Wrestling - Overview

Professional Wrestling is a very entertaining sport to watch. there are many different types of professional wrestling (American, British, European and even Japanese) so what is wrestling, and how does it work? What are the rules? Well let me answer those very questions for you as I give you an introduction to the sports entertainment spectacular that is Professional Wrestling.

The Rules

1. Wrestlers enter the ring and the match starts on the sound of the bell
2. If the both opponents leave the ring they have until the count of 10 to get back in or both men will be counted out and the match will end as a no contest.
3. If a wrestler uses a weapon on his opponent during the match and the referee sees it that wrestler will be disqualified from the match and his opponent will win the match via disqualification (DQ).
4. No closed fist punches - breaking this rule can lead to a DQ
5. No low blows (one opponent gets down on his knees and hits the opponent in the groin) - breaking this rule can lead to DQ.
6. Interference for any wrestler can lead to that wrestler being disqualified from the match, and the opponent will win the contest.
7. There is a strict time limit for every match, which differs between companies. If that time limit is reached then the match will end as a no contest and will be declared a draw.
8. You can win a match via Countout, Pinfall, Submission or Disqualification.

Questions

How long is the time limit for each match?

It depends on which company you wrestle for - each different wrestling company sets different time limits for each match.

What if the ref does not see you use a weapon, or employ a closed fist or a low blow?

If the referee does not see you use any of these then he will not call for a DQ

How long is the count out for?

Again it depends on the company you wrestle for. It is usually a 10 count but some promotions use 20 instead

How many wrestlers can start a match?

As many as the owner wants to start the match, but a minimum of two

How many wrestling companies are there?

That is impossible to give a precise figure as there are 300 + promotions in Europe, America, United Kingdom and various other countries. A wrestling company can be based anywhere and deal with any level of the sport - there could even be one in your local village

 Is wrestling fake?

Yes wrestling is fake for some definition of the word fake, but is still entertaining to watch. The wrestlers know how the match is planned to end end but everything you see during the match is unscripted.

How long has wrestling been around?

Wrestling has been around since 1500 BC is various forms

Which wrestling promotion is the best?

Itis impossible to say which is the best promotion out there because they are all very good for all different reasons. For example, TNA (Total Non-Stop Action) use very talented wrestlers, strong storylines, and run in a very professional way and 1PW (1 Pro Wrestling) have a similar ethic but are very publically passionate about the sport.

So if wrestling is fake why watch it?

It may be fake but it's entertaining - the moves that the wrestlers pull off during the match take a great deal of talent and years of training to achieve, and the wrestlers are very proud of and passionate about their abilities. A high profile wrestling event can attract 30,000+ fansbecause htey too recognise this and enjoy the spectacle.

What kind of matches can you have?

There are many different matches, and the exact nature of those matches varies between companies. As an example you may see matches adsvertised under the following headings: Singles, Tag Team, Submission, Barbed Wire Massacre, Steel Cage, Buried Alive, Hell in a Cell, Battle Royal, Fatal 4 Way, Triple Threat, Ladder match, and TLC (Tables, Ladders & Chairs)

Useful Links

American Wrestling

WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) – www.wwe.com
WWE is the biggest wrestling company in the world, featuring over 80 wrestlers and producing weekly television show.

TNA (Total Non-Stop Wrestling) – www.tnawrestling.com
TNA Wrestling is the second biggest wrestling company and is WWE’s main rival

ROH (Ring of Honour) – www.rohwrestling.com
Ring of Honour is a fast growing challenger to TNA and specialises in Pay Per View television events

CZW (Combat Zone Wrestling) – www.czwrestling.com
CZW are the most hardcore promotion in America today, with matches that feature, weapons, barbed wire, chairs, steel cages and blood. This produces the most brutal wrestling around.

British Wrestling

1PW (1 Pro Wrestling) – www.1pwonline.co.uk
1PW is the biggest promotion in Britain, with big name appearances and very passionate fans and management

LDN Wrestling (London Wrestling) – www.ldnwrestling.com
LDN Wrestling is the second biggest wrestling company in the UK and produces family entertainment. for television in Britain and Canada

IPW:UK (International Pro Wrestling: United Kingdom) – www.ipwuk.com
IPW produce one show each month and have distribution channels throughout Germany