In a ladder match, opponents will use an aluminum ladder against each other as a weapon. In some cases, the referee will suspend a championship belt above the ring and one of the combatants must climb to the top of the ladder and take the belt down to win the match. These matches usually feature much excitement and allow younger wrestlers to showcase their skills and receive attention from the audience, although they do bring about inherent risks.
Origins
While no certain origins exist, former wrestling champion Bret "Hitman" Hart states that Dan Kroffat, who wrestled under Bret's father Stu Hart during the 1970s, originally came up with the idea. Hart then claims to have presented the concept of the ladder match to WWE CEO Vince McMahon, which made the match a mainstream hit. Hart, however, did not participate in the first ladder match in WWE history. That honor went to Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon at WrestleMania 10 in 1994.
Purpose of Ladder
The presence of the ladder during these matches adds to the drama involved and prolongs the suspense. The wrestlers will climb the ladder multiple times in an attempt to reach the suspended belt, but the opponent thwarts the attempts time after time. Climbing to the top of the ladder also adds an element of danger to the match, since an opponent can knock you off the ladder at any time, which could lead to you losing the match.
Injuries
Over the years, countless injuries have occurred during these matches, which have led to officials scaling them back significantly. Although these matches have a plan and script to follow, wrestlers will expose themselves to danger during these matches, because they can land on the ladder or have their opponent toss them off the ladder. Fans enjoy seeing a wrestler throw his body through the air, but it does take its toll on those wrestlers who involve themselves in frequent ladder matches.
Reason for Ladder Matches
Ladder matches allow talent to elevate themselves to new levels and receive recognition from the audience for their athletic ability and perseverance. Older wrestlers will usually avoid these matches, since they have already proven themselves to the public and to their peers. Younger wrestlers, however, face immense pressure and must do something to stand out from the others. Therefore, they will participate in these high-risk matches whenever they have the chance.
References
- "Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling"; Bret Hart; 2009
- "Professional Wrestling: Sport and Spectacle"; Sharon Mazer; 1998
- "Steel Chair to the Head: The Pleasure and Pain of Professional Wrestling"; Nicholas Sammond ed.; 2004
- "Drawing Heat the Hard Way: How Wrestling Really Works"; Larry Matysik; 2009
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