Ron Mullinax's Blog, page 3
February 15, 2018
Current WWE Champions
Compiling a current WWE champions list isn’t an easy task since rounding up all the title-holders across every division on SmackDown, Raw, 205 Live, NXT, and all the other trophies and belts takes considerable time and effort. To make it easy for fans and wrestling enthusiasts, here’s a quick rundown of the most popular WWE champions.
WWE Universal Championship, which sits at the top among WWE’s championship hierarchy for Raw, is held by Brock Lesnar at present. Lesnar’s reign as the WWE universal champion started on April 2, 2017, after he defeated Goldberg on WrestleMania 33 to win the title.
AJ Styles became the WWE champion on November 7, 2017. His name was included in the list of current WWE champions after he had beaten Jinder Mahal on SmackDown Live.
When considering secondary titles in WWE, one can’t miss the WWE Cruiserweight Championship and WWE Intercontinental Championship (for Raw) and the WWE United States Championship (for Smackdown). Roman Reigns is the present intercontinental champion, who won the title on November 20, 2017, after defeating The Miz on Monday Night Raw. The current cruiserweight champion is Enzo Amore, who defeated Kalisto on October 22, 2017, at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs. Dolph Ziggler is the present day United States champion who pinned Champion Baron Corbin at Clash of Champions during his triple threat bout that also involved Bobby Roode. All these current champions in WWE have their steady fan following.
For the female wrestlers, two championships exist on Raw and Smackdown. Alexa Bliss is the reigning champion for the current WWE Raw Women’s Championship after defeating Sasha Banks for the title on August 28, 2017, on Monday Night Raw. When it comes to WWE Smackdown Women’s Championship, Charlotte Flair holds the title since November 14, 2017, after she won against Natalya on SmackDown Live.
While some of these WWE champions have their next challenges scheduled shortly, most have their itinerary yet to be decided.
Which of these champions do you follow or are a fan of? Let me know in the comments section below. Don’t forget to take a look at my book Fritz Von Erich: Master of the Iron Claw for knowing more about pro wrestling. You can also reach me on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
References
Nissim, Mayer. 2017. “Who is the current WWE Champion? Every title holder on Raw, SmackDown, NXT and 205 Live.” Digital Spy, December 19. Accessed January 3, 2018. http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/wwe/feature/a842520/wwe-champion-title-current-nxt-raw-smackdown-tag-womens-us-intercontinental-uk-belt/.
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February 8, 2018
Unveiling the Mystery Surrounding Kevin Von Erich
Born May 15, 1957, Kevin Von Erich is the last man standing of the Von Erich family. Despite the fame his father Fritz Von Erich and his siblings gained in the pro wrestling arena, it wasn’t easy for Kevin to bear the deaths of his five other brothers under tragic circumstances, where three committed suicide. Perhaps the steely nerves the man developed from witnessing such family tragedies are the reason why Kevin Von Erich death rumors haven’t troubled him much over the years.
Having trained under his father, Kevin started his in-ring career in 1976. He was soon known for his trademark holds, dropkicks, and the fabled iron claw. Often called the “The Golden Warrior,” Kevin stood out in WCCW, along with the other two Von Erich brothers—Kerry and David. In 1995, Kevin appeared in his last professional wrestling match. Kevin Von Erich’s hall of fame inclusion happened on April 4, 2009, when Michael Hayes officially inducted the Von Erich family into the WWE Hall of Fame.
“Where is Kevin Von Erich now?” was a popular question that fans often asked after the man retired from the ring. Kevin kept himself busy by appearing in TNA and WWE over the years after he retired from the ring. In January 2005, he even refereed an NWA title match between Tully Blanchard and Jeff Jarrett. Last year, during an interview conducted by YNetNews.com, Kevin Von Erich announced that he would be coming out of retirement. But Kevin hasn’t wrestled for more than two decades now. His advanced age, coupled with his being away from the ring for so long, has made many skeptical how he would perform once he’s back in the thick of the action. Yet his fans and most others have welcomed the move and wished him luck, perhaps because he has an illustrious family legacy that simply can’t be ignored.
