Origins and History of Professional Wrestling

This blog has been created to share my thoughts on professional wrestling.  I am interested in pro-wrestling’s standing in the world at large, and specifically its affect on pop-culture (art, television, film, etc.) in the United States and in Mexico [1].  This first post will be a brief introduction on its origins and history, and also its evolution to the current form we see today.

Early Origins of Wrestling as Sport

Professional wrestling has its origins in the sport of wrestling.  Wrestling, in its earliest form as a sport and athletic competition, can be traced back 5000 years to ancient Sumeria [2], and to ancient Egypt [3].   Cave paintings in France [4] push its archaeological dates even further back, to 15,000 years ago, and surely humans have been involved in some form of wrestling combat since our existence.  Since 708 B.C.E it was part of the ancient Olympic Games of Greece, and the sport was continued during the Roman era, and through the Middle Ages and Renaissance [5]. 

Origins of Professional Wrestling

In the early to mid 1800’s in France [6] and other parts of Europe, troupes of wrestlers started to form.  These wrestlers would travel the country, usually with circuses or carnivals, putting on shows for the people.  They would also challenge their audience to best them in the ring.  This tradition continued throughout Europe during the 19^th century.  It was also established in the United States post Civil War, where wrestlers were also associated with traveling carnivals and vaudeville halls [7]. 

While professional wrestling was still extremely popular in Europe and in the United States at the end of the 19^th century, its legitimacy was starting to be questioned [8].  Many matches were being “worked”, with the moves and outcomes of matches being prearranged.  A split between the Olympic amateurism and professional wrestling occurred.  This did not hurt professional wrestling’s popularity however as that continued to grow during the early 1900’s. 

Golden Age

New styles of wrestling began developing and cross-pollinating in different countries of the world.  Lucha Libre began in Mexico [9], Puroresu in Japan [10].  With the creation and alliances of many major wrestling promotion companies, including the Empresa Mexicana de la Lucha Libre in Mexico, All Japan Pro Wrestling in Japan, and the National Wrestling Alliance in the United States, professional wrestling surged in popularity during the 1940’s and 1950’s.  With the advent of television during this time we see the emergence of the first wrestling global icons and national heroes; El Santo in Mexico, Rikidōzan in Japan, and Gorgeous George Wagner in the U.S. [11].   These wrestling stars, along with others, began crossing over into the mainstream, becoming pop culture celebrities in their respective countries, and beginning a trend that continued through the 20^th century until today.   

1960’s & 70’s

In the United States during the 1960’s and 70’s, wrestling remained popular, but the promotional companies were still very regional.  There were many independent circuits allied together under the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) [12].  A few larger companies, including the American Wrestling Alliance (AWA) and the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF- later WWF), broke away from the NWA during this time and began having their own success.

1980’s onward

The 1980’s saw professional wrestling in the U.S. hit its all time peak.  With some of the most famous wrestlers of all time, including Andre the Giant, Hulk Hogan, and Macho Man Randy Savage, the WWF under the direction of Vince K. McMahon emerged on top as the most successful promotional company, and led wrestling back into the national and international spotlight [13].  With the success of their weekly primetime wrestling shows, and the pay per view Wrestlemania shows, the WWF began absorbing other promotional companies and their wrestlers.  With the exception of Ted Turner’s eventual failed last stand with his World Championship Wrestling (WCW) between 1994 and 2001 [14], the WWF, renamed WWE in 2002, has seen mostly unchallenged success, though perhaps not at the peak levels they were in the 1980’s.

 

Work Cited:

[1] "Los Campeones Justicieros to AVI clip0" YouTube <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBcfbykCipY> (accessed May 24, 2011)

[2] "Roots and History of Olympic Wrestling" International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles <http://www.fila-wrestling.com/> (accessed May 24, 2011)

[3] Runyon, Jane "Wrestling Takes A Hold" <http://edhelper.com/ReadingComprehension_42_294.html> (accessed May 24, 2011)

[4] "Wrestling" Wikipedia <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wrestling>  (accessed May 24, 2011)

[5] "Roots and History of Olympic Wrestling" International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles <http://www.fila-wrestling.com/> (accessed May 24, 2011)

[6] "Roots and History of Olympic Wrestling" International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles <http://www.fila-wrestling.com/> (accessed May 24, 2011)

[7] "Professional Wrestling" Wikipedia <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_wrestling> (accessed May 24, 2011)

[8]  "Roots and History of Olympic Wrestling" International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles <http://www.fila-wrestling.com/> (accessed May 24, 2011)

[9] Bondurant, Mark "Lucha Libre The History of Mexican Professional Wrestling" <http://www.bongo.net/papers/lucha.htm> (accessed May 24, 2011)

[10] "History of Puroresu" <http://www.puroresu.com/history/> (accessed May 24, 2011)

[11] "History of Professional Wrestling" Wikipedia <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_professional_wrestling> (accessed May 24, 2011)

[12] "History of Professional Wrestling" Wikipedia <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_professional_wrestling> (accessed May 24, 2011)

[13] "History of Professional Wrestling" Wikipedia <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_professional_wrestling> (accessed May 24, 2011)

[14] "WWE" Wikipedia <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Wrestling_Entertainment>  (accessed May 24, 2011)