Wrestling is a combination of sport and theatrical performances. It is most widespread in the United States, Mexico and Japan. Each country has its own characteristics, determined by the cultural customs of the region.
For example, in the United States, the emphasis is on the personality of the fighter, his history and image. Fights are most often conducted according to a rehearsed script with a pre-planned ending. In Mexico, great attention is paid to the colourfulness and intensity of the fights. The fights are full of complex acrobatic moves and are also conducted according to a rehearsed script. In Japan, the approach to organising fights is different, which we will discuss in this article.
Due to the pre-planned scenarios, wrestling is not very popular with bookmakers. However, both legal and illegal bookmakers accept bets on it, although the choice of betting options is much smaller than in other sports.
The history of the emergence and development of wrestling in Japan
Japanese wrestling is called ‘puroresu’ (pro-wres, short for professional wrestling). The founding father of puroresu is considered to be Rikidōzan, a Korean fighter who moved to Japan for a career in sumo.
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While practising sumo, Rikidōzan became interested in wrestling in 1951 and took part in a charity tournament. In 1952, Rikidōzan moved to the United States to become a professional wrestler. There, he fought many matches, using the image of a positive hero and defeating Americans who, according to the script, played villains and constantly cheated.
Thanks to his success in the United States, Rikidōzan became popular in Japan as well. In 1953, the first Japanese promotion was founded here, and several more were opened later.
Wrestling styles and rules of the most popular direction
Several styles of wrestling are common in Japan:
Strong Style. The emphasis is on the physical power of the fighters, and the fights are full of blows and realistic holds.
Odou. Before the fight, there is a colourful performance where the fighters’ characters are presented to the audience in a dramatic manner.
Shoot Style. A sporting entertainment with elements of real combat, where opponents deliver real blows to each other.
Hardcore Wrestling. One of the most brutal and realistic styles. Here, improvised objects are often used and real blows are delivered.
Lucha Libre. A Japanese adaptation of the Mexican style, where the agility and athleticism of the fighters come to the fore.
The most popular style of wrestling in Japan is Strong Style. It is positioned as a combat sport. Unlike in Mexico and the USA, fights here often take place without a planned outcome — the winner is the one who fulfils one of the following conditions:
- the opponent’s shoulders are pinned to the floor for 3 seconds;
- the opponent has surrendered or passed out after a chokehold;
- the opponent has been knocked out or does not respond to the referee’s commands;
- the opponent did not return to the ring during the referee’s count.
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