You’re not alone if you’ve ever found yourself mesmerized by the intense athleticism, thrilling storylines, and larger-than-life characters in pro wrestling. Millions of people worldwide tune in to watch wrestling every week, captivated by the spectacle and drama that unfolds in the ring. Wrestling combines sports, entertainment, and storytelling to create a unique form of entertainment that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re new to wrestling or just looking to deepen your understanding, this article will take you through everything you need to know to enjoy and fully appreciate this dynamic sport.
What is Wrestling?
In its simplest form, wrestling is a combat sport where two competitors face off against each other, aiming to pin or submit their opponent. However, when we talk about “watch wrestling” in popular culture, we typically refer to professional wrestling, a form of entertainment that blends athleticism, drama, and spectacle. Unlike amateur wrestling, pro wrestling matches are often pre-scripted, meaning that the outcomes and storylines are planned ahead of time. The wrestlers, known as “superstars,” are skilled athletes who perform choreographed moves and stunts to tell a story in the ring.
Professional wrestling is often called “sports entertainment” because it combines elements of sport and theatre, drawing fans into the ongoing storylines and rivalries between wrestlers.
Why Do People Love to Watch Wrestling?
For many fans, watching wrestling is more than a hobby—it’s a passion. Wrestling offers something for everyone, blending action, drama, and spectacle like no other sport or show can. Here are a few reasons why people love to watch wrestling:
- Characters and Storylines: Wrestling features larger-than-life personalities, heroes, and villains that draw fans in. The feuds and alliances create emotional connections with the audience.
- Athleticism and Skill: Wrestlers are highly trained athletes who perform complex, high-risk manoeuvres. Their dedication to fitness and agility is nothing short of inspiring.
- Unpredictability: Though matches are scripted, you never know what will happen next. The element of surprise keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
- Community: Wrestling fans form a unique community, connecting online and in person at live events. This sense of belonging is a big part of the appeal.
Watching wrestling is not just about the matches themselves—it’s about being part of a world where anything is possible.
The History of Professional Wrestling
To fully appreciate pro wrestling, it helps to understand its roots. The origins of wrestling date back thousands of years, but modern pro wrestling as we know it began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here’s a quick overview of the evolution of wrestling:
EraKey Development
Carnival Era Wrestling was popular entertainment in travelling carnivals and fairs. Matches were often rigged, with wrestlers playing roles to entertain the crowd.
Golden Era Wrestling gained popularity on television in the 1950s, with figures like Gorgeous George becoming household names.
Hulkamania Era In the 1980s, wrestlers like Hulk Hogan brought wrestling into mainstream culture, leading to a boom in popularity.
Attitude Era The late 1990s saw the rise of edgy, mature storylines, with stars like Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock captivating fans.
Modern Era Wrestling has become a global phenomenon, with companies like WWE and AEW attracting audiences worldwide.
Each era brought new styles, characters, and fan bases, helping wrestling evolve into today’s dynamic industry.
Major Wrestling Promotions to Watch
Regarding professional wrestling, a few prominent companies dominate the scene. Here’s a quick look at the biggest promotions you should check out if you want to watch wrestling:
WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment)
- Founded: 1952
- Famous For: WrestleMania, iconic wrestlers like The Undertaker, John Cena, and Sasha Banks
- What Makes It Special: WWE is the largest wrestling company in the world, known for its high production values and global reach.
WWE is the most well-known wrestling promotion, with weekly shows like “Monday Night Raw” and “SmackDown.” Watching WWE is a great starting point for newcomers because of its extensive history and accessibility.
AEW (All Elite Wrestling)
- Founded: 2019
- Famous For: Innovating storylines, bringing in fresh talent, and offering an alternative to WWE
- What Makes It Special: AEW is known for its focus on wrestling as a sport, with longer, more competitive matches and an emphasis on creative freedom.
AEW quickly rose to prominence by attracting talent from around the world. Their flagship show, “Dynamite,” has become a fan favourite and helped AEW grow its loyal following.
NJPW (New Japan Pro-Wrestling)
- Founded: 1972
- Famous For: Hard-hitting, athletic style, and international stars like Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi
- What Makes It Special: NJPW is known for its strong-style wrestling, a physically intense approach emphasizing realism.
For fans who want a more sports-focused experience, NJPW offers a unique perspective on wrestling that’s different from the American style.
Impact Wrestling
- Founded: 2002
- Famous For: X-Division matches, legendary wrestlers like AJ Styles and Samoa Joe
- What Makes It Special: Impact focuses on high-flying and innovative wrestling styles, often introducing fresh concepts and unique match types.
Impact Wrestling has a smaller but dedicated fanbase and has produced some of the most talented wrestlers who later went on to other promotions.
Other Promotions
- Ring of Honor (ROH): Known for technical wrestling and a strong emphasis on athleticism.
- Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide: A Mexican promotion known for its high-flying lucha libre style.
- CMLL (Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre): The oldest wrestling promotion in the world, famous for its traditional Mexican wrestling.
