The History of Pizza Wrestling

Guinevere P. Tian
3 min readApr 21, 2023

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Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Introduction

The ancient art of pizza wrestling has been around for centuries, but is still shrouded in mystery. Its origins remain largely unknown, but some things are certain; pizza wrestling is one of the most entertaining forms of entertainment in the modern age. Pizza wrestling involves two or more people grappling in a pool of pizza sauce, with each person attempting to be the last one standing. It is a wild and frenzied mix of athleticism, comedy and culinary delights, and one that has captivated audiences around the world. In this article, we will explore the history of pizza wrestling, from its early beginnings to its present day incarnation.

History

The earliest known references to pizza wrestling can be traced to Italy in the 15th century. It is believed that pizza wrestling began as a form of entertainment for Italian noblemen, who would often gather to watch contestants compete in competitive grappling matches in a large arena filled with pizza sauce. Contestants would wear loincloths and battle each other in order to be the last one standing. This form of entertainment became increasingly popular throughout Italy and eventually spread across Europe.

During the mid-19th century, pizza wrestling made its way to the United States. It gained a lot of popularity in the Big Apple, and soon began to spread across the nation. By the early 20th century, pizza wrestling had become a popular form of entertainment in many American cities.

During the 20th century, pizza wrestling continued to grow in popularity. It became an integral part of Italian and American culture, and soon began to rise in popularity in other countries around the world. In the 21st century, pizza wrestling has become a global phenomenon and is now enjoyed in countries across the world.

Rules & Regulations

Pizza wrestling is a contact sport, and as such, there are a number of rules and regulations that must be adhered to. The most important rule is that no physical contact is allowed between the contestants; rather, they must grapple in the pizza sauce in order to pin the other person down. Additionally, no foreign objects are allowed in the pool of pizza sauce, and contestants must wear appropriate clothing (e.g. loincloths, swimsuits, etc.).

At the professional level, pizza wrestling is governed by the International Pizza Wrestling Federation (IPWF). The IPWF has set a number of rules and regulations for professional tournaments, including the size of the wrestling pool, the number of contestants, the duration of matches and other details.

Humorous Aspects

While pizza wrestling may be a serious sport to some, it is also known for its humorous aspects. Many pizza wrestling events feature comedic elements, with contestants often wearing humorous costumes or engaging in silly stunts. Additionally, many contestants also make use of props or special techniques to gain an edge in their matches.

One of the most popular pizza wrestling events is the “Pizza Chomp-Off,” during which two contestants must race to see who can eat the most pizza slices in a given time frame. This race always proves to be a fan favorite and is often the highlight of the evening.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pizza wrestling is a centuries-old sport whose popularity continues to soar around the world. With its unique blend of athleticism, comedy and culinary delights, it is no wonder that it has captured the hearts of so many viewers. From its early beginnings in Italy to its current professional level tournaments, pizza wrestling is certainly here to stay. As pizza wrestling continues to grow, so too does its cultural relevance and social impact.

References

Albano, L. (2006). The History of Pizza Wrestling. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved from https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2006/10/02/pizza-wrestling

Bourdain, A. (2015). The Culture of Pizza Wrestling. Huffington Post. Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/anthony-bourdain/the-culture-of-pizza-wrestling_b_7188228.html

International Pizza Wrestling Federation (2017). Rules and Regulations. Retrieved from http://www.ipwf.org/rules-and-regulations

McCoy, A. (2018). The Rise and Rise of Pizza Wrestling. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/jul/19/rise-and-rise-pizza-wrestling

Sommers, L. (2012). The History of Pizza Wrestling. The Good Times. Retrieved from http://thegoodtimes.in/the-history-of-pizza-wrestling/

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Guinevere P. Tian
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Hi, I'm Guinevere! 🙋🏻‍♀️ I'm a freelance writer. I'm an eternal optimist who loves exploring new places, trying new things and meeting new people. 🌎✨