Wrestling

Wrestling is a combat sport with a long, rich history, in which combatants grapple with their opponents in an attempt to pin them to the floor or make them submit. From more classical Greco-Roman and freestyle bouts to the entertainment-focused world of pro-wrestling, the sport is a favourite with fans the world over.

📜 Wrestling History

Wrestling’s historical roots go back thousands of years, making it one of the oldest forms of combat. From literary references in the Old Testament and Book of Genesis to Babylonian and Egyptian cave drawings, wrestling is a cultural phenomenon prevalent throughout history. In Ancient Greece, wrestling even served as the focal point of the ancient Olympic Games.

Born out of legend, myth, and primitive punch-ups, wrestling has evolved into something entirely new and poles apart from its predecessors. Competitive wrestling now encompasses many different styles and forms, including Greco-Roman, folk, freestyle, and mixed martial arts. In most types of wrestling, combatants utilize grappling techniques, including throws, takedowns, and pins.

While more classical styles of wrestling are still practiced at the amateur level, today, professional wrestling – of the likes showcased by companies like WWE and AEW – is the most popular form of the sport with fans. Largely different to the ancient practice it has evolved from, modern pro-wrestling is a form of sports entertainment that combines athleticism, showmanship and storytelling to create pulsating matches with pre-determined results. Improvisation, choreography, and performance art come together at pro-wrestling shows to produce a product similar to live theatre, full of risk, danger, and drama.

💯 Wrestling Format & Scoring

Due to the vast array of styles and forms practised in the world of wrestling, there is no single set of rules that applies to all. For instance, some disciplines employ judges and a points system to decide their winners, while other victory conditions might include pinfall or submission. Ultimately, whether it be a Greco-Roman, freestyle, or professional bout, wrestling matches are generally physical contests between 2 or more competitors, in which both parties attempt to gain physical superiority over their opponent and pin them to the floor.