A wrestling ring is the stage on which professional wrestlers wrestle.
Video Wrestling ring
Configuration and construction
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 modern boxing ring, which has had four ropes since the 1970s. In addition, the ring ropes are not tethered together as in a boxing ring. Most 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. Like boxing rings, wrestling rings are also known by the poetic name of the "squared circle".
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 natural fiber ropes wrapped in tape, others use steel cables that are encased in rubber hose. 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 New Japan Pro-Wrestling. 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 Impact Wrestling and Ring of Honor currently use, an 18-foot by 18-foot ring. Typically, wrestling rings are smaller than boxing rings. Rings include an "apron" area of the canvas ring floor, extending one foot beyond the ropes; the ring itself is generally elevated three feet above the ground.
Maps Wrestling ring
Variations
While the traditional ring is four-sided, other configurations exist, such as six-sided rings, which have been used by Impact Wrestling and occasionally by Lucha Libre AAA World Wide (AAA). Impact, then known as Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), first used it beginning in 2004, before reverting to a four-sided ring in 2010. In June 2014, the six-sided ring returned, but was dropped again in January 2018.
See also
- Glossary of professional wrestling terms
- Boxing ring
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia