Non-Wrestling Matches

This category of stipulations includes all those matches we’ve witnessed throughout history that aren’t wrestling matches, but rather competitions typical of other sports or, at times, something else entirely. Usually, these matches occur when a wrestler faces off against a representative of another sport, but that’s not always the case.

Arm Wrestling Match

Essentially a traditional arm wrestling contest. In the ring, there is a classic arm wrestling setup consisting of a table with two elbow pads (one for each participant) and two handles to grip with the free hand. The standard rules of competitive arm wrestling apply: after the referee gives the signal, the winner is the one who forces the opponent’s hand to touch the table. Disqualifications (DQ) are also possible if a participant breaks the rules of arm wrestling (e.g., lifting the elbow to gain leverage) or uses moves typical of wrestling (such as headbutts).

Bikini Contest

Of all these, this is the furthest from a wrestling match. It’s a simple beauty contest where several women show off their bikinis in the ring, sometimes performing small dances. The winner is determined either by a judge or, more often, by the audience (usually turning it into a popularity contest, as fans tend to vote for their favorite).

Boxing Match

A boxing match fought in a wrestling ring. Standard boxing rules apply, including rounds, scoring, and knockout (KO). The match can also end via DQ if a participant uses wrestling maneuvers instead of boxing. The most famous boxing match in wrestling history took place at WrestleMania 2 between Roddy Piper and boxer Mr. T.

Dance-Off Contest

This is another non-combat "stipulation," where two or more participants (or teams) face off in a dance competition. Each competitor takes a turn showcasing their dance skills. The winner is decided by the audience or, in rare cases, a judge.

MMA Match

This stipulation, an MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) match, is the closest to wrestling in nature. It takes place in rounds, and participants can win via submission or technical knockout (TKO). In 2011, several MMA-style exhibition matches occurred in TNA, with Jeff Jarrett prominently featured. There’s also a version where the ring is surrounded by an octagonal cage, like in MMA, known as the Lion's Den Match, where victory comes through knockout or submission.

Mud Wrestling Match

A typically female bout fought in a mud pit... that’s right, the famous mud wrestling! Two women compete in this sticky substance, with some matches serving simply as an opportunity to showcase the participants’ attractiveness, following no strict rules. In other instances, the match can be won via pinfall.

Sumo Match

A sumo wrestling match, which is a traditional Japanese combat sport. For this stipulation, the ring is stripped of its ropes, and a circle is drawn in the center. The two participants, who wear the traditional sumo mawashi (loincloth), face off within the circle, and the match is won when one wrestler forces their opponent out of the ring. The first sumo match in wrestling took place in the WWF on May 16, 1994, between Earthquake and Yokozuna, but the most famous match happened at WrestleMania 21, featuring Big Show and sumo champion Akebono.

Pillow Fight

Another typically female bout where two or more women battle on a wrestling ring equipped with a large bed and several pillows. The participants engage in a classic pillow fight, either in their normal ring attire, lingerie (in a Lingerie Pillow Fight), or pajamas (in a Pajama Pillow Fight). Like the mud wrestling matches, some pillow fights have no set rules and serve as mere displays, while others can end with a pinfall.