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What Are WWE Chairs Made Of? It May Surprise You

Written by Combat Sports Guy in Wrestling

We’ve all seen WWE wrestlers using “steel” chairs to beat their opponents to near-death. But if somebody got hit on the head with an actual steel chair, they’d suffer a traumatic brain injury. So, what are WWE chairs made of?

What Are WWE Chairs Made Of?

WWE chairs are mostly made of aluminum. According to a report on the metallurgical analysis of the chairs, “The folding chairs described by WWE as ‘steel’ are primarily made of 92% aluminum, 6% tin, and 1% copper, with residual amounts of steel and tungsten.”

But getting hit with a chair made of any metal must hurt, right? Read on because I’ll explain that as well as how WWE wrestlers break tables, whether the blood is real, and how they avoid getting bruises.

How Do WWE Wrestlers Not Get Hurt From Chairs?

WWE wrestlers don’t get hurt from chairs because they’re made of thin, hollow aluminum. Also, the chairs usually don’t have rivets. They bend and break when used to hit a wrestler. But getting hit by a WWE chair can still hurt, just not as badly as it seems to on TV.

Someone slamming anything against your back hurts, especially if it’s a chair. But thankfully, the chairs described by WWE as steel chairs aren’t exactly what they’re made out to be.

The chairs look super dramatic, but they’re pretty lightweight because of the aluminum. Aluminum is soft and weak.

Moreover, the chairs are hollow, so only a few pounds of metal fly towards the wrestler on the ground. And the wrestler using the chair won’t swing it as hard as possible.

Instead, they just make it look like it hit hard. The sound that the chair makes amplifies this dramatic effect. The hollow space in the chair is like a sound chamber that makes everything much louder.

The chairs are so soft that they bend when a wrestler gets hit on the head or other body part. Of course, they won’t use steel chairs because they’re extremely dangerous and could get a wrestler killed or paralyzed.

Nonetheless, getting hit by a WWE chair isn’t exactly a walk in the park. WWE wrestlers are committed professionals who’re used to a lot of pain. They do all of this to create a fun and entertaining show.

Here’s a YouTube video of wrestlers using steel chair attacks:

How Do WWE Wrestlers Break Tables?

WWE wrestlers break tables by aiming for the center of the table, which is the weakest point. Moreover, the tables consist of thin and hollow plywood that can be broken without too much force.

Just like the chairs aren’t steel, the tables are not solid wood tables. I’d even go as far as to argue that landing on a table or two hurts less than landing on a mat.

The wrestler’s body transfers the bulk of the impact to the table evenly. The table snaps in half, or the table legs collapse, and the wrestler lands safely.

It’s effortless for the flying wrestler to break the table or table legs with his bodyweight. The WWE table is so fragile that it’s easier to break it than land softly and not break it.

The plywood used for the table is very easy to snap in two. Just think of the little kids in karate snapping a “thick” plywood board in half with a punch or kick.

Watch this YouTube video about kids kicking boards:

Now compare that to a 260 pound (117.93 kg) wrestler landing on a plywood table. Of course, it’s going to snap like a twig.

Is the Blood in WWE Real?

The blood in WWE is usually real, but fake blood has also been used in the past. Vince McMahon banned both real and fake blood in 2008. Before 2008, blading—intentionally cutting or scratching the skin to draw blood—and fake blood were used to create a dramatic effect and sell more tickets.

It makes a lot of sense that WWE went PG. I remember watching WWE at that time as a kid. And honestly, I was afraid of seeing blood. I believe that many other fans were relieved that blood was no longer the norm.

But real bleeding happens from time to time. After all, the ring is full of sharp objects that can make a small wound or cut. The chairs, turnbuckles, tables, and stairs are all relatively sharp and can cause bleeding.

But blood is not hygienic, and that’s one of the main reasons why they banned it.

Before the PG Era, fake blood was a popular way to sell more tickets and create drama. Here’s a YouTube video by Wrestlelamia showcasing ten instances where wrestlers used fake blood:

How Do Wrestlers Not Get Bruises?

Wrestlers don’t get bruises because the fighting isn’t real. The wrestlers don’t punch hard. Bruises typically happen when an impact breaks blood vessels in a smaller area. So, It’s uncommon for slams and throws to cause bruises.