What do you think would happen when Kevin returns to the ring? Do you think it’s a wise decision? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. You can also reach me on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads. Don’t forget to check my new book, Fritz Von Erich: Master of the Iron Claw, if you’d like to learn more about the Von Erichs.
References
Buckler, David. 2017. “Kevin Von Erich.” OWW, February 16. Accessed January 2, 2018. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/bios/k/kevin-von-erich/.
Kettle, Harry. 2017. “WWE News: Kevin Von Erich Set to Come Out of Retirement.” Sportskeeda, May 9. Accessed January 2, 2018. https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/wwe-news-kevin-von-erich-come-out-of-retirement.
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January 26, 2018
Most Shocking Wrestlers’ Deaths
Many people think that the stunts wrestlers perform in pro wrestling are just scripted. Even though these are scripted stunts, wrestlers cannot avoid accidents inside and outside the ring. They take all these risks for the sake of entertainment, especially for their fans. Perhaps, this is why many wrestlers’ deaths are caused by their in-ring fights and stunts even while on a broadcast. However, there are some who died because of their battle with depression. Others, still, die because of diseases caused by the stunts they execute and that their body can no longer tolerate.
People only see the fearless image of a wrestler whenever they enter the arena. However, they don’t know that behind this façade is depression that is slowly killing their minds. An example of a professional wrestler death is Chris Benoit. He was a Canadian wrestler who suffered depression. The pressure from his matches caused his aggressive behavior toward his wife and son, which ultimately resulted in killing his own family and himself in late June 2007.
However, depression is not the only reason why wrestlers die outside the arena. Sometimes a fight between wrestlers does not just end within the ring. It can continue outside that may lead to death. One of the famous wrestler death that shocked the world was Bruiser Brody’s. He was a victim of a fight outside the ring when José Gonzáléz (better known as “Invader”), a Puerto Rican retired wrestler, stabbed him inside the shower room in Bayamon Stadium in Puerto Rico in 1988. In this case, Gonzáléz was acquitted because nobody attended the trial on behalf of Brody.
Stakes are even higher for wrestlers when they are inside the ring. Many wrestlers have died during their in-ring fight, like Canadian-American wrestler Owen Hart. He died during his fight in the year 1999 at a pay-per-view event in Kansas City, United States, due to an equipment malfunction during his entrance.
One recent death of a wrestler was Perro Aguayo Jr. It was inside the ring during his match with Rey Mysterio in 2015. He died after Mysterio drop-kicked him in the neck, fatally knocking him out. The match still went on, with people thinking Perro was only out cold.
These are just a few of the many wrestler deaths that left the media and pro wrestling fans shocked. Even though they have already passed, their words and legacy in the ring will remain legendary in the world of pro wrestling.
Whose wrestlers’ deaths have remained unforgettable for you? Share it in the comment below. For more stories about wrestling and the lives of wrestlers, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads. If you’re a fan of Jack Adkisson, a.k.a. Fritz Von Erich and one of pro wrestling’s legendary families, grab a copy of my book, Fritz Von Erich: Master of the Iron Claw.
References
Buckley, James. 2016. “Top 15 Most Tragic Wrestler Deaths We Never Saw Coming.” The Sportster, April 4. Accessed January 11, 2018. https://www.thesportster.com/wrestling/top-15-most-tragic-wrestler-deaths-we-never-saw-coming/.
Dowling, Marcus K. 2014. “10 Most Scandalous Pro Wrestler Deaths.” WhatCulture, November 6. Accessed January 11, 2018. http://whatculture.com/wwe/10-scandalous-pro-wrestler-deaths.
Anderson, Jay. 2015. “Perro Aguayo Jr Dies in the Ring during Match with Rey Mysterio.” WhatCulture, March 22. Accessed January 11, 2018. http://whatculture.com/wwe/perro-aguayo-jr-dies-in-the-ring-during-match-with-rey-mysterio.
