‘Tough Enough’ is legit reality TV

While the popularity of prime-time game shows slowly fades into obscurity - hopefully taking with it Regis Philbin's line of clothing - the so-called 'reality TV' movement continues stronger than ever. Even with the enormous success of programs such as 'Survivor' and 'Temptation Island,' the WWF's attempt at reality TV, 'Tough Enough,' stands out as the champion of this latest genre.

Unlike others before it, the premise of 'Tough Enough' defines the term 'reality.' The reality is that someone can join a wrestling school and pursue a career in sports entertainment. That's what 13 unknowns did just a few months ago when 'Tough Enough' premiered on MTV.

Since its debut, 'Tough Enough' cast members slowly have disappeared, either because of injury or simply because they were cut by the show's trainers - Al Snow, Tori, Jackie and Tazz.

The WWF-MTV venture presents a candid look at the wrestling business from the inside. It shows that training is hard and professional wrestling is anything but fake, ending the speculation that anyone can participate in it.

'Tough Enough' also presents real danger to its contestants, which is different from a show such as 'Survivor.' These kids are performing moves that hurt and could cause injury if not done correctly.

So far, Greg and Paulina - two of the front-runners to win the competition - have been forced to drop out due to injury. Greg has three herniated discs in his lower back, while Paulina has a partial tear in her knee.

'Survivor,' at least for the first season, was innovative. Much as 'Tough Enough,' viewers were privy to some interactions among cast members that they normally would not be allowed or accustomed to seeing. CBS' vision was that of human interaction on the most basic level - on a deserted island.

Then, 'Survivor' became a parody of itself with the 'Australian Outback.' Same concept, different location. People still tuned in because the first 'Survivor' was original, and, much like wrestling, it's addictive.

But 'Survivor' contestants are in no real danger, other than going a few days without shaving or having to tramp a bug or two. CBS, rightfully so, never would let someone seriously get injured on one of its television programs, no matter how lucrative the ratings or advertising dollars might be. The whole concept of being on an island or in the Australian Outback for a few months is not realistic - contrary to the term reality TV, which is what this show is considered.

The other problem with 'Survivor' is that it takes ordinary people and makes them superstars. Richard Hatch, the first 'Survivor' winner, appeared on the 'MTV Movie Awards' and countless magazine covers after his 'big win.'

Even 'Survivor' castaways are doing movies, 'Playboy' photo shoots, etc. 'Tough Enough' is not trying to create even more mainstream stars. The show's purpose is to create two (one man and one women) new professional wrestling talents for an eventual spot on the permanent WWF roster. The two winners receive WWF developmental deals and probably a spot in Ohio Valley Wrestling in Louisville, Ky.

'Tough Enough,' however, is not without its flaws. Hardcore wrestling fans are complaining that the show has too much of a 'Real World' feeling, and that more wrestling training should be featured.

While that is true to an extent, let's remember that 'Tough Enough' is on MTV, which caters to a diverse audience to say the very least. A show featuring nothing but faceless young adults taking bumps won't sell to the vast majority of people. That's why the WWF has allowed MTV to add its personal touch with out-of-the-ring activities such as trips to the Bahamas and various nightclubs. 'Tough Enough' has the feel of a one-season show. Once viewers see how wrestling school training works, the novelty will wear off. That said - because of injuries suffered to Greg and Paulina - a second season might not be out of the question. Perhaps, the two injured upstarts could return to pursue a dream that was cut short, despite the fact that they would be ahead of the other incoming talent.

Such as any other TV show, 'Tough Enough' is not without its dull moments, which varies depending on your perception of what's entertaining and what's not. Ultimately, 'Tough Enough' has a certain undeniable appeal, especially for long-time fans of pro wrestling who understand how hard these performers work.

Rennie Detore's Pro Wrestling Insider appears Sundays in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.