WWE wrestlers are professional entertainers rather than fighters. They practice throwing fake punches. They “hit” with an open fist and with little force, which can’t cause bruises.

When it comes to real slams, they won’t cause bruising if the wrestler lands correctly. The force is distributed equally, and the blood vessels can’t break from an impact like that.

Also, bruises are easier to see on pale people. That’s why fighters like Sheamus have visible bruising after a match.

Sometimes, they use makeup and spray tan to cover up bruises if the wrestlers have multiple matches within a few days. It’s all about looking good on stage and TV, and bruises aren’t the most appealing thing to have on you.

WWE is fun to watch, but the fighting isn’t real. That’s why the wrestlers don’t get bruises and use fake blood for dramatic effect.

But there are times when the wrestlers got cut, and the blood was real. However, it’s unhygienic and dangerous, so wrestlers avoid it.

The chairs and tables are made of soft materials like aluminum and plywood. Also, they’re hollow and break easily. They’re great for dramatic effect, but getting hit by one doesn’t hurt much.

Interested in Wrestling? Check Out My Recommendations

Looking For Gear To Use When You Train?
If you are interested in training Wrestling, here is some of the gear I recommend:
Best Ear Guards(Headgear)
Best Mouth Guard
Best Wrestling Shoes
Best Groin Protection
Want To Learn To Fight, But Don’t Want To Go In Person?
CoachTube has online training videos for Wrestling, Boxing, MMA and more. And best part is you can do it all from your home allowing you to go at your own pace. Check them out here.
Interested In Training Other MMA Fighters?
Click here to check out the MMA Conditioning Association and see what you need to become an MMA conditioning coach and begin training fighters.

Sources

How Are WWE Matches Rehearsed? What You Didn’t Know

Written by Combat Sports Guy in Wrestling

WWE matches are scripted, and there’s no doubt about that. Just like a Shakesperian play in the theater needs rehearsals, so do WWE matches. So, how are WWE matches rehearsed?

How Are WWE Matches Rehearsed?

In general, WWE matches are rehearsed a few days before the event. The wrestlers will meet up and go over the script. Typically, they’ll practice special moves and improvise the rest. However, some WWE matches aren’t rehearsed. Instead, the wrestlers just talk about the match.

Keep reading to learn more about WWE rehearsals. I’ll explain how long the rehearsals last or if the wrestlers know who will win, and everything else that happens behind the scenes.

How Long Before a Match Do WWE Rehearsals Happen?

In general, WWE matches happen a few days before a match. Depending on the match, there can be one or more rehearsals. Otherwise, the practice may happen the night before or a few hours before the match. Sometimes, the WWE wrestlers won’t rehearse at all; they’ll improvise the whole match instead.

For example, the match between Sami Zayn and Shinsuke Nakamura was very authentic because they didn’t practice beforehand.

They hardly even talked before the match. This was Shinsuke Nakamura’s idea, but he admitted that it’s a dangerous habit.


However, It’s common practice for professional WWE wrestlers like John Cena and Roman Reigns to skip rehearsals. Instead, they’ll just talk about it the day before and continue communication in the ring.

This is the most likely scenario because rehearsals can take a lot of time. If they want to execute a difficult move, they’ll practice it repeatedly until they get it right and feel confident.

Virtually all WWE wrestlers are professionals who don’t need a lot of input to entertain the crowd.

Also, Vince McMahon can instruct the wrestlers through the referee should the need arise.

But we also have wrestlers like DDP. He goes over everything in great detail before the match. 

This can get annoying for wrestlers who prefer more improvisation. Also, the crowd can tell that the duel is scripted and looks fake.

It’s probably better to go over everything than skipping rehearsals entirely, as Nakamura did. After all, wrestling is one of the most dangerous sports.

WWE wrestlers are busy people, so they often land the evening before a match. If that happens, they have rehearsals that same evening or in the morning on match day.

How Long Do WWE Practices Last?

On average, WWE practices last a few hours. The wrestlers go over the script with the producers and have a conversation about the match. If there’s a new or complex move, they’ll rehearse it multiple times to get it right.

Most WWE matches are only 10-30 minutes long, so it’s not that difficult to go through the whole thing. But then again, there’s no need for The Undertaker to do the chokeslam for the millionth time.

Most professional wrestlers prefer not to waste their time on practice matches. Most of the time, they have nothing to do anyway.

