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Professional wrestling (often referred to as pro wrestling, or simply, wrestling) is a form of athletic theater[2] that combines mock combat with drama, with the premise that the performers are competitive wrestlers. Professional wrestling is distinguished by its scripted outcomes and emphasis on entertainment over competition.[3] The staged nature of matches is an open secret. However, both the wrestlers and spectators nonetheless maintain the pretense that the performances are bona fide competitions,[4] which is likened to the suspension of disbelief employed when engaging with fiction – a practice known in the industry as kayfabe.[3]
Professional wrestlers perform as characters and usually maintain what is known in the industry as a "gimmick" — an idiom of persona, style and traits consisting of a distinctive attire, stage name, entrance theme, etc. Matches are the primary vehicle for advancing storylines, which typically center on interpersonal conflicts, or feuds, between heroic "faces" and villainous "heels". A wrestling ring, akin to the platform used in boxing, 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.[1]
Professional wrestling as a performing art evolved from the common practice of match-fixing among American wrestlers in the 19th century, who later sought to make matches shorter, more entertaining, and less physically taxing. As the public gradually realized and accepted that matches were predetermined, wrestlers responded by increasingly adding melodrama, gimmickry, and outlandish stunt work to their performances to further enhance the spectacle. By at least the early 20th century, professional wrestling had diverged from the competitive sport to become an artform and genre of sports entertainment.
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,[2] Mexico, Japan, and northwest Europe (the United Kingdom, Germany/Austria and France),[4] which have each developed distinct styles, traditions, and subgenres within professional wrestling.[5]
Professional wrestling has developed its own culture and community, including a distinct vernacular. It has achieved mainstream success and influence within popular culture, with many terms, tropes, and concepts being referenced in everyday language as well as in film, music, television, and video games. Likewise, numerous professional wrestlers have become national or international icons with recognition by the broader public.
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