In January 2025, the Theatrical Wrestling Regulation Amendment Act of 2025 was introduced in the District of Columbia.
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In January 2025, the Theatrical Wrestling Regulation Amendment Act of 2025 was introduced in the District of Columbia.
The bill looks to amend the Boxing and Wrestling Commission Act of 1975 to clarify exemptions, including theatrical wrestling events.
Full summary:
This bill amends the Boxing and Wrestling Commission Act of 1975 to clarify definitions and exemptions related to wrestling events in the District of Columbia. The bill introduces a new definition for “theatrical wrestling” as a performance of sports entertainment where participants work together in mock combat, with predetermined outcomes, choreographed performances, and a non-competitive nature, typically taking place in venues with fewer than 2,000 attendees or as part of a special event. It also defines “amateur” as an individual who has never participated in a professional wrestling, boxing, or martial arts event for monetary compensation. The bill explicitly exempts theatrical wrestling events, along with amateur wrestling, amateur exhibitions, amateur martial arts events at educational institutions, and amateur boxing, from the regulatory provisions of the existing act. This amendment provides clearer guidelines for distinguishing between professional and theatrical wrestling performances, potentially reducing regulatory burden on smaller-scale entertainment wrestling events while maintaining oversight for professional sporting competitions.
On March 25, a public hearing was held with independent wrestler Billy Dixon, Brandon Skall of DC Brau Brewing, and more weighing in on why the bill should be passed.
They argue “D.C.’s tight regulatory environment and extremely high costs have driven nearly all of small pro wrestling events to Maryland and Virginia.”
“This legislation defines “theatrical wrestling” as its own class of event (limited to smaller venues) and reduce the burdens that have made it close to impossible to put these events on in the District. It is in line with legislation recently passed in Washington State and Louisiana, and longstanding policy in states like Missouri and Virginia.”
Fans can read the statement of introduction
here.
The council’s biggest questions centered on health and safety. Concerns of safety were addressed by noting that injuries happen in any art form if something goes wrong, including the circus or combat sports. Fans can read concerns raised by the Commission
here.
Arguments for the bill centered around creating jobs, environment, and income for wrestlers, workers, and establishments in the DC area.
The entire public hearing can be see in the video above.
