The rise of wrestling: from sideshows to spotlight

Along with traditional forms found around Europe, Africa, and Asia, show how this sport has also reflected the values of its time.

That being said, it wasn’t until the 20th century when wrestling saw a real transformation and became a global phenomenon that was recognised as a fantastic form of entertainment.

Professional wrestling, in the form that we know today, first began to appear in the early 1900s.

It was huge in the US, where it started as a carnival sideshow and turned into huge organised promotions.

It was those early days that laid the groundwork for what was set to become a multi-billion-dollar industry.

Wrestling Goes Mainstream

Wrestling truly took off in the 1980s as cable TV became more popular.

This was the time where fans were introduced to iconic personalities such as Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage.

It was Vince McMahon’s World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) that completely transformed wrestling by turning it into a form of entertainment for the masses.

There was a real blend of athleticism, storytelling, and drama.

It wasn’t long before pay-per-view events, such as WrestleMania, turned the sport into a household staple and a global phenomenon.

It was this early mainstream success that set the way for new stars to emerge in the 1990s and 2000s.

Names such as The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and The Undertaker soon became the biggest names in the industry and brought in millions of fans.

The stage had now been reached where wrestling was no longer a niche interest.

It had hit the mainstream, and in a big way.

There were sold-out arenas alongside the millions of viewers who were tuning in every week.

Global Expansion

While it was all about American promotions for decades, the 21st century signalled a change with wrestling becoming popular around the world.

Japan’s New Japan Pro-Wrestling has now become internationally respected, and Mexico’s Lucha Libre is popular thanks to its high-flying and fast-paced approach.

In Europe and the UK, there has been a rise in independent wrestling scenes and these have fed talent across into major global promotions.

It’s clear to see that streaming platforms and social media have played a massive part when it comes to international exposure.

Today, fans from anywhere in the world can now follow events and their favourite wrestlers, while engaging with content in real-time.

This has allowed wrestlers to build global fan bases that go way beyond television audiences.

Wrestling Meets the Digital Age

Wrestling promotions are now tapping into the likes of YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to grow their audiences and to tell stories beyond the ring.

Wrestlers are cultivating personal brands and then interacting directly with fans.

This allows the opportunity to explore the personas that exist behind the performers.

Independent promotions also benefit from this, as there is no need for massive TV deals anymore.

They can simply live stream events and sell merchandise to audiences around the world.

This has led to the sport becoming more diverse and inclusive, with new styles and voices coming to the fore.

Digital technology has also presented new ways for fans to engage with wrestling beyond simply watching it.

One of the fastest growing trends right now is wrestling betting, where fans are wagering on outcomes, storylines, and championship results.

This adds an interactive edge to a sport that already draws a massive crowd.

Alternative Promotions

While WWE may still lead the way in terms of visibility, recent years have seen new promotions emerge.

All Elite Wrestling was founded in 2019 and quickly became a serious alternative with high-quality matches and fresh storytelling appeal.

Other companies like Impact Wrestling, Ring of Honour, and GCW have also carved out their own loyal fanbases.

The Crossover Appeal

Another reason for wrestling’s rise in popularity is its crossover with other popular cultures.

Wrestlers have often appeared in movies, TV, and even music videos and this opens up new audiences.

The Rock and John Cena have successfully transitioned into mainstream Hollywood stars, while the likes of Bad Bunny and Logan Paul have now entered the ring and brought new eyes on the product.

Gaming has also played a key role here.

Wrestling video games, like WWF No Mercy and WWE 2K, help to keep fans engaged between events.

There are also esports-styled tournaments and fantasy leagues that are turning this into something that is active rather than just passive viewing.

Wrestling's reach has even gone as far as entering the crypto world.

Platforms such as Sportsbet.io have embraced wrestling as part of what they offer.

They provide betting markets and interactive experiences that fit perfectly with the way that the industry has evolved, with a tech-savvy fan base.

This just goes to highlight how adaptable modern wrestling really is.

Final Thoughts,

Wrestling has gone way beyond just being a sport or a show.

In recent years, it has become a cultural movement.

It has the ability to mix athleticism, drama, and deep connection with fans and this is what ensures that it continues to thrive.

With technology still developing, this will further support the sport’s growth, with more voices entering the ring and an even wider audience.