WWE Props Real or Fake: Understanding WWE’s Weapon Safety

Wrestling fans often wonder about the authenticity of WWE’s props, questioning whether items like tables, chairs, and sledgehammers are real or fake. WWE uses a combination of real and specially modified props to ensure the safety of its performers while delivering thrilling action. From hollowed-out kendo sticks to sugar glass, here’s an in-depth look at WWE’s most iconic weapons and how they’re used safely.

Tables and Ladders: Real, But Modified for Safety

WWE tables are real but constructed from thin chipboard, designed to break upon impact. Unlike regular tables, which are made of solid wood, these tables are lighter, allowing wrestlers to land safely through them. However, there’s still an element of risk, as tables can sometimes break prematurely or fail to break on cue. Similarly, WWE ladders are real but crafted from lightweight materials to ensure they can support weight while collapsing under impact.

Kendo Sticks and Trash Cans: Designed for Maximum Sound, Minimal Harm

Kendo sticks, known for their loud cracking sound, are usually hollow bamboo sticks taped at the ends. This design makes them splinter upon impact without inflicting severe injuries, though wrestlers can still suffer welts. Trash cans used in WWE are typically aluminum or thin tin, making them easy to crush during a match without causing harm to the performers. These modified props give the illusion of danger without significant risk.

Steel Chairs and Sledgehammers: Special Techniques for Safety

Steel chairs are real but made from a light alloy and are often used with specific techniques. Unprotected head shots have been banned due to concussion concerns, and chairs are now only used to strike safer areas like the back. Sledgehammers, popularized by Triple H, are legitimate tools, but wrestlers use them with caution. The wrestler’s hand typically covers the head of the hammer when delivering strikes, ensuring that opponents are not actually hit by the solid metal.

Glass and Thumbtacks: Real, But Rarely Used in WWE

While some hardcore wrestling promotions use real glass and thumbtacks, WWE often opts for safer alternatives like sugar glass or avoids these props altogether. Real thumbtacks have been used in WWE’s past, but they’re uncommon due to the potential for serious injury.

By using props that combine realism with safety modifications, WWE maintains an element of spectacle while prioritizing the health and safety of its wrestlers. Fans continue to enjoy the dramatic moments these props provide, adding to WWE’s unique blend of athleticism and entertainment.