In terms of real physical and combat sports, these commissions are essentially the sports equivalent of OSHA, with their job being to oversee that safety and medical standards are being followed. Professional wrestling has always been a gray area because, while it is physical, and there is risk of injury, it is a performative sport as opposed to a combat or points-driven sport.
But some state athletic commissions are run more like a racket than an actual safety authority, constantly creating fees and fines to bring in revenue.
In terms of real physical and combat sports, these commissions are essentially the sports equivalent of OSHA, with their job being to oversee that safety and medical standards are being followed. Professional wrestling has always been a gray area because, while it is physical, and there is risk of injury, it is a performative sport as opposed to a combat or points-driven sport.
But some state athletic commissions are run more like a racket than an actual safety authority, constantly creating fees and fines to bring in revenue.