The 'It's Still Real to Me Damn It' meme originated from a 2006 professional wrestling convention in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where a fan named Dave Williams tearfully thanked a panel of legendary wrestlers for their physical sacrifices. While many viewed pro wrestling as merely scripted entertainment, Williams' emotional outburst highlighted the deep personal connection and sincerity fans feel toward the industry. The video went viral in the early days of YouTube, becoming a shorthand for anyone passionately defending a hobby, franchise, or narrative that others dismiss as fake or trivial. Today, it is widely used across the internet to express unwavering loyalty to fictional worlds, nostalgic memories, or niche interests despite public skepticism or criticism.