It’s enough for them to go over the script on their own if there isn’t anything new planned. But then again, the majority of the moves are called on the spot.

Wrestlers whisper to each other during chokeholds to tell each other the next move. You can see this from time to time when the camera angle is just right. Or you might even hear them call spots.

Here is a video by Pllana Productions showcasing 10 times when WWE wrestlers called spots:

It’s not surprising to hear that they call crucial moves. Both wrestlers have to prepare for it.

Also, they often arrive late and don’t have the time to learn the script by heart.

But if the match is of enormous importance, some fighters will go through it from start to finish.

Do WWE Wrestlers Know Who Is Going To Win Before a Match?

As a general rule, WWE wrestlers know who is going to win before a match. If the match is essential for the storyline, the wrestlers must know the outcome and prepare accordingly. It’s uncommon for them to learn who is going to win a moment before the match.

A WWE super-fan, Wilmer Diaz, explained three common scenarios:

  • Storyline: The fighters know the outcome if the match is essential to the story.
  • Unpredictable outcome: Some wrestlers don’t want to look like losers and disagree with the outcome. This happens from time to time, and the outcome becomes unpredictable.
  • No storyline: If the match is only for show and money, who wins doesn’t matter much. It’s only necessary that the crowd is satisfied. The crew tells the wrestlers who should win on the same day or the day before.

It makes sense that they know who’s going to win. It would be very awkward if the wrestler who’s supposed to win got destroyed.

But how does WWE decide who the winner should be? Well, they decide the winner based on the development of a story and its characters.

For example, WWE may want a big wrestler like Big Show to fight a fan-favorite wrestler. They may let Big Show show dominance by winning multiple times and ‘destroy’ all other strong wrestlers.

However, WWE may then make other wrestlers beat Big Show to offer their audience an unpredictable outcome.

WWE wouldn’t sell many tickets for the following few shows if nobody knocked out the fan-favorite. That’s why the producers predetermine who’s moving to the finals or gets qualified for Wrestlemania.

WWE wouldn’t sell many tickets for the following few shows if nobody knocked out the fan-favorite. That’s why the producers predetermine who’s moving to the finals or gets qualified for Wrestlemania.

But what if the crowd doesn’t react as expected? In that case, the staff changes the winner. As I said, the public determines who wins in most instances.

And sometimes WWE wants to justify a wrestler’s nickname. For example, André the Giant had an undefeated streak for 13 years. The crowd loves to see “monsters” like him smash everyone.

WWE matches are scripted shows made for entertainment, but they don’t require a lot of rehearsal.

Most practice matches don’t last very long, and the wrestlers only practice new or complicated moves. In most cases, a conversation the day before is enough.

But the fighters must follow the script. They know who’s the winner beforehand and fight accordingly. They do a lot of improvisation to make the show look more authentic and fun to watch.

Interested in Wrestling? Check Out My Recommendations

Looking For Gear To Use When You Train?
If you are interested in training Wrestling, here is some of the gear I recommend:
Best Ear Guards(Headgear)
Best Mouth Guard
Best Wrestling Shoes
Best Groin Protection
Want To Learn To Fight, But Don’t Want To Go In Person?
CoachTube has online training videos for Wrestling, Boxing, MMA and more. And best part is you can do it all from your home allowing you to go at your own pace. Check them out here.
Interested In Training Other MMA Fighters?
Click here to check out the MMA Conditioning Association and see what you need to become an MMA conditioning coach and begin training fighters.

Sources

Do Wrestlers Wear Cups? Here Is The Truth

Written by Combat Sports Guy in Wrestling

The groin is perhaps the most vulnerable area in most contact sports, and wrestling is contact as well as a combat sport, so protecting the groin is crucial. The standard uniform for wrestlers is the wrestling singlet, which resembles a one-piece bathing suit without any protection underneath.

Do Wrestlers Wear Cups?

Wrestlers don’t wear cups under their singlets unless they’re built into a jockstrap, compression shorts, or other protective gear expressly allowed in wrestling bouts. In some cases, male wrestlers can wear a t-shirt under their singlets, while women wrestlers can wear sports bras underneath.

Luckily, the rules of wrestling prohibit groin shots which keeps participants safe for the most part. However, it’s crucial to don some form of protection as accidents are bound to happen, and you need to stay well-protected.

How Do Wrestlers Protect Their Groin Area?

To protect their groin area, wrestlers can choose to wear a jockstrap, compression shorts, or regular briefs to give them adequate support during a match. Though they can’t wear cups during matches, they have the freedom to put on a cup during practice bouts to help prevent injury while training.

All of these options serve specific purposes. Keep reading as I discuss them in detail below. 

Jockstraps Protect a Wrestler’s Genitalia

Jockstraps have been a standard athletic support gear for years now. They are designed to stabilize and protect one’s genitalia while allowing free range of movement during any physical activity.

The standard jockstrap comes with an elastic waistband that secures itself to your hips. The elasticity allows for a tight fit while preventing any restriction in mobility.

A jockstrap also has two elastic loops fastened to the waistband to put your legs through. These elastic loops are designed to secure the genitalia while allowing a complete range of movement.

The most crucial part of the jockstrap is the portion covering the groin area. Most often, it’s a fabric pouch that holds everything in place while providing adequate breathability.

Some jockstraps are fitted with a hard plastic cup, woven expertly into the design for protection during intense contact sports like wrestling. This design is the way cups are allowed – as part of the standard wrestling uniform.

Compression Shorts Allow for More Movement Freedom

Compression shorts are a newer form of athletic support wear and have slowly gained popularity in recent years. 

These shorts are made from flexible, stretchy, breathable fabric that sticks to your body yet allows for a complete range of motion. Compression shorts help secure the groin area by stabilizing the genitalia and preventing injury during a match.

Often, compression shorts are the more popular choice of undergarments for wrestling. They are preferred because they are free from the elastic straps that sometimes dig into the skin during movement.

Some compression shorts come with built-in cups for added protection during contact and combat sports.

Briefs Give Wrestlers More Comfort While Wrestling

Briefs have been a wrestling favorite for generations as they allow free movement and give an opponent little to grab onto during a wrestling bout.

However, it’s important to remember that briefs provide the least protection as they are not as secure as jockstraps or compression shorts.

While cups can restrict mobility and make fighting uncomfortable, wrestlers can still protect their groin area by investing in a jockstrap or compression shorts that come with built-in cups for protection.

Best Cups for Wrestlers

The best cups for wrestlers are built into either shorts, briefs, or a jockstrap. This is because it ensures the cup won’t move around during practice. However, the cup must be removable for washing and to allow for some motion as you spar. Ideally, it should be breathable to help promote airflow.

If you’re looking for protection during a wrestling match, the following are my top recommendations, all from Amazon.com.

Shock Doctor Compression Shorts

This pair of compression shorts come with a vented, bio-flex cup that fits seamlessly with most athletic frames, offering unrestricted movement and breathability.

The lower part of the cup is designed in a way to occupy a more natural position between the legs which provides a more comfortable fit during intense activity.

The compression shorts are made from moisture-wicking fabric, and the cup itself is designed to prevent sweat accumulation. This design ensures that the wrestler stays comfortable and mobile throughout a match.

With this pair of shorts, you get the benefit of total protection with the added advantage of muscle compression.

Shock Doctor Ultra Pro Jockstrap

Shock Doctor designed the compression shorts for those who prefer to wear them, but there’s nothing like donning a jockstrap before a wrestling match. And they’ve got one that will give you the protection you need for the fight.

The Ultra Pro Jockstrap comes with a comfy micro-knit waistband for easy mobility. Its groin section is covered by an anti-odor stretch mesh and comes with a protective cup that fits in snugly. 

Mueller Athletic Support Brief    

This athletic brief from Mueller is perhaps one of the few briefs designed to accommodate protective cups. The cup slips easily into the groin area and is highly flexible, with rubber edges, allowing for a wide range of movement and unparalleled protection.

It’s interesting to note that this piece is a ‘compression brief’ and stretches over your skin, offering free movement through the duration of any activity.

McDavid Athletic Supporter

For those of you with a smaller budget, McDavid’s offers a supportive jockstrap with a protective cup to keep you safe during a wrestling bout. 

Its simple design and flexible cup make this piece a comfortable fit during any form of intense activity. 

While many wrestlers actively choose to avoid cups as they restrict mobility, wearing a protective cup can keep you safe during a match. 

And with the innovation in sportswear today, you can get compression shorts, jockstraps, and briefs with a built-in cup holder to keep you safe during a match. 

