Wrestlers

Wrestlers are athletes who perform wrestling, a sport or entertainment form that involves grappling, throws, pins, and submissions. The term covers competitors in amateur sport wrestling as well as performers in professional wrestling. In amateur wrestling, athletes compete under standardized rules in weight classes, and matches are judged on points or by achieving a pin. Styles include freestyle, Greco-Roman, and folkstyle, with governing bodies such as United World Wrestling and national federations organizing events and championships. In professional wrestling, competitors perform scripted or choreographed matches that emphasize athleticism, storytelling, and character turns; outcomes are predetermined and marketed as sports entertainment. Promotions stage events in rings with ropes, lighting, and referees, and performers often adopt ring names and personas.

Training builds strength, endurance, flexibility, and technical repertoire. Wrestlers study takedowns, pins, joint locks, escapes, and conditioning, while also learning safety to minimize injuries. Careers often begin in youth or amateur programs, progressing to national or international competition or to professional promotions. Injury risks include concussions, joint damage, and overuse injuries, so medical oversight and proper technique are essential.

Wrestlers can influence culture through competition, performance, and media appearances. The sport has a long history, with roots in ancient and folk wrestling traditions and a modern evolution into organized amateur sport and global entertainment franchises. Equipment ranges from singlets and boots to mats and rings, depending on the format.