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January 19, 2018
Dallas Sportatorium
Dallas Sportatorium Completes All Wrestling History
Whenever wrestling fans think about the Golden Era of professional wrestling in the state of Texas, the first name that comes to mind is the Von Erich family, followed closely by World Class Championship Wrestling in the second spot, with the Dallas Sportatorium—one of the greatest wrestling venues of the world—claiming the final spot. Built in 1934 by Bill Cox of the Cox Fence company, the original Dallas Sportatorium had an octagonal shape and could accommodate approximately 10,000 spectators. The first pro wrestling event was held at the Sportatorium on December 9, 1935, which was promoted by Burt Willoughby, the first pro wrestling promoter in Dallas. Though this barnlike arena was primarily used for professional wrestling, it hosted rock concerts, the country music showcase and boxing events too.
In late 1966, the famous wrestler Jack Adkisson, who was known for his ring name Fritz Von Erich, joined Dallas Sportatorium as a joint partner with Ed McLemore. After the death of his partner, Adkisson took charge of the Dallas Sportatorium. In the early 1980s, Adkisson’s promotional work became known as World Class Championship Wrestling, which featured his sons. Soon it became the most successful and famous wrestling federation that organized regular wrestling events at the Dallas Sportatorium.
Apart from Von Erich, the Dallas Sportatorium was witness to many other greats including Jake “The Snake” Roberts, The Fabulous Freebirds, and a young “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, among others.
Later, the Dallas Sportatorium served as the home of the GWF from 1991 to 1994 and the NWA from 1994 to 1996. Finally, the Sportatorium was demolished in 2003 after a devastating fire in December 2001. However, its memory still remains alive in the millions of wrestling fans across the globe.
Call to action: Do you have any fond memories about the Dallas Sportatorium? Let me know in the comments section below. Don’t forget to check out my book, Fritz Von Erich: Master of the Iron Claw, my tribute to a pro wrestling great. Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads, if you want to talk about pro wrestling.
References
McCrary, Montez. 2013. “Classic Venues: The Dallas Sportatorium.” The PractitioNERD, July 4. Accessed December 30, 2017. https://thepractitionerd.com/2013/07/04/classic-venues-the-dallas-sportatorium/.
Wikipedia. “Dallas Sportatorium.” Last modified September 19, 2017. Accessed December 30, 2017. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas_....
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January 12, 2018
Top Five Best-Looking Pro Wrestling Belts
Reviewing wrestling title belts: bringing an additional flair and quality
The world of wrestling has seen several wrestling belts come and go through the years. Some of them remained in memory and became fan favorites, while some others simply vanished from everyone’s minds. Some belts represent an unmatched aesthetic quality and appeal, while others fall a little short. So, which ones can be considered as best? Here’s a list of the top five pro wrestling title belts.
#1 The WCW World Heavyweight Championship
Among all pro wrestling championship belts, this is the belt that signifies only one thing—among billions of people on earth, the holder of this belt is simply the best. Made of solid gold, engulfing the holder’s entire waist, this belt is meant for a king.
#2 WWE Intercontinental Championship
In the prolonged history of the Intercontinental Championship, this belt has had about seven designs, some with slight alterations. Being counted among the most famed wrestling belts, this one was commonly held by the best wrestlers in the company like The Ultimate Warrior and The Honky Tonk Man.
#3 NWA World Heavyweight Championship
Established in 1957 from the original World Heavyweight Championship, the design of this belt has been tweaked slightly over the years, making it highly unrecognizable. Its old-school design is simple yet extremely effective.
#4 WWE Undisputed Championship
This belt was surprisingly short-lived—introduced after WrestleMania X-8 and retired only three years later, taken over by The Spinner Belt. However, during its short life span, this belt was held by some elite wrestlers including Hulk Hogan, Triple H, The Undertaker, Brock Lesnar, and The Rock, among others.
