict code of silence required performers to maintain their public personas at all times, even outside the ring. This ensured that the audience remained emotionally invested in the scripted rivalries and dramatic storylines between heroes, known as faces, and villains, known as heels.By 1928, the transition to 'Slam Bang Western Style Wrestling' was complete, blending traditional grappling with theater. This shift allowed promoters to schedule multiple matches in a single evening and create reliable touring circuits. The success of this model laid the foundation for modern sports entertainment giants like the WWE.