The configuration and construction of the traditional wrestling ring closely resembles that of a boxing ring. 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 topped by foam padding and a canvas cover. Most wrestling rings typically have more padding and shock-absorbing construction than boxing rings. Around the ring are three ring ropes, one fewer than modern boxing rings, which has had four ropes since the 1970s. The materials used for the ropes differ depending on the ring builder or promotion. Some, like WWE, use natural fiber ropes wrapped in tape, while others use steel cables that are encased in rubber hose. Unlike a boxing ring, the ring ropes in a wrestling ring are not tethered together. These ropes are held up and tensioned by turnbuckles, which, in turn, hang on steel ring posts, which also support the frame. The ends of the turnbuckles facing into the ring are padded, either individually, or with a large pad for all three similar to a boxing ring, as in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. A portion of the mat extends outside the ring ropes, known as the ring apron. The elevated sides of the ring are covered with a fabric skirt to prevent spectators from seeing underneath. Usually around ringside there are steel steps that wrestlers can 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 and All Elite Wrestling use a 20-foot by 20-foot ring, while in the pastWorld 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. While the WWE’s NXT and NXT UK brands uses traditional ring configuration, the Raw and SmackDown brands uses a modified wrestling ring with LED ring posts and aprons on the two sides for the cameras while it continues to use the traditional aprons on the other side.
Variations
While the traditional ring is four-sided, other configurations exist, such as six-sided rings, which have been used for special occasions, such as their annual Triplemania event, by Lucha Libre AAA World Wide. Impact Wrestling, then known as Total Nonstop Action Wrestling first used one 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.
