China dim sum diners eat while watching live wrestling as bouts gain popularity

Diners at Cantonese tea restaurant in China can enjoy dim sum while watching live professional wrestling, a unique form of entertainment that has sparked much attention on mainland social media.

Unlike the genuine sport, professional wrestling, which is widely known as pro wrestling, is a choreographed stage combat performance. The wrestlers are both athletes and actors.

Pro wrestling evolved from the common practice of match-fixing among wrestlers in the United States in the 19th century, who later sought to make bouts shorter, more entertaining, and less physically taxing.

The most famous pro wrestling event in the world is World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in the US.

In China, pro wrestling is often confused with martial arts performances and sports, and its popularity remains low.