Wrestling is at least 5000 years old. Sumerian and Egyptian art shows holds still taught today, and the Epic of Gilgamesh describes a match.
The timeline covers the difference between freestyle and Greco-Roman, United World Wrestling founded in 1912, professional wrestling becoming scripted entertainment in the 1920s, women’s wrestling at the Olympics from 2004, and the 2013 vote to drop the sport.
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Key Facts
| How old is wrestling? | At least 5000 years. Sumerian and Egyptian art shows holds still taught today, and the Epic of Gilgamesh describes a wrestling match. |
| What are the two Olympic styles? | Freestyle, which allows attacks on the legs, and Greco-Roman, which does not allow any hold below the waist. |
| Who governs it? | United World Wrestling, founded in 1912 as the international federation for amateur wrestling. |
| Is professional wrestling the same sport? | No. It grew out of the same 19th century circuit but became scripted entertainment during the 1920s. |
| When did women’s wrestling become Olympic? | 2004 in Athens, freestyle only. Greco-Roman is still a men’s event. |
| What changed the sport most? | The 2013 vote to drop wrestling from the 2020 Olympics. The federation rewrote its scoring and governance in months and won the place back. |
Wrestling History Summary
- ⏳ Origins and Evolution: Wrestling traces back to ancient civilizations, with depictions found in cave drawings, Egyptian tombs, and Greek epics. Its various styles emerged across cultures, eventually transforming into the modern Greco-Roman, freestyle, and professional wrestling forms known today.
- 🚀 Rise to Prominence: The inclusion of wrestling in the ancient Olympics and its revival in the modern Olympic Games propelled its prominence. Professional wrestling’s evolution as a form of entertainment, with organizations like WWE, further raised its popularity and cultural relevance.
- 🥇 Noteworthy Growth and Adaptation: Over the years, wrestling expanded globally, with regional styles blending into international competitions. Technological advancements and adaptability to changing times have resulted in new formats, like mixed martial arts, and an enduring influence on the sports world.
Timeline
| Year | What Happened |
|---|---|
| 3000 BCE | Wrestling appears in Mesopotamian and Egyptian art, with holds that a modern coach would recognise. |
| 708 BC | Wrestling enters the ancient Olympic Games as part of the pentathlon and then as its own event. |
| 1400s to 1600s | Regional styles harden across Europe and Japan, from Schwingen to sumo to Lancashire catch. |
| 1800s | Greco-Roman spreads from France and travelling professionals wrestle for money at fairs and music halls. |
| 1904 | Freestyle wrestling debuts at the St Louis Olympics. Greco-Roman returns in 1908. |
| 1912 | The international federation is founded, later renamed United World Wrestling. |
| 1920s to 1950s | Professional wrestling splits away into scripted entertainment and television carries it into every home. |
| 2004 | Women’s freestyle wrestling enters the Olympics in Athens. |
| 2013 | The IOC votes wrestling off the 2020 programme. The sport reforms its rules and governance and is voted back within seven months. |
2013 is the most instructive year on this list. The oldest sport at the Games was dropped for being unwatchable and unaccountable, and it took a rewritten scoring system to get back in.
Wrestling appears near the top of almost every ranking of physical difficulty. See the hardest sports list for what it is measured against.
3000 BCE to 1000 BCE
The origin of wrestling dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, where the Epic of Gilgamesh and cave paintings in Iran depict scenes of wrestling. Around 2300 BCE, Egyptian tombs had wall paintings illustrating the sport, suggesting its popularity in the ancient world.
In ancient Greece, wrestling was a prominent component of the original Olympic Games in 8th century BCE. Wrestlers competed in the sport called Pále, a form of grappling practiced by the Greeks, which laid the groundwork for classical wrestling.
1440s to 1600s
In 15th century France, new techniques emerged, inspiring the foundation of Greco-Roman wrestling. During the same period, Sumo wrestling became highly popular in Japan. By the 17th century, wrestling had evolved into distinct styles in Europe, such as Lancashire wrestling in England and Schwingen in Switzerland.
In the Americas, Native American tribes developed their version of wrestling, characterized by its unique techniques and rules. The various styles defined this period, as regional differences across cultures shaped wrestling’s progress.
1800s
The 19th century saw the spread of wrestling throughout the world, with increased regional influence. “Collar and elbow” wrestling became popular in Ireland and the United States, while catch-as-catch-can style flourished in Britain and North America. Professional wrestling began to take shape as well, with competitors traveling and performing for entertainment purposes.
The first recorded wrestling championships occurred during this period, including the European Greco-Roman Championship in 1898 and the International Freestyle Wrestling Championship in 1904, highlighting the sport’s growing prominence.
1904 to 1920s
Wrestling made its modern Olympic debut at the 1904 St. Louis Games featuring freestyle wrestling. Greco-Roman wrestling was reintroduced in the 1908 Olympics in London, solidifying both styles’ presence in international competition.
In the 1920s, professional wrestling started to boom, blending athleticism with theatrics. Promoters like Ed “Strangler” Lewis and Jack Curley capitalized on this development, building narratives around their athletes and rivalries, turning wrestling into a lucrative spectator sport.
1950s to 1960s
Television played a significant role in professional wrestling’s rise during the 1950s and 1960s. Stars like Gorgeous George and Lou Thesz captivated audiences with their unique personas and rivalries, creating must-watch television events. Additionally, regional wrestling promotions gained massive followings, further cementing the sport’s place in popular culture.
Women’s wrestling also gained momentum during this time, with competitors like The Fabulous Moolah revolutionizing the sport and forging a new direction for female wrestlers.
1970s
In the 1970s, professional wrestling witnessed a surge in popularity due to larger-than-life personalities like Dusty Rhodes and Ric Flair. The National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and American Wrestling Association (AWA) became prominent organizations during this time, contributing to the sport’s burgeoning appeal.
Moreover, international wrestling styles, such as Lucha Libre from Mexico and Puroresu from Japan, began gaining recognition in the western world, showcasing alternative methods and techniques to American audiences.
1980s to 1990s
The 1980s marked a golden era for professional wrestling, with the rise of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) and its iconic wrestlers like Hulk Hogan, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, and André the Giant. WrestleMania, launched in 1985, demonstrated the sport’s entertainment value and transformed it into a global phenomenon.
This period also saw the emergence of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW), further showcasing the sport’s diversity and cultural impact. The intense competition between companies led to innovations in storytelling and character development, making professional wrestling a staple in popular culture.
2000s to present
The new millennium saw WWE dominating professional wrestling while incorporating its rivals, WCW and ECW. The brand expanded globally, launching a developmental program called NXT and developing stars such as John Cena, Randy Orton, and Roman Reigns. Innovations in digital platforms transformed how fans consumed wrestling content, with the establishment of the WWE Network.
Today, the wrestling world includes various promotions like New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), All Elite Wrestling (AEW), and Ring of Honor (ROH), attracting new generations of fans and wrestlers. With a rich history and ever-evolving styles, wrestling continues to captivate audiences globally.
Immerse yourself further in the culture and excitement of wrestling through the best wrestling movies, shows, and documentaries.
FAQ
Who invented Wrestling?
Wrestling doesn’t have a singular inventor as it dates back to prehistoric cave drawings and ancient civilizations, where it was practiced as a form of combat and sport.
How did Wrestling become so popular?
Wrestling became popular due to televised events and iconic wrestlers. Its incorporation in international competitions such as Olympic games also boosted its recognition and popularity.
Where did Wrestling originate?
Wrestling originated in ancient civilizations around the world; however, it’s predominantly traced back to Ancient Greece where it was a significant part of the Ancient Olympic Games.