So invest in one, and you’ll be able to take your training to the next level without worrying about injury. 

Interested in Wrestling? Check Out My Recommendations

Looking For Gear To Use When You Train?
If you are interested in training Wrestling, here is some of the gear I recommend:
Best Ear Guards(Headgear)
Best Mouth Guard
Best Wrestling Shoes
Best Groin Protection
Want To Learn To Fight, But Don’t Want To Go In Person?
CoachTube has online training videos for Wrestling, Boxing, MMA and more. And best part is you can do it all from your home allowing you to go at your own pace. Check them out here.
Interested In Training Other MMA Fighters?
Click here to check out the MMA Conditioning Association and see what you need to become an MMA conditioning coach and begin training fighters.

Sources

Where To Learn How To Wrestle? How To Find The Right Place

Written by Combat Sports Guy in Wrestling

Wrestling is a prevalent combat sport and an integral part of MMA. Thus, it’s one of the most in-demand skills in the combating sports world, prompting some to ask: where can someone learn how to wrestle?

Where To Learn How To Wrestle?

You can learn how to wrestle in places where a wrestling team or club is available. If you’re a student, your school may have a wrestling program you can enroll in or a P.E. course you could take. Alternatively, you could learn to wrestle at home if you have a partner to practice with.

This article will detail the best ways you can learn wrestling and answer other important questions about learning the sport. You will find out how long it takes for someone to learn wrestling, how hard learning it is, and if it’s ever too late for someone to start practicing. 

3 Best Places To Learn Wrestling

If you’re interested in learning wrestling, fortunately, there are 3 ways to do it. If you’re a student, you can always join your school’s wrestling club. Your school may likely offer one. Another option is to find a local wrestling club in your area. If you’re not ready to join a wrestling club yet, you can always start at home first.

Learn To Wrestle at Your School

This is by far the best way to learn the sport. You will have a great support system from the coaching staff to your teammates who will push you to become the best wrestler you can be if you allow it. You will have the opportunities to participate in competitions and gain real experience with the sport if you start at school.

However, many people cannot join a school team either because they’re out of school or their school doesn’t have a wrestling team. In many colleges and even some high schools, spots for the wrestling team are limited and reserved for students who already have experience. 

Learn To Wrestle at a Local Wrestling Club 

This is the next best thing. You will have a similar experience as with a school team, except for competitions. Most wrestling clubs, however, can help you enter competitions if you wish to do so. Besides, you will get to meet new people along the way, which is part of the fun of learning martial arts. 

Learn Wrestling at Home

If you want to wrestle just for fun, you can find a practice partner and learn at home. If your partner isn’t a trainer, use online resources to learn various exercises and techniques. Keep in mind that wrestling at home against the same partner over and over again will only get you so far.

It’s important to be extra careful when learning wrestling at home. Do not attempt dangerous stunts you see on TV or the internet.

There are many fun wrestling techniques to learn on YouTube, so if you like the sport and want to get more involved with it, the next step is to join a wrestling school.

How Long Does It Take To Learn To Wrestle?

An average person can learn how to wrestle in as quickly as 3 months with intense dedication. That being said, how long it takes to become a good wrestler can be much longer, usually between 1 and 3 years for most people if they are dedicated enough. 

Not everyone will progress at the same pace. Like with most things in life, natural talent can certainly help someone progress quicker. Athleticism is also a significant factor in wrestling, so athletically gifted wrestlers will have a much easier time, especially against other novices.

Here are some other vital factors that will help you progress quicker:

  • Consistency: Like most things in life, being consistent with your wrestling practice will go a long way. To achieve excellent results in a short time, you should practice no less than 4 times per week at around 2 hours per session.
  • Staying fit: Going to the gym and doing cardio are critical parts of a wrestler’s life. If you do your best to keep as fit as possible, you will find that the practice sessions will become a lot easier, and you will make progress more quickly.
  • Mental fortitude: Being mentally tough will help you endure the countless hours of grueling practice and pain associated with wrestling, which is crucial for improving quickly.  

Is Wrestling Easy To Learn?

Wrestling is not easy, but rather, a challenging sport to learn. Wrestling moves and techniques can be complex and may take years of practice to master. It requires a tremendous amount of dedication, patience, and perseverance to cope with the required actions needed to become a good wrestler.

