Exploring the Types of Ladders WWE Uses for High-Flying Action and Intense Matches

In the world of professional wrestling, the use of ladders is more than just a tool; it’s an integral part of the storytelling and action that unfolds in the ring. WWE, one of the most prominent organizations in the world of sports entertainment, has made ladder matches a staple of its programming. The types of ladders used in WWE vary depending on the match type, the level of danger involved, and the dramatic needs of the event. In this article, we will dive into the different types of ladders WWE uses, their specific purposes, and the safety measures taken to ensure the performers’ protection.

1. Standard Ladders

The most commonly used ladder in WWE matches is the standard ladder. This is the type of ladder typically seen in most ladder-based contests, such as Ladder Matches, Money in the Bank matches, and TLC (Tables, Ladders, and Chairs) matches.

Features:

• Height: Standard ladders are usually around 10 to 12 feet tall, offering enough elevation to allow for the high-flying spots that fans expect from WWE’s ladder matches.
• Material: These ladders are generally made of lightweight aluminum, designed to be sturdy enough to support the weight of the competitors but not too heavy for them to use in fast-paced, high-energy matches.
• Design: These ladders are designed with wide steps, making them easy to climb. The width also ensures the ladder can support various impacts without collapsing under the weight of a wrestler jumping or falling onto it.

Standard ladders are often placed around the ring or used as a part of the match stipulation to retrieve an object, such as the briefcase in the Money in the Bank match.

2. Step Ladders

Step ladders are smaller versions of the standard ladders, typically ranging from 6 to 8 feet tall. They are used less frequently but can still be found in certain WWE matches where a more compact ladder is necessary.

Features:

• Height: Typically, step ladders are lower in height, making them more suitable for situations where wrestlers need a slightly elevated position but not as much of a climb.
• Material: Step ladders, like standard ladders, are often constructed from aluminum or steel, ensuring they are durable but lightweight.
• Uses: These ladders are useful for spots where wrestlers need to reach objects or gain a brief advantage in height during a match. They can also be used to perform intricate spots where the wrestler doesn’t need the height of a larger ladder.

Step ladders add variety to matches, providing an interesting element of unpredictability in terms of the types of tools the wrestlers will use during high-flying, dangerous stunts.

3. Extension Ladders

Extension ladders are commonly used in TLC matches, where tables, ladders, and chairs all come into play. These ladders can be extended in length, often allowing for a greater height than standard ladders.

Features:

• Height: Extension ladders can range from 12 to 20 feet tall, offering significantly more elevation for wrestlers to work with.
• Material: Just like the standard ladders, extension ladders are often made from aluminum, though steel is also used for some larger models.
• Design: The extension ladders can lock in different positions, allowing for a greater range of use in various match types. This also allows the ladder to be adjusted for different performers and the specific spots that need to be executed.

These ladders are ideal for more extreme and high-risk matches, where the action often spills out of the ring or reaches new heights, quite literally. Wrestlers can climb them to perform high-risk moves like diving from the top or retrieving an object from an incredible height.

4. TLC Ladders

The TLC match (Tables, Ladders, and Chairs) is one of WWE’s most extreme match types, involving all three of these dangerous elements. For this type of match, WWE often uses specially designed ladders, which may be reinforced for added stability due to the chaotic and extreme nature of the match.

Features:

• Height and Durability: TLC ladders are often larger and more durable than standard ladders, as they need to withstand extreme impact. The ladders used in TLC matches may be slightly thicker and reinforced to handle the wear and tear from more brutal spots, like body slams, chair shots, and dives.
• Material: These ladders are usually made of heavy-duty aluminum, but sometimes, WWE will opt for custom-built ladders designed for the specific needs of the match. This could involve added support or the use of steel for enhanced durability.
• Appearance: These ladders often look similar to standard extension ladders but are built to withstand far more abuse. Given the dangerous and high-stakes nature of TLC matches, these ladders are put to the test in extreme conditions.

TLC ladders are designed to create the maximum impact, making them perfect for the no-holds-barred nature of TLC matches. Wrestlers in these matches have the ability to use ladders to launch attacks, perform top-rope maneuvers, or even set up ladder bridges and other extreme spots.

5. Custom Ladders

In some WWE events, the company may create custom ladders to fit the unique stipulations of a match. For example, the ladders used in the Money in the Bank matches are often designed to hold a briefcase or other objects in a specific way.

Features:

• Shape: Some custom ladders are designed to be wider or narrower to fit specific objectives, such as securing the briefcase or facilitating more intricate spots.
• Material and Design: Custom ladders may also be made from a different kind of material or reinforced for a specific purpose. For example, some might be designed with extra-wide rungs to accommodate more than one person climbing at the same time.
• Functionality: Custom ladders often serve a specific purpose beyond just being a tool for climbing. For instance, in some Money in the Bank matches, a unique ladder may be built specifically for the placement of the briefcase, making the design more specialized for the task.

6. Gimmicked Ladders

Some ladder matches feature “gimmicked” or altered ladders. These ladders are specially designed to break or collapse in a specific way for a dramatic effect. Gimmicked ladders are typically used in spots where a wrestler needs to break the ladder for visual impact or safety.

Features:

• Breakaway Design: These ladders are rigged to break upon impact, often in a controlled manner. The purpose is to add a level of danger to a move or spot but in a way that reduces the risk of injury.
• Safety Mechanisms: The breakaway ladders have built-in mechanisms that ensure the break occurs safely. The material is thinner, often using fiberglass or a softer form of aluminum to ensure the ladder gives under pressure without causing harm to the wrestler.

These ladders are not as commonly used, but they add to the unpredictability and drama of WWE’s ladder matches, ensuring the safety of the performers while still delivering high-impact action.

7. Hybrid Ladders

In some cases, WWE uses hybrid ladders, which combine different types of ladders or other materials. For example, a hybrid ladder might be designed to function as both a standard ladder and a bridge for high-flying spots, or it may be created to perform as part of a larger weapon or environment, such as in a multi-wrestler match.

Features:

• Multiple Uses: These ladders can be folded or adjusted to suit multiple purposes in one match, such as acting as a climbing ladder and a weapon.
• Material: Hybrid ladders can be made with combinations of materials like wood, steel, and plastic, which might be used to enhance the dramatic effects of the match.

Conclusion

The use of ladders in WWE is much more than just a practical tool. It serves as an essential prop for creating unforgettable moments and intense drama in the ring. WWE’s arsenal of ladders, from standard models to custom-designed versions and gimmicked designs, helps elevate matches to new heights—literally and figuratively. Whether it’s the drama of a Money in the Bank match or the chaos of a TLC encounter, the ladders play a crucial role in WWE’s high-flying, risk-taking storytelling. By choosing the right ladder for each match type, WWE ensures that the audience is treated to thrilling, edge-of-your-seat moments that push the boundaries of sports entertainment.

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