The Terrible Treatment of Pro-Wrestlers

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. Chairman Vince McMahon watches wrestlers Ted DiBiase and Shawn Michaels compete during the WWE Monday Night Raw show in Las Vegas, August 24, 2009.

Professional wrestling takes a serious toll on the athletes who perform in the ring. As independent contract workers, many wrestlers often lack benefits, pensions, or health insurance. Physical injuries are common, and a disturbingly low number of professional wrestlers have lived past age 50. Daniel O’Sullivan discusses working conditions in wrestling and why, unlike any other major American sport, professional wrestlers aren’t represented by a union.