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Professional wrestling

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NJPW STRONG: the best hour of pure professional wrestling on the planet!

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The Original Sheik of Araby vs Mighty Jumbo 1950's professional wrestling

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How to do the Up and Over in Pro Wrestling

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Rikishi Loses His Cool, Shoots On Opponent (Wrestling From The Heartland Vol. 1; Preview A)

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The world of pro wrestling: explained

Professional wrestling is a form of theatrical performance wherein athletic performers portray prizefighters competing in matches with predetermined, scripted outcomes. It is based on classical and "catch" wrestling, with modern additions of striking attacks, acrobatics, feats of strength, fast-moving athleticism and occasionally, improvised weaponry. The performances are all planned to maximize the entertainment value to the audience, and reduce the chances of the performers suffering real-life injuries. Professional wrestling also liberally incorporates melodrama. Much like some of the real prizefighters they imitate, the characters in professional wrestling have large egos, flamboyant personalities, and turbulent interpersonal relationships. These personas are generally scripted, the same as the matches. Performances mainly take place in a ring similar to the kind used in boxing. In the modern age of televised entertainment, many additional "backstage" scenes are also recorded to supplement the drama in the ring.
  • History 

  • Scope and influence 

  • Genre conventions 

  • Rules 

  • Dramatic elements 

  • Wrestlers 

  • Styles and characteristics in different countries 

  • Culture