The Distinction Between Pro Wrestling and Olympic Wrestling: Why WWE is Called Pro Wrestling

The terms 'pro wrestling' and 'Olympic wrestling' are often misunderstood, especially when it comes to the famous WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) and the Olympic wrestling that is part of international sporting events. This article explores the key differences between these two forms of grappling, highlighting why WWE is considered pro wrestling and how Olympic wrestling maintains its distinct amateur status.

The Entertainers: Pro Wrestling

Pro wrestling, like WWE, is primarily focused on entertainment. Unlike its counterpart, Olympic wrestling, pro wrestling is a highly scripted performance focused on drawing the audience in through engaging storylines and dramatic characters. The term 'pro' in pro wrestling does not necessarily mean 'the best.' Rather, it indicates that the wrestlers are professionals - they are paid to perform.

Pro wrestling has a rich history that dates back to catch as catch can wrestling, a grappling martial art that originated in Britain and eventually became a mainstay of traveling shows and carnivals. Wrestlers would be paid to put on shows, often taking on challenges from the crowd. These matches could be won via pinfall or submission. Over time, with changes in safety measures and marketing techniques, these matches became more scripted to provide better storylines and character development, making pro wrestling an entertainment spectacle.

Showmanship and Spectacle

The emphasis in pro wrestling is on showmanship, athleticism, and spectacle. Matches often incorporate theatrical elements such as elaborate entrances, costumes, and storylines. This spectacle is designed to engage the audience, creating a more immersive and entertaining experience. Wrestlers in WWE put on over-the-top matches that prioritize the narrative over realism, making it a form of scripted entertainment.

Rules and Structure in Pro Wrestling

Pro wrestling organizations like WWE do not follow rigid rules like those seen in Olympic wrestling. Instead, they have their own unique sets of rules that are often adapted to fit storytelling needs. This flexibility allows for creative and dramatic matches without the same constraints as competitive wrestling.

Controversies and Confusion

One of the main reasons for confusion is the term 'professional.' In the context of wrestling, professional does not mean 'the best,' but rather 'paid.' Olympic wrestling, specifically Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling, retains its amateur status. Originally, athletes who received payment for their performances were not allowed to compete in the Olympics. This rule changed in the 1980s, but some sports, including wrestling, maintain the traditional distinction.

Wrestling Styles and their Roots

Many of the moves seen in WWE have their roots in catch as catch can wrestling. However, it's important to note that catch wrestling schools still exist and continue to develop this traditional form of grappling. In contrast, WWE focuses on performance and entertainment value, translating catch wrestling into a highly stylized form of fighting.

The Olympic Spirit: Amateur vs Professional

While Olympic wrestling adheres to strict amateur rules, pro wrestling has evolved to become a form of professional entertainment. The key distinction lies in the intended audience and purpose. Pro wrestling is all about entertaining and engaging the audience with storytelling and dramatic performances. Olympic wrestling, on the other hand, is about competitive sport and athletic achievement.

The term 'pro wrestling' in WWE is not just a label but a recognition of the athletes' professional status and the entertainment nature of their craft. This clear distinction between pro wrestling and Olympic wrestling is crucial for understanding the historical, cultural, and practical differences between the two forms of grappling.

Conclusion

Pro wrestling and Olympic wrestling are two distinct forms of grappling with different goals and audiences. Pro wrestling, as seen in WWE, is a form of performance-based entertainment, while Olympic wrestling is a competitive sport that prizes athletic skill and fair competition. Understanding these differences helps in appreciating both forms for what they are: unique expressions of human athleticism and storytelling.

WWE represents the evolution of pro wrestling from a traditional form of submission grappling to a highly entertaining and scripted performance. This makes it a favorite form of wrestling for those who enjoy the spectacle and narrative aspects of the sport. Olympic wrestling, meanwhile, retains its amateur status and competitive nature, offering a different form of athletic prowess.

The distinction between these two forms of wrestling is not just about terminology but about the values and intentions behind each. Whether you're a fan of WWE's dramatic matches or the meticulous precision of Olympic wrestling, both forms offer unique and valuable forms of entertainment and athletic achievement.