Wrestling

In Wrestling, fictional characters with different personalities, like in movies and TV series, perform a good-versus-evil story. Nevertheless, it is that easy? Alternatively, is wrestling an artistic performance of martial arts? We take a closer look at the spectacle wrestling.

The beginnings of wrestling date back to the 19th century. At that time wrestling fights were shown at fairs for the amusement of spectators. Back then, visitors tried to defeat clearly superior and trained athletes. Then in the 20th century, the first small wrestling leagues evolved. In 1901, the so-called "Tag Team Wrestling" was introduced as the official wrestling style in San Francisco. In the 1920s, wrestling was approved as an international sport in the United States. Out of the two popular leagues "Jim Crockett Promotions" and "Capitol Wrestling Corporation“, the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) already formed out at the end of the 30s. It is still the most influential league in wrestling.

In the 80s, wrestling then made his breakthrough. Hulk Hogan became a superstar and was the figurehead of wrestling. At that time, "WrestleMania" - a special show involving celebrities like Muhammad Ali or Floyd Mayweather to get more attention, was organized for the first time.

Wrestling is not a sport. It is sports-entertainment. Nevertheless, the muscle men must meet extreme requirements before they are allowed to enter the ring. The training is a physical cruelty. Judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu or boxing are not that challenging compared to wrestling. In a wrestling school, one learns the skills of bodyslam, the elbow drop or drop kicks. Wrestlers call the bounce on the mat "bump". During the match, the athletes show different types of actions to weaken their rivals. The process is planned from the outset in a storytelling. The basic principle is: The more dangerous and spectacular, the more interesting for the audience. It is mainly about jumps, throws, grips, punches and kicks. The challenge is to let the fight appear for the viewer as realistic as possible.

In addition to the hard training and the shows, popular wrestlers are also stressed. There is no summer or winter break. Wrestlers have to enter the ring several times each week. They spend their lives on the plane, in a taxi or in a tour bus. The body of a top wrestler must function properly and look outstanding. Therefore, wrestlers still fascinate thousands of people in halls and on the TV screen.