On top of that, wrestling also requires:

  • Physical strength: wrestlers spend hours at the gym each week building up their power to handle more vigorous opponents and practices.
  • Cardio: good cardiovascular health is crucial for enduring the often intense wrestling practices. 
  • Dieting: wrestlers need to have a low body fat percentage to put on more muscle without competing in higher-weight divisions.

With that said, almost all combat sports are complex and hard to learn, and many people consider Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA much harder to master than wrestling.

Is It Too Late To Learn To Wrestle as an Adult?

It’s not too late to learn to wrestle as an adult, and, in fact, it’s very common for people to discover a passion for wrestling in adulthood. However, it eventually becomes impossible to handle how physically demanding and exhausting wrestling is once someone reaches a certain age.

It’s important for older novice wrestlers to be realistic about their goals. 

For instance, most people who start wrestling later in life will never have much success competitively. If competing interests you, keep in mind that successful career wrestlers and Olympic winners all usually start getting into the sport at a very young age. By the time they are old enough to compete, they become very proficient wrestlers.

Adults won’t be able to make up for over ten years of dedicated practice and experience.

Wrestling is best learned in a team. It takes a great deal of dedication and sacrifice for someone to become good at wrestling. The average person takes at least 3 months to learn the sport and up to 3 years to master it truly.

Consistency, staying fit, and being mentally tough are essential qualities when first taking up wrestling. As long as they can handle the physicality of the sport, people of all ages can learn how to wrestle.

Interested in Wrestling? Check Out My Recommendations

Looking For Gear To Use When You Train?
If you are interested in training Wrestling, here is some of the gear I recommend:
Best Ear Guards(Headgear)
Best Mouth Guard
Best Wrestling Shoes
Best Groin Protection
Want To Learn To Fight, But Don’t Want To Go In Person?
CoachTube has online training videos for Wrestling, Boxing, MMA and more. And best part is you can do it all from your home allowing you to go at your own pace. Check them out here.
Interested In Training Other MMA Fighters?
Click here to check out the MMA Conditioning Association and see what you need to become an MMA conditioning coach and begin training fighters.

Sources

What To Eat Before A Wrestling Match? Meals For Success

Written by Combat Sports Guy in Wrestling

Your diet before a wrestling match should not be drastically different from your diet during the rest of the wrestling season. As long as you’re wrestling, your body needs plenty of carbohydrates and proteins. So, what should you eat before a wrestling match?

What to Eat Before a Wrestling Match?

Before a wrestling match, you should eat small amounts of protein and carbs only, such as a mix of fruit, meat, vegetables, and peanut butter. Avoid excessively fatty and sugary foods. Keep your portions small, but avoid going into the match on an empty stomach, and always stay hydrated.

This article will help you make a plan for what, when, and how much to eat before a wrestling match, so read on.

How Long Before a Match Should You Eat?

You should eat 1-3 hours before your match and after weigh-ins. Have a full dinner the night before your match and prepare a small breakfast to eat after weigh-ins the morning of. Bring some snacks with you for an energy boost throughout the day if you’re attending an all-day tournament. 

If you eat too close to your match, you could feel bloated and heavy. But if you don’t eat at all, you could get lightheaded and tired.

It’s important to find a balance that makes you feel energized when it’s time for you to wrestle.

The Night Before

Dinner on the night before a match should be a full-sized meal with carbs (pasta, bread, or rice), lean meat (like skinless chicken or turkey), and vegetables. Be careful not to eat too much sodium or fat at dinner, as these will make you retain water the next day.

Don’t skip meals as a last-ditch effort to lose weight. A wrestling competition is when it is most important for you to have the nutrients and energy you need.

The Morning Of

For early morning tournaments, when weigh-ins can be as early as 7 a.m., it is typical for wrestlers not to eat until after weigh-ins. Even though you may not be eating yet, you need to stay hydrated.

There is not enough time in between weigh-ins and your match for you to fully rehydrate for the day. Try to drink at least 8 oz. of water before weigh-ins so as not to be dehydrated when you wrestle.

After Weigh-In

After weigh-ins, resist the urge to binge on fatty foods. You will feel better if you eat a small breakfast, particularly something high in carbs, along with some protein.

A peanut butter sandwich, a turkey wrap, a bagel, or a granola bar, and low-fat milk are all options that should satisfy you without making you feel worse later.

