Who Started Deathmatch Wrestling?By Coder| August 31, 2023 Wrestling Deathmatch wrestling is a form of professional wrestling that gained popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It is known for its intense and violent nature, often involving the use of weapons such as glass panes, barbed wire, thumbtacks, and even fire. Many fans wonder who started this unique and controversial style of wrestling. The Birth of Deathmatch Wrestling While it is difficult to pinpoint an exact individual or promotion that can be credited as the sole creator of deathmatch wrestling, several influential figures played significant roles in its development. Terry Funk Terry Funk, a legendary professional wrestler, is often credited with popularizing deathmatch wrestling. Funk’s contributions to the genre date back to the 1970s when he engaged in brutal and bloody matches in various territories around the United States. Funk’s willingness to push boundaries and incorporate dangerous elements into his matches set a precedent for what would later become deathmatch wrestling. His use of weapons and willingness to endure pain captivated audiences and inspired future generations of wrestlers. Atsushi Onita In Japan, Atsushi Onita played a pivotal role in shaping deathmatch wrestling. Onita was a former traditional professional wrestler who decided to take a different path in his career. In 1990, he founded Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling (FMW), where he introduced the concept of “exploding ring” matches. These explosive matches involved rigged rings that would detonate upon contact or at predetermined times during the match. Onita’s unique approach combined elements of hardcore wrestling with pyrotechnics, creating an incredibly dangerous spectacle that captured the attention of fans worldwide. The Evolution Continues As deathmatch wrestling gained popularity, numerous promotions and wrestlers began incorporating this style into their shows. One of the most notable promotions to embrace deathmatch wrestling was Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) in the United States. CZW became known for its ultraviolent matches, featuring innovative and dangerous stipulations such as “Tournament of Death” and “Cage of Death.” Other wrestlers who have made significant contributions to deathmatch wrestling include Mick Foley, Jun Kasai, Nick Gage, and Masashi Takeda. These individuals have each left their mark on the genre with their unique styles and willingness to push boundaries. In Conclusion While it is challenging to attribute the creation of deathmatch wrestling to a singular person or promotion, Terry Funk and Atsushi Onita undoubtedly played crucial roles in its development. Their willingness to experiment with new ideas and incorporate dangerous elements into their matches paved the way for future generations of wrestlers and promotions to embrace this unique style. Today, deathmatch wrestling continues to captivate audiences around the world with its intense action and high-risk maneuvers.