#5 The Current WWE Tag Team Championship
Being the final entry on this list of magnificent wrestling title belts, it displays two fearsome Spartans, set to fight ’til death with “Tag Team Champions” shown in shining gold boldly. This belt is truly meant for the champions.
This was my favorite list of best-looking wrestling belts. What’s yours? Share your favorite championship belts in the comments section below. You might also want to check my book out, Fritz Von Erich: Master of the Iron Claw, to learn about one of pro wrestling’s most fabled families. Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads, if you want to talk about pro wrestling.
References
Mrsocko. 2013. “Top 10 Belts in Pro Wrestling History.” Cageside Seats, March 3. Accessed January 1, 2018. https://www.cagesideseats.com/2013/3/3/4058580/top-10-belts-in-wrestling-history.
Dunning, Kyle. 2016. “20 Aesthetically Pleasing Championship Title Belts.” eWrestlingNews, August 26. Accessed January 1, 2018. https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/lists/20-aesthetically-pleasng-championship-title-belts.
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January 5, 2018
Wrestling Moves: Popular Moves and Their Names
Wrestling is considered as one of the oldest sports in the history that continues to be relevant.
You may have watched wrestling on television many times. While others find the wrestling moves excruciating and painful, there are times when they look exciting and cool.
Here, we compiled this list of ridiculous wrestling moves some well-known wrestling figures use over the course of their careers:
People’s elbow. Popularized by The Rock, or Dwayne Johnson, himself, the people’s elbow is an ultimate finisher move. The Rock would pose over his fallen rival, toss his elbow pad, hit the ropes, and execute his ultimate finisher—dropping an elbow.
Atomic leg drop. Hulk Hogan, America’s most famous wrestler of the 80s and early 90s WWF, used this as a finisher, dropping a leg into the opponent’s neck. It has more misses than hits.
This is a trademarked move by Scotty 2 Hotty. Holding his hands up, he would jog before hopping with his feet and doing the dance people call as “The Worm.” After dancing, he would swing his arms like a monkey and hit his opponent with a throat chop.
Discus forearm. Spinning around before delivering the punch is a move by Austin Aries. He would spin around to give his attack more strength before punching his opponent in the face.
Mandible sock. Mick Foley would pull out a sock from his pants, wear it on his hands, and try to fit his entire socked hand in his opponent’s mouth.
Choke slam. This is an authentic finisher, and many wrestlers have added this move to their repertoire. A wrestler grips the neck of the rival, lift them up, and smash them. The facial reactions of the bulky wrestlers during the 90s and early 2000s made this move one of the most ridiculous in wrestling.
Sweet chin music. As a finisher, Shawn Michaels executes this move by striking a powerful kick to the enemy’s chin. No other finisher in the word of pro wrestling leaves the fans in awe every time The Heartbreak Kid finishes off opponents with this move.
Wearing a sock puppet snake on his hand, Santino would strike his opponent’s throat or face. Santino Marella punches his opponent throughout the match but is not able to knock them out. However, he knocks them out with the cobra move.
Stink face. Some may not like the idea of a butt shoved into the face, but Rikishi Phatu popularized this move in 2000s. Once the opponent falls sitting on the corner of the ring, Rikishi would rub his butt on his face many times.
Spin–a-roonie. Booker T breakdances before kicking his opponent in the head, which he calls as the “spin-a-roonie.” He has the tendency to dance before completely defeating his opponent which resulted to him losing matches more than a few times.
Know other unusual wrestling moves you’ve seen in your life? If you are a wrestling fan, you might be interested to read my book, Fritz Von Erich: Master of the Iron Claw, available at LitFire Publishing, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. You can also discuss with me the merits of the sport via Facebook and Goodreads.
References
Williamson, Adam. 2011. “10 Funny Wrestling Moves.” Made Man, February 6. Accessed November 22, 2017. http://www.mademan.com/mm/10-funny-wrestling-moves.html.
Quicksilver, Chris. 2014. “10 Most Ridiculous Wrestling Finishing Moves Ever.” WhatCulture, December 26. Accessed November 22, 2017. http://whatculture.com/wwe/10-most-ridiculous-wrestling-finishing-moves-ever.
