What’s Under the WWE Ring?
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The WWE ring is one of the most iconic pieces of sports entertainment. But what’s actually under the WWE ring? We take a look at the surprising answer.
The Ring
The ring is the playing field where the WWE superstars battle it out. It is a 20-foot by 20-foot square with four steel posts at each corner. The ring is surrounded by ropes, which are used by the superstars to propel themselves around the ring or to trap their opponents. The ring mat is made of springy material, which helps the wrestlers absorb the impact of their moves.
The Canvas
The ring in WWE is more than just a stage for the athletes to perform on; it’s one of the most important pieces of equipment in the company. The ring is built to withstand the rigors of professional wrestling, with a thick canvas covering and steel posts to keep it from collapsing. It’s also designed to be safe for the wrestlers, with cushioned padding around the outside and spring-loaded ropes to absorb impact.
The canvas of a WWE ring is typically made from heavy-duty vinyl or PVC, which can stand up to repeated abuse. The surface is usually padded with foam or other materials to protect the wrestlers when they fall. The canvas is stretched tight over a wooden frame, and the whole thing is reinforced with steel posts and other supports.
While the basic design of a WWE ring has remained unchanged for decades, there have been some notable innovations in recent years. In 2016, WWE introduced a new type of ring called the “unified” ring, which features a single piece of canvas that spans the entire circumference of the ring. This new design was created with input from leading sports science experts, and it’s said to provide a more consistent surface for wrestlers to perform on.
The unified ring debuted at WrestleMania 32 in 2016, and it has since been used at several other major events. While some fans have criticized the new design, it’s become increasingly popular with wrestlers and is now considered the standard type of ring used in WWE.
The Padding
The padding under the ring is generally 1 to 2 feet of closed-cell polyethylene foam. This type of foam does not absorb water, meaning it will not get heavier when wet or sweat-soaked, as would other types of foams. The closed-cell variety is also less likely to harbor mold or mildew, which is obviously important given the close quarters and constant use. Under the foam is a layer of cross-linked polyethylene, or XLPE. This material is often used in roofing and plumbing applications because it is very strong and resistant to harsh chemicals.
The ropes
The ropes that surround the ring are usually padded and blood does not often appear during matches, though it does happen on occasion. The top rope is usually about five feet off the ground, while the other three are about four feet off the ground.
The Apron
The Skirting
The WWE ring is one of the most iconic pieces of sports entertainment. It’s seen as the battleground for some of the most epic battles in wrestling history. But what exactly is under the ring?
The skirting, or apron, of the WWE ring is actually made up of several different pieces. There are three main types of material that make up the apron: canvas, steel, and rope. Canvas is the most common type of material used in wrestling rings. It’s durable and can withstand a lot of abuse. Steel is used in some cases to add support to the structure of the ring. Rope is used to create the barrier between the wrestlers and the audience.
The canvas on the WWE ring is usually black or red. The steel support beams are usually hidden behind the canvas. The rope that makes up the barrier between the wrestlers and the audience is usually white.
The Steps
The steps are the basic foundation of the apron. The steps are placed at each corner of the ring. Each step is about six inches tall and is attached to the ring posts. There are also four steps in the middle of each side of the apron, which are called the middle steps. The apron is held together by metal rivets that go through all of the layers.
The Turnbuckles
The turnbuckles are the four vertical posts that are located in the corners of the ring. Each turnbuckle has a metal plate on the inside and a padding on the outside. The turnbuckles are connected to the ring ropes which help support the structure of the ring.
The Pads
This is the third and final layer of protection for the wrestlers. The top pad is about one and a half to two inches thick and is made of either closed or open-cell high-density foam. The bottom pad is usually about an inch thick and made of a softer, more lightweight open-cell foam.
The Cushioning
While there are many different parts to a wrestling ring, the cushioning is one of the most important. The ring ropes are attached to the turnbuckles, which are in turn connected to the ring posts. The ring posts are anchored into the mat, which is where the wrestlers land when they are thrown or tossed out of the ring.
The cushioning is what protects the wrestlers from injury when they land. It is made up of several layers of materials, including wood, padding, and steel. The wood is usually plywood or chipboard, and it forms the base of the cushioning. The padding is usually foam, and it helps to absorb impact. The steel is used to reinforce the structure and prevent it from collapsing.
The Ring Posts
The ring posts are support structures that are located at each of the four corners inside of the ring. They are usually made of steel, and they are tapered so that they can be easily inserted into the corners of the ring. The ring posts are what the ropes are attached to, and they are what the wrestlers use to climb up to the top rope.
The Uprights
The ring posts are an essential part of the WWE ring. Each ring has four uprights, which support the ropes and the turnbuckles. The uprights are generally made of steel, although they can also be made of aluminum or another metal. The uprights can be either square or round, and they are usually covered with padding to protect the wrestlers.
The uprights are connected to the ring canvas with bolts, screws, or rivets. They are also connected to the crossbars, which help to support the weight of the ring. The crossbars are generally made of steel or aluminum, and they can either be square or round. The crossbars are also usually covered with padding to protect the wrestlers.
The Crossbars
The crossbars are the horizontal beams that support the weight of the ring. They are generally made of steel, although wood was once used as well. There are typically four crossbars in a WWE ring, two on each side. The crossbars are connected to the ring posts via metal bolts.