If you’re at an all-day tournament, continue to graze on snacks of fruit, nuts, and vegetables in between your matches. You should drink between 16-32 oz. of water along with your meal, especially to replace the fluids you lose from sweating. 

What Foods Are Good for Wrestlers?

The best foods for wrestlers are those high in carbohydrates. Rice, pasta, bread, and potatoes are excellent choices. Pair them with salmon, chicken, or turkey (grilled or baked, not fried), and some steamed or raw vegetables, and you have a complete meal. 

Carbohydrates will give you the blood sugar boost you need to perform in your match, and protein is important for building muscles. 

After a match, some good foods to recover your energy are chocolate milk, low-fat yogurt, carrot and celery sticks, and low-fat granola bars.

It’s also vital that you remember to drink plenty of water during the wrestling season. You can drink Gatorade as well to replenish your electrolytes but drink mostly water.

What Foods Should Wrestlers Avoid?

Wrestlers should avoid fatty foods, but it’s impossible to eat a fully fat-free diet. Your body needs fat to function, just not in large amounts. The same goes for sodium, which is often added to foods as a preservative.

Too much sodium just before a match can make you retain water, which will increase your weight.

Reduce or completely cut out soda, energy drinks, fried food, and candy. You can replace these with healthier alternatives. Avoid soda and energy drinks because they are too sugary and not very hydrating. Stick to water and the occasional Gatorade. 

Swap fried chicken for baked chicken. Eat homemade granola instead of a candy bar. If you’re craving a dessert, try eating some fresh fruit instead — fruit is packed with sugar, but it’s not fatty like ice cream. 

This NewMe Fitness Journal on Amazon.com is a great tool to help you track the foods you eat and how they affect your training and energy levels. If you notice that certain foods make you sluggish, avoid them around competition time.

The Importance of Eating Enough

All wrestlers must eat properly, especially before a wrestling match. However, some wrestlers will try to lose weight to make their target weight by skipping meals. Some even dehydrate themselves by not drinking water and excessively sweating leading up to their weigh-in.

Do not fall into dangerous habits, such as the ones I have just mentioned.

Your body needs water, carbs, protein, fat, and other nutrients to function. Wrestling burns lots of calories—the University of Rochester Medical Center estimates it burns 400 calories an hour. If you don’t consume the nutrients you need to fuel your body, you will probably see a decline in your performance. 

It is more important for you to be healthy than for you to reach a certain weight. Focus on being the best wrestler you can be, not on your weight class. 

If you’re unsure about what foods you should be eating for your particular needs, talk to your coach or doctor for more advice.

The food you put in your body is very important around a wrestling match. Between trying to reach your target weight class and storing energy for your match, you should aim for a diet that is high in carbs and low in fat with a moderate amount of protein.

Be sure to discuss your diet plans with your coach and your doctor before making any major lifestyle changes. And always give your body the food and water it needs to survive and thrive. After all, a starving, dehydrated wrestler isn’t particularly tough competition. 

Interested in Wrestling? Check Out My Recommendations

Looking For Gear To Use When You Train?
If you are interested in training Wrestling, here is some of the gear I recommend:
Best Ear Guards(Headgear)
Best Mouth Guard
Best Wrestling Shoes
Best Groin Protection
Want To Learn To Fight, But Don’t Want To Go In Person?
CoachTube has online training videos for Wrestling, Boxing, MMA and more. And best part is you can do it all from your home allowing you to go at your own pace. Check them out here.
Interested In Training Other MMA Fighters?
Click here to check out the MMA Conditioning Association and see what you need to become an MMA conditioning coach and begin training fighters.

Sources

What Is a Wrestling (WWE) Ring Made Of? Does It Hurt?

Written by Combat Sports Guy in Wrestling

If you’re a big fan of WWE like me, you must have questioned what the ring is made of at some point. Even if the fights are scripted, the smackdowns are very real. So, what is a wrestling ring made of?

What Is a Wrestling (WWE) Ring Made Of?

Wrestling (WWE) rings are made of wooden planks placed on solid steel beams. Occasionally, rubber mats are added before the planks. A layer of foam sits on the planks, topped with multiple layers of canvas covers. The ring has three ropes attached to ring posts using turnbuckles.

In this article, I’ll explain if WWE uses springs in their wrestling rings, how big they are, how much it costs to build one, and if landing in the ring hurts.