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December 20, 2017
Must-Watch Wrestling Shows besides WWE
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Avid fans must be accustomed to World Championship Wrestling shows all their lives, but there is more to the world of professional wrestling than WWE. With the emergence of other wrestling promotions, the competition becomes tighter and more exciting. It only follows that other wrestling TV shows enjoy greater number of audiences.
So what other professional wrestling shows are in today?
Lucha Underground
For fans who want something different, Lucha Underground caters to their request. Produced by the talented Mark Burnett, this wrestling show offers slick backstage segments and thrilling in-ring action. The show makes use of unique camera angles and visual effects that add flavor to the production.
The roster includes Alberto El Patron, Johnny Mundo, Chavo Guerrero Jr., Prince Puma (Ricochet), Brian Cage, and Fenix.
Combining ingenuity with careful planning, Lucha Underground produces a completely distinctive entertainment for the wrestling fans. Their narrative is planned for the whole season, making each episode a must-watch and less of a filler.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Dubbed as the WWE main rival, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) is the biggest promotion in Japan.
The show’s household names include Hiroshi Tanahashi, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Kazuchika Okada. It also boasts the legacy of the Great Muta, Akira Maeda, Shinya Hashimoto, and Tatsumi Fujinami. In NJPW, it is all about the fight.
Its governing body, IWGP, laid out six titles to wrestlers including the IWGP Intercontinental Championship. For those who hunger for hour-long matches, feuds, and brawls, then this show is the best choice.
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
A do-it-yourself success, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla is managed by wrestling pros. Most of the shows take place in the American Legion Hall in Reseda, California. Its allure must come from the fact that it only invites those with a good and clean track records can get a place in the lineup. Wrestling fans will struggle to find a bad match in PWG.
They hold the single-elimination tournament with New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s (NJPW) G1 Climax, one of the biggest shows of the year. PWG produces one of the most entertaining shows where exceptional wrestling blends with hilarious sequences.
Chikara
One of the purest form of entertainment, Chikara follows strict house rules such as no cursing and low blows. Their most recognizable names include Fire Ant, Green Ant, and Silver Ant. There is also Kevin Owens, Daniel Bryan, and Cesaro.
The show emphasizes tag teams, lucha libre, trios, and hero vs. villain storylines. Just like television shows, Chikara works in seasons.
I hope you enjoyed the list of wrestling shows you shouldn’t miss. If you are a wrestling fan, you might be interested to read my book, Fritz Von Erich: Master of the Iron Claw, available at LitFire Publishing, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. You can also discuss with me the merits of the sport via Facebook and Goodreads.
References
Giardini, Alex. “Top 10 Wrestling Shows You Should Watch Instead of WWE.” June 18, 2015. Accessed November 14, 2017. https://www.therichest.com/sports/wrestling/top-10-wrestling-shows-you-should-watch-instead-of-wwe/
Kettle, Harry. “5 wrestling promotions that are WWE’s biggest threats.” January 18, 2017. November 14, 2017. https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/5-wrestling-promotions-that-are-wwe-biggest-threats
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December 15, 2017
Professional Wrestling versus Mixed Martial Arts
Since its legitimization back in 1997, mixed martial arts has become a popular sport with the likes of basketball and boxing. On the other hand, professional wrestling has been in the radar since the 1950s. If the former is considered as a legitimate sport, the latter has had its fair share of struggles when it comes to mainstream acceptance over the years.
Professional wrestling and mixed martial arts are two different sports often lumped together. Sure, the two have their similarities: two gearless fighters go at each other in one ring, with only one man coming out as the sole victor. However, there are plenty of differences that lie in between them.
So, what separates real mixed martial arts from professional wrestling? Let’s take these two sports apart and see how they’re different in the following areas:
Legitimacy
Many matches in the pro wrestling ring are seen as a joke to many. Even nonwrestlers have gone on to win world championships! Are there even real professional wrestling matches on television anymore?
