Professional wrestling
| Professional Wrestling | |
|---|---|
| A standard wrestling ring used in professional wrestling |
Professional wrestling is a form of entertainment that combines athleticism, choreographed performance, and storytelling. While outcomes are scripted, the physical demands and risks are very real. The genre has deep roots in American entertainment and is especially popular in the United States, Japan, and Mexico.
Key Features
- Matches are predetermined but involve real physical exertion
- Storylines often include rivalries, alliances, betrayals, and championship pursuits
- Wrestlers portray characters or "gimmicks" — heroes (faces) or villains (heels)
- Events often take place in rings with rope enclosures and are held in arenas, stadiums, or televised studios
History
- Originated in traveling carnivals and vaudeville shows in the late 1800s
- Gained popularity in the U.S. during the 1940s–1980s through regional wrestling promotions
- Exploded globally in the 1980s with the rise of WWE and stars like Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair
Major Promotions
- WWE – World Wrestling Entertainment (largest in the world)
- AEW – All Elite Wrestling (founded in 2019)
- NJPW – New Japan Pro Wrestling
- Impact Wrestling (formerly TNA)
Match Types
- Standard Singles Match
- Tag Team Match
- Ladder Match
- Cage Match
- Royal Rumble
- Hell in a Cell
- Iron Man Match
- Submission Match
Common Championships
Most promotions feature multiple championships:
- World Heavyweight Championship
- Intercontinental Championship
- Tag Team Titles
- Women’s Championship
- United States Championship (in WWE)
Notable Wrestlers
Some of the most influential and popular professional wrestlers include:
Cultural Impact
- Blends sports, soap opera drama, and theater
- Has influenced films, music, memes, fashion, and video games
- Wrestlers often cross into mainstream entertainment — e.g., The Rock in Hollywood
Criticism
- Long hours, injuries, and lack of unionization have raised labor rights concerns
- Some fans criticize overly scripted promos or repetitive storylines
- However, fan loyalty and nostalgia remain strong