Combat sports are among the most interesting events, with people around the globe looking for a chance to witness them. However, when it comes to wrestling, things are different. With top companies like WWE, AEW, TNA, and NJPW, the main question most people ask is: Is it real? When asked, it is always a debate between fans who enjoy the sport and those who view it as fake.
So, what’s the answer? This question is still tricky, as a simple yes or no does not do the business justice. This article seeks to uncover the truth behind wrestling and what the entertainers go through. Keep reading to find out more.
Scripted Does Not Mean Safe
A few years ago, the cat was let out of the bag about wrestling being scripted events. This means the moves and winner have already been determined before the match begins. The participants, including the referee, know precisely what to do until the fight ends.
Changes might be made in some matches as the event continues, which is communicated to the officials on the sidelines. As one of the Bety games sporting events, you can still place wagers.
Although this is true, being inside the ring is brutal, like in other games. A wrestler’s job is to perform complex moves without injuring or inflicting too much pain on the opponent. The objective is to work with the opponent to entertain the fans and walk away with 100% health. This requires constant training and body conditioning. Even the slightest wrong move can cause significant damage to the opponent.
Common Wrestling Injuries
Despite being careful in matches, professional wrestlers usually get injuries throughout their careers. These include torn ligaments, concussions, broken ribs, and spinal injuries. Some even go away for years to heal before returning to the ring. In some cases, they may be career-ending or even cause a loss of life. This is a clear indication that wrestling is not all about scripting.
Edge is one of the most famous wrestlers in the WWE. In 2011, he was forced to retire after suffering a neck injury. He went through years of rehabilitation and finally returned in the 2020 Royal Rumble.
Another example is Triple H, famous for tearing his quadriceps during a live event. Surprisingly, he finished the fight, but it took him some time before returning to the ring. These are not isolated incidents in the world; injuries are common. This is one of the reasons why saying wrestling is fake is wrong.
The Demand for Training
Professional wrestlers need more than physical training to build the strength and perseverance required on the mat. They engage in challenges that help push the limits of physical power and mental resilience. Due to how well they condition their bodies, pro wrestlers are usually viewed as athletes.
Wrestlers as Pro Athletes
Considering the risks, physical demand, and training standards, most people consider wrestlers athletes. Other sports like basketball, football, and rugby rely on the ability of the players to maintain athleticism at all costs. The same is true in wrestling, or even worse, since they perform weekly. Bety.com has all these events, and you can place bets.
Strength and Endurance Training
Wrestlers go to the gym daily to maintain their physical form and prepare for the match. They focus on weightlifting, cardio, and bodyweight exercises for explosive power and stamina. Wrestlers follow strict diet guidelines or customized plans depending on their next role. These trainings help absorb impact for slams, dives, and grapples. It also reduces the chances of getting an injury.
Flexibility and Recovery
Before any exercise, a trainer always advises stretching or performing yoga poses to open up the muscles. This helps prevent joint stiffness while reducing the chances of injuries. After every match, professional wrestlers also undergo cryotherapy and massage to reduce inflammation while encouraging healing. Neglecting this simple exercise makes in-ring performance more dangerous.
Wrestling is Always on the Road
Wrestlers travel several days a week to perform in live shows or tape episodes, compared to most athletes. This constant movement reduces their time to rest while their bodies heal. Most take long drives and flights and have irregular sleeping patterns. Such a lifestyle increases the amount of wear and tear on the body. Only a few sports can offer a calendar that features year-round performances.
Long-Term Health Effects
As stated above, wrestling can be grueling, especially if a performer has not trained enough. Some wrestlers have already developed several problems, like arthritis, chronic pain, and neck problems. Most have also struggled with pain after leaving the ring, leading to physical limitations. Another problem associated with wrestling includes addiction to painkillers for those who continue to persevere with injuries.
Conclusion
Wrestling is among the most entertaining combat sports, with interesting storylines and breathtaking moves. Given the number of injuries and hazards around the business, it is clear that most of it is real. The most challenging part is understanding the toll it takes on the body of those who choose to pursue the career.
When watching these matches, there are warnings not to try what you see on the screen. That’s because wrestling is more real than most people think. The only unreal part is the match’s outcome and a few predetermined moves.
FAQs
Is wrestling fake or real?
Although the moves and results are already pre-determined, the action in the ring is real. The wrestlers take real bumps and train like athletes to ensure safety while performing the moves.
Do wrestlers get hurt often?
Yes, injuries are common among professional wrestlers. Although the organizers take safety precautions, they suffer concussions, broken legs, and muscle tears. Even the most experienced performers risk injury in every match.
How do wrestlers train for matches?
Physical conditioning is one of the main ways wrestlers prepare for matches. It involves weightlifting, cardio, and flexibility training. Opponents also rehearse moves and sequences to ensure they will be safe when performing them. Moreover, there are strict routines for training and diet for elite-level athletes.
Why don’t wrestlers wear protective gear?
Wrestling is all about performing stunts, grapples, and high-flying maneuvers. With minimal protective gear, wrestlers can move with no visual impact. However, wearing protective gear might affect body control and awareness in the ring.
