Let’s be honest: if you’ve ever watched professional wrestling, you’ve probably wondered, “Is this real or staged?” The answer is yes and no at the same time. 

Professional wrestling is a unique combination of athleticism, theater, and spectacular showmanship. It has everything: epic fights, charismatic heroes and villains, unexpected betrayals, loud victories and defeats that seem like a real disaster. But the most important thing is the emotions it evokes in the audience.

So What is Wrestling?

In simple words, it is a fight show, where each participant is not just an athlete, but an actor, stuntman and showman in one person. Yes, the outcome of the matches is known in advance, but what happens in the ring requires tremendous physical fitness, coordination and impeccable sense of timing. These guys really risk their health, performing the most difficult jumps, punches and throws.

Wrestling has a special rule known as kayfabe, total immersion in the storyline. The fighters play their roles both in and out of the ring, creating a sense of real conflict. Each wrestler has their own gimmick, a unique persona. One can be a charismatic superhero, another—a ruthless villain, and the third—an eccentric showman, causing chaos in every match.

World Stage

As in any sport (or show business), there are giants and underdogs. Wrestling is represented all over the world, and each country brings something different to the table:

• The U.S. – home to the biggest promotions, where wrestling is turned into a movie blockbuster with cool special effects, storyline and international stars.
• Mexico – the birthplace of lucha libre, where fighters wear colorful masks and fly around the ring like comic book characters.
• Japan – here wrestling is called puroresu, and it is no longer just entertainment, but a serious sport in which everything is as close as possible to real fights.
• Europe – (especially Great Britain, Germany, and France) keeps the traditions of classical wrestling but adds modern elements.

But don’t think that everything is limited to the big leagues. Independent promotions around the world are creating their own shows, paving the way for new talent and experimenting with formats. And frankly, sometimes things happen there that are far more interesting than in the big arenas.

Why Is Wrestling so Popular?

Wrestling is a whole culture. Many of its chips, phrases, and images have long since crossed over into movies, music, and even everyday life. “Can you take me?” – once said the legendary wrestler, and now it’s said by everyone who wants to show their strength.

In addition, wrestling today can be watched anywhere: on big screens, on your phone, on social networks, and on specialized streaming services. The best promotions, the greatest wrestlers, the most spectacular matches—all of this is now available in one place.

So if you thought wrestling was just a production, we suggest you watch a show or two. We’re sure that by the end of the first match, you’ll be screaming at the screen and cheering for your favorite fighter as if he’s fighting for your honor. Because that’s what wrestling does—it engages, it enthralls, and it makes you feel like you’re part of a great event.