Do Wrestling Rings Have Springs?

Wrestling rings don’t have springs. WWE used springs in the past, but that’s no longer the case. Instead, the foam that sits under the canvas covers, absorbs most of the impact. The wooden planks below the foam are also flexible, meaning they absorb some shock too.

But if you hear the word foam and think of something nice and soft like a cozy hotel bed, I’ll have to disappoint you. WWE uses special wrestling ring padding that must be sturdy enough to stand on. 

Besides, the show would look ridiculous if professional wrestlers like The Undertaker and John Cena bounced around the ring like two kids jumping on a bed.

So, the foam acts like a cushion for the impact, and the wooden planks are slightly bouncy, which means that it’s not as bad as landing on solid concrete. However, that doesn’t make wrestling in a ring safe. On the contrary, countless WWE superstars have suffered injuries severe enough to end their careers.

You might be familiar with the match when The Undertaker threw Mankind onto the mat from the top of the cell. Mankind endured a concussion, internal bleeding, bruised ribs, a dislocated shoulder, and the list goes on.

If the mats were as soft as some people claim, Mankind wouldn’t have suffered nearly as much.

How Big Is a Wrestling Ring?

A square wrestling ring is typically between 16 ft (4.88 m) and 20 ft (6.10 m) on each side. WWE uses 20 ft (6.10 m) rings. The outer apron that extends beyond the ropes is 1 ft (0.30 m), and the mat height is 40” (101.6 cm). The total size of a WWE ring is 22 x 22 ft (6.71 x 6.71 m).

Note that the size of the wrestling ring varies depending on the professional wrestling promotion in question. For example, Impact Wrestling and Ring of Honor use 18 ft (5.49 m) rings. And the ring apron is often 2 ft (0.61 m) wide, which further increases the total surface area.

The size can change significantly depending on the shape. Of course, the square is the most popular, but you can see an occasional hexagonal and even octagonal wrestling ring.

How Much Does It Cost To Build a Wrestling Ring?

It costs about $500 to build a wrestling ring. The price goes up significantly if you’re using solid steel beams. The costs go up significantly for professional wrestling rings, as they can cost anywhere from $5000 up to $10,000.

Building a wrestling ring at home has some benefits. For example, you don’t have to follow the standard dimensions, and you can make it as small or as large as you wish.

It’s possible to build a wrestling ring for less than $500 if you already have some of the materials lying around. You can use old car tires instead of expensive solid steel beams without sacrificing quality too much.

Thick plywood is also pretty cheap such as the Woodpeckers Baltic Birch Plywood (available on Amazon.com). You get six sheets of 6 mm (0.24”) thick, high-quality birch plywood in one box.

You can use any large piece of canvas or tarp to cover the plywood, but remember to add some soft foam too. You can get whatever type of foam mats you want in a foam store.

As far as the rope and turnbuckles are concerned, you can get them in almost any hardware store. I recommend that you use soft rope and don’t tighten it too much to avoid injuries. It’s a fun DIY project, and it’ll take some time, but you’ll save a lot of money instead of buying a pre-made wrestling ring.

Does a Wrestling Ring Hurt?

A wrestling ring hurts. Since a wrestling ring has minimal padding and is made of wooden planks and steel beams, it’s a hard surface to land on. Wrestlers claim that the impact is similar to landing on concrete.

According to Reddit user, CheekyFunShenanigans, getting bumped is similar to slipping on ice. I’d assume that it’s only slightly worse than that. Still, the countless injuries in wrestling rings are enough proof that wrestling is one of the most painful sports in existence.

The main problem with wrestling rings is that the padding isn’t incredibly shock-absorbing, so wrestlers are essentially landing on hard wooden planks.

But the worst offender has to be the ring posts. If you bang your head against one, you’re risking severe injury because the posts are made of solid steel.

Ouch! And I thought that stubbing a toe against my bed was painful. 

Wrestling rings are primarily made of wooden planks that sit on steel beams that provide most of the structure. The foam mats and the canvas go on top of the planks to make the surface softer to bump on, but it still hurts a lot.

Virtually all professional wrestling rigs use thin foam, so landing on the floor is similar to landing on dirt.

Thankfully, you can build a wrestling ring using the thickest foam padding you can find and rubber tires to make the experience less painful. Also, it’ll be much cheaper than building a professional wrestling ring.

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