Mixed wrestling? Is it real wrestling or just a theatrical stunt? Here is everything you should know about mixed wrestling, including its history.
Wrestling of any kind has a duty to entertain. We have and still witness same-s3x wrestling in global brands like UFC and WWE.
But there’s a rather unneeded question that keeps arising. Are men stronger than women? If yes? Do you mean all Men are stronger than all women?
The answer to this question can be found in mixed wrestling.
What Is Mixed Wrestling?
In sports entertainment, Mixed wrestling brings together males and females to compete in a game of strength and skill. The obvious evidence of contrasting energies really brings light to the sport in case of any “upset”.
It is a captivating niche in the world of sports entertainment and continues to garner more audiences.
Urban Dictionary defines mixed wrestling as a form of wrestling which is sometimes faked where women (and teenagers recently) dressed in bikinis and skimpy outfits wrestle men.
This definition proves that you can’t remove theatrics from mixed wrestling. Therefore, outcomes can be predicted beforehand, and much of what you see can be acting.
Mixed wrestling is also known as intergender wrestling. Hence, we can now answer the question of whether men are actually stronger than women or women just haven’t realised their capability.
Participants engage in a series of holds, throws and manoeuvres to blend wrestling techniques and performance art. They are professionals, and you shouldn’t try what they do at home.
The playful banter between opponents adds an extra layer of entertainment, creating an atmosphere that is both competitive and lighthearted.
Though unfair, female wrestlers are allowed to violate the rules to s3xually assault a male wrestler by groping his penis to make him submit. Can mixed wrestling be fair?
As the popularity of mixed wrestling continues to grow, it opens doors for talented athletes from all backgrounds to showcase their abilities and challenge the norms of conventional sports.
The combination of physical prowess and theatrical elements makes mixed wrestling an engaging and entertaining spectacle that defies expectations.
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Difference Between Mixed Wrestling and Mixed Tag-Teams
Although mixed wrestling and mixed tag teams employ the use of both genders, they are not similar.
In mixed wrestling, athletes are allowed to fight each other (man to woman). While in tag team matches, both genders are placed in two teams (man and woman each). In tag teams, men are not allowed to beat women.
It’s strictly same-gender fighting that would later give way for the other gender to have their wrestle time.
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History Of Mixed Wrestling
Before massive worldwide enlightenment, it was deemed unfair for men to fight women. Men are thought to be biologically stronger than women, and it would be a waste of time watching a match with a known outcome.
The change started with Andy Kaufman in 1979/80. He took part in several filmed staged matches where he fought with women and won. He was the “World Intergender Wrestling Champion”.
Comical, right? (Kaufman was a comedian).
He began issuing open challenges to any worthy female contender. At this period, he began his prominent fight against Jerry “The King” Lawler.
Since then, the appeal of mixed wrestling has increased towards fans. The increase in interest in mixed wrestling led to major North American promotions, e.g. Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), World Wrestling Federation(WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW).
Despite its increasing acceptance, there was some resistance among the body of wrestling communities to issue female fighters wrestling licences. Cathy Davis sued the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) in 1977 for denying her a boxing license because she was a woman.
As sports continue to evolve, there are more strict rules being developed to maintain theatre, fairness and wrestling.
There have also been concerns about the thin line between mixed wrestling and the potential of promoting erotic content. Also, how can one curb “violence against women” in such a professional setting?
In 2011, Kenny Omega wrestled Haruka in Japan. Haruka is a nine-year-old girl. The fight was condemned and Omega received death threats. These threats came in despite Haruka having the upper hand.
Concerns such as this have also contributed to the reduced acceptance worldwide and the way it is shown sparingly on television.
How To Partake In Mixed Wrestling
To get into mixed wrestling, treat it like any other sport. You can train in different places such as school programs, youth feeder training, private wrestling clubs, mixed martial arts gyms, or even set up a home gym.
Each option has its perks, so you can pick what suits you best for developing your mixed wrestling skills.
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Rules Guiding Mixed Wrestling
The rules guiding mixed wrestling may vary depending on the specific organization or event, but the common guidelines include:
1. Weight Classes
Competitors are often divided into weight classes to ensure fair matches.
2. Attire
The wrestlers are to wear the appropriate attire for the match. You might have to adhere to uniform regulations
3. Scoring
Points are awarded for various actions, such as takedowns, escapes, and reversals. Pins or holds that immobilize an opponent for a certain duration also score points.
4. Prohibited Moves
Certain moves may be deemed illegal to ensure the safety of participants. This can include dangerous holds or actions that could lead to injury.
5. Match Duration
Matches are typically divided into periods with specific durations. The wrestler with the most points at the end of the match or the one who achieves a pin wins.
6. Referee Authority
Referees oversee the match, enforce rules, and have the authority to stop or penalize wrestlers for rule violations.
7. Sportsmanship
Participants are expected to display good sportsmanship, and unsportsmanlike behaviour may result in penalties or disqualification.
8. Medical Checks
Wrestlers may undergo medical checks to ensure they are physically fit to compete.
It’s important to note that specific rules can vary, and participants should familiarize themselves with the regulations set by the organizing body or event they are participating in.
There you have it on mixed wrestling!
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- 6 Most Famous Wrestlers Who Became Actors, From The Rock To Batista
Conclusion
Mixed wrestling? Real wrestling or just a theatrical stunt? It’s both of them. It’s a mixture of strength and skill. The patience that goes into maintaining a fine line between a real fight and holding back blows to act is… incredible.
Whether or not the gender difference suggests a comical or unserious intent, the role of mixed wrestling in entertainment should be respected. It would be supportive to those wrestling fans to promote the reach of the sport.
Other concerns, such as erotism or violence, can be regulated to maintain the integrity of the sport.