Although the fights and results are choreographed, professional wrestling training is no walk in the park. Many, including the most professional of athletes, have tried to take a shot at the ring; however, their attempts have resulted in failure.
It goes without saying that a mixed martial arts match isn’t staged. Each one is based on pure merit alone. Just ask Brock Lesnar who walked away from pro wrestling because he wanted to really go all out and compete in the ring.
Gimmicks
Every mixed martial arts fight is a simple, no-frills event; it’s just two competitors trying to best each other in a match. No outrageous storyline is necessary in this sport. Every fight (including undercard matches) is considered significant because they are key in determining future champions.
Meanwhile, no two professional wrestling matches are the same. If one fight is comedic, the other one may be a straight-up brawl. Sometimes, these two are presented together in one showdown. On top of that, you have some colorful characters and costumes in the ring. With its variety, a pro wrestling match is a spectacle that has something in store for everyone.
Schedules
A full-time professional wrestler’s calendar is always packed. Imagine having to fight 3 to 4 (or more) times a week with no off-season. Their 250-day travel schedule (which was mellowed down from the previous 300+ dates) does not do any favors either. If pro wrestlers are always occupied, MMA athletes actually have to wait for months for matches.
Injuries
Because both are physical sports, it’s not a surprised to see a pro wrestler or an MMA fighter limping out of the ring every now and then. However, here lies the difference: if a pro wrestler’s injuries can usually be worked through, mixed martial arts athletes typically receive serious ones that can potentially put their lives in danger. Think about it; even the victor comes out bloodied and bruised.
If you like an all-out brawl without the flash, MMA is for you. However, pro wrestling may tickle your fancy if you’d rather see a highly theatrical spectacle. At the end of the day, what matters is your preference.
What is your stance on the mixed martial arts versus professional wrestling debate? Let’s talk about it in the comment section below. If you’d like to share your thoughts on social media, you can reach me through my Facebook and Twitter profiles. You can also read my book, Fritz von Erich: Master of the Iron Claw, to get to know my favorite professional wrestler better.
Reference
VersusBattle. “Pro Wrestling vs. Mixed Martial Arts.” Accessed November 15, 2017. http://www.versusbattle.com/pro-wrest....
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December 7, 2017
Top Professional Wrestling Schools
Some professionals immerse themselves in further studies to master their trade and achieve success. Wrestlers are no different. For those who want to enhance their prowess in the ring, enrolling in wrestling schools is a good option. Although there are many schools that have been operating for a long time, their track record may come up short. Some students may graduate without having anything to show for.
With the many wrestling schools scattered all over the country, few have stood out and produced future superstars in the ring. If you’re an amateur looking to become the next pro wrestling sensation, here’s a list of wrestling schools to enroll in:
Funking Conservatory Wrestling School. Beginning this list of best pro wrestling schools is the Ocala, Florida, institution under the reins of former NWA World Champion Dory Funk Jr. Fun fact: Dory himself was sought out by the WWE before the wrestling giant developed their own training system. His skills have helped hone the skills of superstars like Edge, Kurt Angle, and Lita.
Harley Race Wrestling Academy. Located in Eldon, Missouri, this school is known for being a top choice among legendary wrestling families who seek to carry on their legacy. Notable enrollees include the renowned Henning and DiBiase families. Every year, the school facilitates a weeklong training camp to see emerging potential talents.
Johnny Rodz School of Wrestling. Inside Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, New York, is this wrestling school run by WWE Hall of Famer Johnny Rodz, who still puts in a 36-hour workweek to help carve out future wrestling greats.
Ohio Valley Wrestling. This school in Louisville, Kentucky, school was a former WWE developmental territory. Many up-and-coming and independent wrestlers who wanted a ticket to Vince McMahon’s stable came flocking to this school. Batista, Randy Orton, and John Cena stepped into the school’s ring before entering the WWE.
