A tradition of combining wrestling and showmanship may originate in the early 1800s in Western Europe, Britain, and Ireland, when … See more

Wrestling appeared in the programs of circuses in the Russian Empire in the 1880s. By 1905 it strongly resembled modern professional wrestling its rules, customs, and manners. One of the most prominent promoters was "Uncle Vanya" Ivan Lebedev, who … See more

At the turn of the 20th century, wrestling was introduced to the public as part of a variety act to spice up the limited action involved in the … See more

Professional wrestling in Australia first gained distinction in the early 20th century, however there were very few shows promoted. … See more

The dominant styles of Japanese professional wrestling were set in place by the two dominant promotions in Japan. New Japan Pro-Wrestling, headed by Antonio Inoki See more

In the early 20th century, professional wrestling was mostly a regional phenomenon in Mexico until Salvador Lutteroth See more

1860s–1948 origin
Professional wrestling, in the sense of traveling performers paid for mass entertainment in … See more