Professional wrestling

Professional wrestling, often shortened to either pro wrestling or wrestling, is a form of athletic theater centered around mock combat with the premise that its performers are competitive wrestlers.

In the United States, the term "professional wrestling" does not refer to authentic wrestling, which was never popular enough with the American public to sustain a professional scene; starting in the late 19th century, professional wrestlers staged fake matches that exhibited more exciting action, which drew bigger audiences. The public eventually figured out that it was scripted, but the fans accepted it and played along because it was more entertaining than the real thing. The wrestlers responded by incorporating drama, gimmickry, and outlandish stunts to their performances to further raise the entertainment, all the while maintaining the pretense it was a real sport. Eventually, the term "professional wrestling" was legally defined as a non-sport by various government regulators because authentic wrestling was effectively confined to amateur enthusiasts.

Professional wrestlers perform as characters and usually maintain what is known in the industry as a gimmick—the persona, style, and traits conveyed by their distinctive attires, ring names, entrance music, and other distinguishable attributes and characteristics. Matches are the primary vehicle for advancing storylines, which typically center on feuds between heroic "faces" and villainous "heels", though more modern wrestling has also increasingly featured morally ambiguous "tweeners". A wrestling ring, akin to a boxing ring, serves as the main stage. Additional scenes may be recorded for television in backstage areas of the venue, in a format similar to reality television. Performers generally integrate authentic wrestling techniques and fighting styles with choreography, stunts, improvisation, and dramatic conventions designed to maximize entertainment value and audience engagement. In a notable difference from other forms of entertainment, wrestlers usually maintain the character they are playing even when they are not performing; this dedication to presenting scripted events as real is known as kayfabe, and a wrestler breaking kayfabe can be likened to an actor breaking character.

Professional wrestling is performed around the world through various promotions, which are roughly analogous to production companies or sports leagues. Promotions vary considerably in size, scope, and creative approach, ranging from local shows on the independent circuit to internationally broadcast events at major arenas. The largest and most influential promotions are in the United States, Mexico, Japan, and Europe (particularly the United Kingdom, France, and Germany/Austria), which have each developed distinct styles, traditions, and subgenres within professional wrestling. Many professional wrestlers also perform as freelancers and make appearances for different promotions.

Professional wrestling has developed its own culture and community, including a unique terminology. It has achieved mainstream success and influence within popular culture; many wrestling phrases, tropes, and concepts are now referenced in everyday language and in film, television, music, and video games. Numerous professional wrestlers have become national or international sports icons with recognition by the wider public, with some finding further fame and success through other endeavours such as acting and music.