Wrestling ring

A WWE ring

A wrestling ring is the stage on which professional wrestlers wrestle.

Configuration and construction

The corner structure of a WWE ring, showing the attachment of the ring ropes to the ring post via the padded turnbuckles

The configuration and construction of the "traditional" ring closely resembles that of a boxing ring, though the wrestling ring has three ring ropes, one fewer than the standard boxing ring.[1] In addition, the ring ropes are not tethered together at their midpoint, making them less taut than boxing ropes. Most (if not all) wrestling rings also incorporate more in the way of padding and shock-absorbing construction than boxing rings, although this varies according to the preferences of the promoter.

Wrestling rings are generally composed of an elevated steel beam and wood plank stage covered by foam padding and a canvas mat, with the elevated sides then covered with a fabric skirt to prevent spectators from seeing underneath. Around the ring are three ring ropes. Depending on the promotion, the construction of these pieces differs; some, like WWE, use hemp ropes wrapped in tape, others use steel cables that are encased in rubber hose.[2] These ropes are held up and tensioned by turnbuckles, which, in turn, hang on steel cylindrical poles, the ring posts. The ends of the turnbuckles facing into the ring are usually heavily padded, either individually, as in the US, or with a large pad for all three similar to a boxing ring, as in Japan. Usually around ringside there are two sets of steel steps (one on either side of the ring) that some wrestlers use to enter and exit the ring. All parts of the ring are often used as part of various offensive and defensive moves.

Wrestling rings vary in shape and size, with most measuring between 14 and 20 feet on each side, measured between the turnbuckles. WWE uses a 20-foot by 20-foot ring, while in the past World Championship Wrestling and Extreme Championship Wrestling used, and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) has used, an 18-foot by 18-foot ring. Typically, wrestling rings are smaller than boxing rings.[1] Rings typically include an "apron" area of the canvas ring floor, extending between one and two feet beyond the ropes; the ring itself is generally elevated between three and four feet above the ground.

Variations

A hexagonal wrestling ring, used by TNA. AAA in Mexico uses similar rings.

The traditional ring—such as that used by WWE—is four-sided, but other configurations exist, such as the six-sided rings used by TNA and Asistencia Asesoría y Administración. TNA first used it beginning in 2004, before briefly reverting to a four-sided one at the 2010 Genesis pay-per-view until June 2014 when the six-sided one returned.[3]

The term squared circle is often used by wrestling promotions and promoters to refer to the ring.[1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Ellison, Lillian (2003). The Fabulous Moolah: First Goddess of the Squared Circle. ReaganBooks. p. 199. ISBN 978-0-06-001258-8.
  2. ↑ "Kayfabe Commentaries" YouShoot: Jim Cornette; kayfabecommentaries.com 2012
  3. ↑ http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0625/577384/photo-of-the-new-tna-six-sided-ring/
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