Pro wrestling, short for professional wrestling, is a form of entertainment that combines athletics with theatrical performance. It features scripted matches and rivalries, where athletes, known as wrestlers, portray characters and engage in choreographed bouts that emphasize storytelling, showmanship, and dramatic conflicts. Unlike amateur wrestling, where victory is determined by skill and technique, pro wrestling matches are predetermined, and outcomes are planned in advance by promoters and writers.
Pro wrestling often includes various styles, such as traditional wrestling, high-flying acrobatics, and martial arts-inspired techniques. Events typically take place in a squared circle, known as a ring, and can involve both singles and tag team formats. Wrestlers develop their personas, or gimmicks, which may include heroes (faces) and villains (heels) that engage audiences emotionally.
Promotions such as WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) and AEW (All Elite Wrestling) are among the most prominent in the industry, producing weekly shows and pay-per-view events that attract large audiences. Pro wrestling resists easy categorization, as it incorporates elements of competitive sport, entertainment, and drama, making it unique in the landscape of performance arts.