The Monster Factory. Rounding out this list of the best professional wrestling schools is this Bellmawr, New Jersey, training ground, which opened in 1983. Founded by Larry Sharp and former WWE World Champion Buddy Rogers, the school’s alumni consists of big wrestling names such as Bam Bam Bigelow, The Godfather, King Kong Bundy, and Big Show.
Know any wrestling schools not mentioned in this list? Feel free to add them in the comments section below.
Learn more about wrestling from my book, Fritz Von Erich: Master of Iron Claw. You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads for more updates.
References
Cohen, Eric. 2017. “10 Best Professional Wrestling Schools.” ThoughtCo. Last modified August 5, 2017. Accessed November 8, 2017. https://www.thoughtco.com/best-repuat....
May, Vern. 2016. “Star Builders: Top 20 All Time Pro Wrestling Schools.” TheSportster, September 17. Accessed November 8, 2017. https://www.thesportster.com/wrestlin....
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December 1, 2017
Wrestling Rules 101
Like basketball, volleyball, tennis and all other sports, there are rules in wrestling that athletes must follow. Since there are many types of wrestling, such as Olympic wrestling and professional wrestling as seen on television, the rules may vary. This article lists the basic wrestling rules.
In professional wrestling and amateur wrestling, the objective is to “pin” your opponent. This means the opponent’s shoulders is pinned to the mat for at least two seconds. If neither player is pinned during the match, the player with the higher score is declared the winner.
Here is the scoring system:
Takedown (2 points) – the opponent is brought down to the mat in a position not considered dangerous
Escape (1 point) – the opponent manages to escape from the bottom position and stand up again
Reversal (2 points) – a wrestler manages to escape from below his opponent and gain control, therefor reversing their position
Near fall (2 points for 2 seconds, 3 points for 5 seconds) – a wrestler almost but not quite get the opponent pinned (both shoulders are held for 2 seconds within 4 inches of the mat, or one shoulder touches the mat and the other shoulder is at a 45-degree angle coming down to the mat
Penalty points (1 or 2 points) – awarded to the opponent if a wrestler commits the following infractions
Illegal holds which are potentially dangerous
Fleeing the mat
Grabbing clothing, the mat, or headgear
Locked or overlapped hands when in control of the opponent
Leaving the mat without the referee’s permission
Reporting to the mat not properly equipped or with illegal equipment
Unnecessary roughness
Unsportsmanlike conduct
Flagrant misconduct
Stalling
Incorrect starting position or false start
It is also important to note that both wrestlers are required to exert 100 percent effort throughout the match. The referee can issue a verbal warning to passive wrestlers. The wrestler can be considered passive if he does not initiate any holds and is simply satisfied by neutralizing the opponent’s holds and only playing on the defensive. Pushing the opponent away or any act that will avoid wrestling can also be considered passivity. In freestyle wrestling, a type of wrestling that allows grabbing below the waist, the referee can put a passive wrestler on a 30-second “shot clock” after his second infraction. If neither opponent scores after 30 seconds, one point is awarded to the passive wrestler’s opponent.
There are differences between pro wrestling rules and Olympic wrestling rules, mostly because of their nature. Olympic wrestling rules are more set in stone and more technical, whereas pro wrestling rules can be changed, disregarded, made up on the spot or broken at any time, mostly because pro wrestling is designed to be entertaining. One difference is a wrestler can win a pro wrestling match by submission, where a wrestler quits a match because he is in too much pain.
Learn more about wrestling from my book, Fritz Von Erich: Master of Iron Claw. You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads for more updates.
References
Grabianowski, Ed. “How Pro Wrestling Works.” Rules of Pro Wrestling – Rules of Pro Wrestling | HowStuffWorks. January 13, 2006. Accessed October 16, 2017. http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/pro-wrestling2.htm.
“Wrestling The Rules.” Www.tutorialspoint.com. August 15, 2017. Accessed October 16, 2017. https://www.tutorialspoint.com/wrestling/wrestling_the_rules.htm.
Overview of Wrestling Rules. Accessed October 16, 2017. http://www.wvmat.com/overview.htm.
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