Hardcore wrestling is a subgenre of professional wrestling that emphasizes extreme and often violent matches. It typically involves the use of weapons, such as chairs, tables, and barbed wire, to enhance the intensity of the competition. The matches often take place in unconventional settings, allowing for more chaotic and unpredictable action. This style gained popularity in the 1990s, particularly through promotions like ECW (Extreme Championship Wrestling). Hardcore wrestling appeals to fans who enjoy the spectacle of high-risk stunts and the dramatic storytelling that accompanies the physicality of the sport.