How to Watch Wrestling: A Beginner’s Guide to the World of Pro Wrestling

Pro wrestling is a unique blend of athleticism, storytelling, and entertainment that has captivated audiences around the world for decades. From high-flying acrobatics to dramatic rivalries, wrestling has become a global phenomenon. If you’ve ever wanted to dive into this world, whether to enjoy the physical spectacle or to follow the stories that unfold inside the ring, this guide will help you get started on your journey to watch wrestling.

1. Understanding Professional Wrestling

Before jumping into watching wrestling matches, it’s important to grasp what professional wrestling is. Unlike traditional sports, professional wrestling is a scripted form of entertainment where athletes perform choreographed matches with predetermined outcomes. The athletes (known as wrestlers or superstars) portray characters and engage in rivalries that span across multiple matches or events, with the goal of telling an ongoing story.

These storylines often feature larger-than-life personas, conflicts over championships, personal vendettas, and alliances. While the physical feats performed in the ring are real, the outcomes are planned, much like any other form of scripted entertainment.

2. Popular Wrestling Promotions

The world of professional wrestling features several major promotions where fans can enjoy high-quality action and storytelling. Here are some of the most well-known:

• WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment): The biggest name in wrestling, WWE is synonymous with professional wrestling. It has produced some of the most famous wrestlers in history, including The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and John Cena. WWE’s programming includes flagship shows like Monday Night Raw, SmackDown, and NXT, as well as pay-per-view events such as WrestleMania and Royal Rumble.

• AEW (All Elite Wrestling): Founded in 2019, AEW has rapidly gained a massive following, offering a fresh take on professional wrestling. AEW’s programming, such as Dynamite and Rampage, showcases a mix of high-energy matches and compelling storylines. AEW’s roster features well-known names like Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega, and Cody Rhodes.

• NJPW (New Japan Pro Wrestling): For fans looking for a more technical style of wrestling, NJPW offers high-caliber bouts that emphasize hard-hitting strikes and intricate submission holds. Its annual event, Wrestle Kingdom, is considered one of the biggest shows in the wrestling world.

• Impact Wrestling: Another prominent company in the industry, Impact Wrestling features a mix of experienced veterans and young stars. It’s home to unique match types like the Ultimate X and Bound for Glory, making it an exciting promotion to watch.

3. Where to Watch Wrestling

To get started watching wrestling, you’ll need to know where to find the matches. Below are some popular options:

• Streaming Services:

  • WWE Network: WWE’s own streaming service gives you access to its vast library of matches, events, and original programming. It’s perfect for newcomers looking to explore the company’s past and present.
  • AEW Plus: AEW’s subscription service offers live streams of its shows as well as past events for fans to enjoy at their convenience.
  • New Japan World: For fans of NJPW, New Japan World provides access to live events and an extensive archive of matches.

• Cable TV:

  • WWE: If you have cable, Raw and SmackDown are typically aired on the USA Network and Fox, respectively. These shows run weekly and are great ways to keep up with the current storylines.
  • AEW: AEW’s shows, including Dynamite and Rampage, air on TNT and TBS.

• YouTube & Other Digital Platforms: Many wrestling promotions upload highlights, interviews, and full matches on YouTube. Promotions like AEW and Impact Wrestling frequently offer free content, allowing fans to get a taste of their programming.

4. Key Wrestling Events

If you’re starting out, there are several major annual events you should check out. These events are a culmination of months of storylines and feature some of the best matches of the year:

• WrestleMania (WWE): WWE’s flagship event, held annually in April, is the grandest spectacle in the world of wrestling. Featuring title matches, celebrity appearances, and over-the-top spectacle, it’s an event you won’t want to miss.

• All Out (AEW): AEW’s answer to WrestleMania, this pay-per-view event showcases some of the company’s biggest stars and most intense rivalries.

• The G1 Climax (NJPW): NJPW’s annual round-robin tournament, featuring some of the best wrestlers in the world competing for a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

5. Exploring Wrestling Styles

Wrestling isn’t just about the characters; it’s about the styles and types of matches that make it unique. Different promotions focus on different aspects of wrestling, including:

• High-Flying: Known for acrobatics and gravity-defying moves, this style is seen in promotions like AEW and NJPW.
• Hardcore Wrestling: This style often involves extreme matches with weapons, blood, and no rules. WWE’s Extreme Rules and AEW’s Hardcore Matches are examples.
• Technical Wrestling: Emphasizing grappling, submissions, and mat-based wrestling, NJPW is known for its technical prowess.

6. Following Wrestlers and Storylines

One of the most exciting parts of wrestling is getting invested in the characters and their journeys. As you watch more, you’ll start to follow certain wrestlers and become emotionally invested in their victories and defeats. Pay attention to the personal rivalries, alliances, and character developments that unfold each week.

Conclusion

Watchwrestling is about more than just seeing people fight—it's about enjoying the thrilling, scripted drama that unfolds in the ring. Whether you’re into the athleticism, the larger-than-life personalities, or the compelling storylines, wrestling offers something for everyone. So, pick a promotion, tune in to a show, and get ready to become part of the global wrestling fandom.