Pro wrestling is a “worked” performance where wrestlers cooperate to create the illusion of combat. You could think of it as a form of low-intensity, defensive grappling, with the addition of rope spots, high-flying manoeuvres, and choreographed sequences. It’s not a true reflection of how people would fight in a real confrontation. Strikes are pulled, and wrestlers rarely defend against incoming blows, prioritising spectacle over realism.

However, in Japan, a distinct “shoot style” emerged throughout the 1980s and beyond. Promotions and matches in this style sought to blur the line between pro wrestling and legitimate combat sports. These matches often featured performers with genuine martial arts backgrounds, and the action resembled a high-level sparring session. Unlike traditional pro wrestling, strikes were barely pulled, and grappling exchanges had a raw, competitive edge. If you found yourself in one of these matches, you’d feel every strike and every hold — and you’d definitely know about it.