Afghan wrestlers compete in a bout of traditional mud wrestling competition during the Friday weekend at a field in Chaman-e- Huzuri ground in Kabul on October 21, 2022. (Photo by Wakil Kohsar/AFP Photo)
Lucha libre is Mexico’s version of what in the United States refer to as pro wrestling. Its dates to 1863, when a Mexican wrestler named Enrique Ugartechea developed a form of “freestyle” wrestling that was based on Greco-Roman wrestling. Lucha libre began to soar in popularity in Mexico after two Italian businessmen started promoting fights in the early 1900s. It has since become popular around the globe. Here: Juliza meets with colleagues at her home. (Photo by Diana Bagnoli/The Washington Post)
Women's Freestyle 50kg wrestling gold medalist Sarah Hildebrandt of Team United States carries Men's Greco-Roman 77kg wrestling gold medalist Nao Kusaka of Team Japan on stage on day thirteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Champions Park on August 08, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
This picture taken on September 14, 2024 shows Filipina wrestler “Crystal” fighting her opponent Yuki Kamifuku of Japan (not pictured) during a Middle Kingdom Wrestling (MKW) championship event in Shanghai. Despite a promising potential domestic market, the Chinese pro wrestling community has been battling for recognition and financial stability for decades. (Photo by Wang Zhao/AFP Photo)
This picture taken on September 14, 2024 shows Japanese wrestler Yuki Kamifuku (R) fighting her opponent “Crystal” of the Philippines during a Middle Kingdom Wrestling (MKW) championship event in Shanghai. Despite a promising potential domestic market, the Chinese pro wrestling community has been battling for recognition and financial stability for decades. (Photo by Wang Zhao/AFP Photo)
Mei Hoshizuki and AZM compete during the Women's Pro-Wrestling “Stardom” at Korakuen Hall on September 28, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
Wrestlers compete during a traditional Sindhi Malakhra wrestling during a local tournament in Pakistan's port city of Karachi on December 3, 2021. (Photo by Rizwan Tabassum/AFP Photo)
Sareee and Chihiro Hashimoto compete during the Women's Pro-Wrestling “Sareee-ISM” at Shinjuku FACE on May 16, 2023 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)