Are There Any Real Wrestling Leagues?

Wrestling has always been a popular sport, captivating audiences with its display of strength, skill, and showmanship. While many are familiar with professional wrestling promotions like WWE and AEW, there are also several real wrestling leagues around the world that focus on the competitive aspect of the sport.

1. United World Wrestling (UWW)

United World Wrestling is the international governing body for the sport of wrestling. It oversees various styles of wrestling, including freestyle, Greco-Roman, and women’s wrestling. UWW organizes numerous competitions throughout the year, such as the World Championships and continental championships.

The organization sets and enforces rules to ensure fair play and consistency across all competitions. UWW also works towards promoting wrestling at both grassroots and elite levels, providing opportunities for athletes to compete at an international stage.

2. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

The NCAA is primarily known for its regulation of college sports in the United States, but it also governs collegiate wrestling. NCAA wrestling showcases some of the most talented young wrestlers in America.

The NCAA divides wrestling into three divisions: Division I, Division II, and Division III. Each division has its own set of rules and regulations regarding eligibility criteria, scholarships, and competition formats. The NCAA Wrestling Championships held annually are highly regarded as one of the premier events in collegiate wrestling.

3. International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA)

The International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles, now known as United World Wrestling (UWW), was formerly responsible for overseeing amateur wrestling worldwide before its rebranding in 2014.

FILA organized various wrestling events, including the World Championships and the Olympic Games. It played a crucial role in developing and promoting wrestling internationally. However, since its rebranding as UWW, the responsibilities have shifted towards focusing on both amateur and professional wrestling.

4. High School Wrestling Associations

High school wrestling associations exist in many countries, providing young athletes with a platform to compete and develop their skills. These associations organize local and regional competitions, leading up to national championships.

High school wrestling is often considered a stepping stone for aspiring wrestlers who aim to compete at the collegiate or international level. It helps young athletes gain experience, build their technique, and prepare for higher-level competitions.

5. Regional Wrestling Leagues

In addition to these global organizations, there are numerous regional wrestling leagues across different countries. These leagues focus on promoting wrestling within specific regions or communities.

Some notable regional wrestling leagues include:

The British Wrestling Association (BWA) in the United Kingdom
The Japanese Wrestling Federation (JWF) in Japan
The Russian Wrestling League (RWL) in Russia
The Mexican Professional Wrestling League (MPWL) in Mexico

These regional leagues organize events and competitions tailored to their respective audiences. They play a significant role in nurturing local talent and providing opportunities for wrestlers to gain recognition within their own communities.

In conclusion,

While professional wrestling promotions like WWE may dominate the mainstream media, there are indeed several real wrestling leagues around the world that cater to both amateur and professional wrestlers alike. From international governing bodies like UWW to regional associations and organizations, these platforms offer opportunities for wrestlers to compete, develop their skills, and showcase their talent on various stages.

So, if you’re passionate about wrestling and want to explore the world of competitive wrestling beyond the glitz and glamour of professional promotions, there are plenty of real wrestling leagues waiting for you!