Is the term "internet fans" a misnomer?

[SirLucas]

It seems like everybody is on the internet nowdays and the lines are blurred between what is a casual wrestling fan vs. an internet fan.  Plus, I think the WWE has built themselves up such a strong brand identity and have such brand loyalty, that their hardcore fan base should not be underestimated.  Plus, now with the Network, they need more than just channel surfers to garnish those subscriptions.  

Historically, we have been told that the ICW, or the die hard fans are just a small percentage of the audience and the rest of people flipping through the channels on a Monday night.  But in 2017, what exactly classifies an internet fan?  Someone who is critical about the current product, i.e. booing Roman Reigns? Or it is just anybody who researches or posts about wrestling over the web? 

[Dang!]

I'd say it's people who frequent wrestling websites (other than WWE.com) to post and discuss it on these sites.

[Deleted]

Internet fan or IWC is just really shorthand for hardcore fans. Before social media took off you had to go out of your way to find a place online to talk about wrestling and you aren't going to do that if you're a pretty casual fan. The term shouldn't be taken so literally. Most of the people who occasionally talk about wrestling on social media aren't discussing who is getting BERRIED or debating star ratings.

[Cranjis McBasketball]

Read the WWE Facebook page on any article they post. A couple smarks, people that English isn't their first language, people who comment like their keyboard is having a seizure, and true believers.

I think more people think WWE is "real" than wrestling fans are willing to admit. They can't all just be playing along.