Each of these promotions offers a different style and flavour of wrestling. Watching multiple promotions can help you appreciate the diversity within the wrestling world.
How to Watch Wrestling
There are several ways to watch wrestling, whether live events, streaming services, or cable TV. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular ways to catch your favourite wrestlers in action:
Television
Many major wrestling shows, such as WWE’s “Monday Night Raw” and AEW’s “Dynamite,” are available on cable TV. Channels like USA Network, Fox, and TNT broadcast weekly episodes. Cable is one of the most traditional ways to watch wrestling and is often the easiest option for fans in the United States.
Streaming Services
With the rise of streaming, watching wrestling online is easier than ever. Here are a few popular platforms:
- WWE Network: A subscription service offering access to all WWE events, including exclusive content and a vast archive of past matches.
- Peacock: In the United States, WWE Network is now available through Peacock, NBC’s streaming service.
- FITE TV: A streaming service that broadcasts events from promotions like Impact Wrestling, ROH, and more.
- New Japan World: NJPW’s dedicated streaming service offers live broadcasts and replays of all major NJPW events.
Streaming allows fans to watch wrestling from anywhere, whether on a phone, tablet, or smart TV.
Pay-Per-View (PPV)
Significant wrestling events, like WrestleMania or All Out, are often available through pay-per-view. PPV events typically feature the most high-stakes matches, with significant storylines coming to a head. Watching wrestling on PPV can be more expensive, but it’s often worth it for the spectacle and intensity of the matches.
Live Events
Nothing compares to the thrill of watching wrestling live. Wrestling promotions tour worldwide, performing at arenas and stadiums filled with passionate fans. Attending a live show allows you to experience the crowd’s energy, see the wrestlers up close, and participate in the action.
Popular Wrestling Terms You Should Know
When you watch wrestling, you’ll hear a lot of unique terms and phrases. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Babyface (Face): A “good guy” character for whom the crowd is supposed to cheer.
- Heel: A “bad guy” character, often using underhanded tactics to win.
- Promo: A speech or interview where a wrestler talks to the audience, often to build hype for an upcoming match.
- Kayfabe: The “reality” of the wrestling world, where everything that happens is part of the storyline.
- Finisher: A wrestler’s signature move that they use to finish matches.
- No-Sell: When a wrestler acts as though they haven’t been hurt by an opponent’s move, usually to show strength.
Learning these terms can help you understand and appreciate the stories and strategies in wrestling.
Wrestling as a Form of Storytelling
One of the most fascinating aspects of wrestling is its storytelling. Wrestlers are not just athletes—they’re characters in an ongoing drama. Each match tells a story, often with a buildup that spans weeks or months. Wrestlers play specific roles (such as “babyface” or “heel”), and their rivalries, alliances, and personal journeys are part of the narrative. Wrestling storylines can include:
- Feuds: Long-running rivalries that often lead to intense matches.
- Tag Teams: Groups of wrestlers who team up to face other duos, adding another layer of teamwork and strategy.
- Championship Chases: Storylines focused on wrestlers vying for title belts, giving their matches higher stakes.
Wrestling is unique because it blends reality and fiction in a way that allows fans to become emotionally invested.
How to Get Started if You’re New to Watch Wrestling
If you’re new to watching wrestling, here are some tips to help you get started:
- Choose a Promotion: Start with WWE or AEW for mainstream wrestling. They offer weekly shows that are accessible and full of exciting content.
- Follow a Storyline: Try following a specific storyline or rivalry. This can help you understand the characters and get invested in the outcome.
- Learn the Moves: Familiarize yourself with basic wrestling moves and terms. Knowing the difference between a suplex and a powerbomb can deepen your appreciation for the matches.
- Engage with Other Fans: Join online communities, follow fan pages, or attend live events. Being part of the wrestling community enhances the experience.
Watching wrestling is more fun when you understand the nuances and storylines, so take your time exploring the wrestling world.
The Impact of Wrestling on Pop Culture
Wrestling has had a massive impact on pop culture. Wrestlers like Hulk Hogan, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and John Cena have become cultural icons, transcending the sport to star in movies, TV shows, and commercials. Wrestling catchphrases, moves, and characters have become widely recognized, even among those who don’t regularly watch wrestling.
From action figures to video games, wrestling merchandise and media are everywhere. The influence of wrestling can be seen in music, fashion, and even politics, making it an integral part of popular culture.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Watch Wrestling
Wrestling is worth your time if you’re looking for an entertainment experience that’s thrilling, emotional, and full of surprises. It combines the excitement of sports with the storytelling of drama, creating a one-of-a-kind experience that appeals to fans of all ages. Whether you’re watching a high-flying lucha libre match or a hard-hitting NJPW about, there’s something in wrestling for everyone.
So, why not give it a try? Turn on a wrestling show, cheer for your favorite characters, and let yourself get swept up in the spectacle. Wrestling is a world like no other, and once you start to watch wrestling, you may find yourself hooked for life.