National Kiss a Wrestler Day – Oct. 5, 2026

National Kiss a Wrestler Day
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Date change rule:
Every October 5
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National Kiss a Wrestler Day celebrates the incredible athleticism and captivating theatrics of wrestlers every October 5. This quirky holiday, possibly linked to a 2000s rock band promotion, encourages fans to appreciate these powerful entertainers. Take a moment to acknowledge their dedication, share your favorite wrestling memories, and celebrate the sport’s rich history.

Want to sponsor National Kiss a Wrestler Day? Learn how

Expected National Kiss a Wrestler Day Deals

While specific promotions for National Kiss a Wrestler Day are rare, wrestling fans can often find deals on merchandise and event tickets around major wrestling events. Look for discounts from official stores like WWE Shop and AEW Shop, or independent wrestling promotions. Local sports bars might run specials during televised matches, and specialty retailers like Pro Wrestling Tees could offer themed apparel. Keep an eye on social media for fan-driven giveaways and watch parties. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as October 5 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Kiss a Wrestler Day

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #KissAWrestlerDay. Share funny skits, fan art, or your favorite wrestling move recreations.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalKissAWrestlerDay. Post photos of your favorite wrestlers, wrestling memorabilia, or themed celebrations.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #KissAWrestlerDay. Discuss your top wrestling moments, share appreciation for athletes, or debate the best finishing moves.

Social Media Tips for National Kiss a Wrestler Day

Individuals

Show your appreciation for wrestlers by attending a local match, wearing your favorite wrestling merch, or simply sharing a positive message about the sport online.

Creators

Produce content celebrating the athleticism and entertainment of wrestling. This could be a tribute video, a breakdown of iconic matches, or a humorous take on the holiday itself.

Brands

Wrestling-related brands or local businesses can run themed promotions, host watch parties, or engage with fans by asking about their favorite wrestlers or moments.

Top Brands for National Kiss a Wrestler Day

  1. WWE

    World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), founded in 1952, is the largest professional wrestling promotion globally. Known for its iconic superstars, elaborate storylines, and major events like WrestleMania, WWE has shaped modern wrestling entertainment.

  2. AEW

    All Elite Wrestling (AEW), founded in 2019 by Tony Khan and several wrestlers, quickly rose to become a major competitor to WWE. It offers a distinct style of professional wrestling, focusing on in-ring action and diverse talent.

  3. New Japan Pro-Wrestling

    Founded in 1972 by Antonio Inoki, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) is the largest professional wrestling promotion in Japan. It is highly regarded for its strong style of wrestling and prestigious tournaments like the G1 Climax.

  4. Pro Wrestling Tees

    Pro Wrestling Tees is an online retailer founded in 2010, offering a vast selection of merchandise from hundreds of professional wrestlers, both active and retired. It serves as a major platform for wrestlers to sell their official gear directly to fans.

  5. Fanatics

    Fanatics is a leading online retailer for licensed sports merchandise, including a wide array of wrestling apparel and collectibles from major promotions. Founded in 1995, it provides fans with official gear for their favorite sports and teams.

  6. Mattel

    Mattel, Inc., founded in 1945, is a global toy company known for brands like Barbie and Hot Wheels. They produce a popular line of WWE action figures, allowing fans to collect and recreate their favorite wrestling moments.

  7. ESPN

    ESPN, founded in 1979, is a multinational basic cable sports channel owned by The Walt Disney Company. It provides extensive coverage of various sports, including professional and amateur wrestling news, highlights, and analysis.

National Kiss a Wrestler Day Hero

Hulk Hogan

Terry Bollea, famously known as Hulk Hogan, is one of the most recognizable figures in professional wrestling history. Rising to prominence in the 1980s, his charismatic persona and 'Hulkamania' phenomenon brought wrestling into the mainstream. Hogan's influence extended beyond the ring, making him a pop culture icon and a key figure in the sport's golden age.

National Kiss a Wrestler Day timeline

​13,000 B.C.
​Wrestling is born

​There are cave drawings in France depicting Babylonian and Egyptian wrestling bouts where wrestlers are using most of the holds known to the modern-day sport.

​1888
​The U.S. hosts the first tournament

​The first organized national wrestling tournament takes place in New York City.

​1896
Greco-Roman wrestling debuts in the modern Olympics

Greco-Roman wrestling is introduced as an Olympic discipline. ​

​1904
​Freestyle wrestling joins the Olympics

Freestyle wrestling begins its modern Olympic journey in St. Louis.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Kiss a Wrestler Day

Local businesses, especially sports bars and entertainment venues, can celebrate National Kiss a Wrestler Day by hosting wrestling watch parties or trivia nights. Consider offering themed food and drink specials, like ‘Finishing Move’ cocktails or ‘Championship Belt’ nachos. Retailers selling sports memorabilia or pop culture items could run promotions on wrestling-related merchandise. Even local gyms could offer a ‘Wrestler Workout’ class, encouraging participation and appreciation for the sport’s physical demands.

National Kiss a Wrestler Day FAQs

When is National Kiss a Wrestler Day?

National Kiss a Wrestler Day 2026 falls on Monday, October 5, inviting fans to celebrate the dedication and showmanship of wrestlers. It’s a perfect start to the week to appreciate these athletic entertainers.

How many people watch professional wrestling?

Professional wrestling boasts a massive global fanbase, with millions tuning in weekly to watch major promotions like WWE and AEW. WWE’s flagship show, Monday Night Raw, typically draws over 1.5 million viewers in the U.S., while major pay-per-view events can attract even larger audiences.

What is the origin of wrestling?

Wrestling is one of the oldest forms of combat, with origins tracing back to ancient civilizations. Evidence of wrestling has been found in Egyptian tombs dating to 2000 B.C., and it was a prominent sport in the ancient Olympic Games in Greece. Its roots are deeply embedded in human history as a test of strength and skill.

Is National Kiss a Wrestler Day connected to the band Kiss?

While the holiday’s exact origins are somewhat obscure, there is speculation that National Kiss a Wrestler Day is indeed linked to a promotional effort between the rock band Kiss and World Championship Wrestling (WCW) around 2000. The plan for a ‘Kiss Demon’ wrestler ultimately fell through, but the day may have persisted as a quirky tribute.

National Kiss a Wrestler Day Activities

  1. Go to an event

    Wrestling events are held throughout the year. Attending in person helps you appreciate the athleticism and skill involved in one of the world’s oldest sports.

  2. Adjust your diet

    Wrestling has very strict weight classes and demands a rigorous diet in order for a wrestler to compete in the appropriate division. Take on the challenge and try a “wrestler’s diet” for a little while. Enjoy lean meats and vegetables, avoid foods with high sodium and saturated fats and watch as your energy and strength soar!

  3. Learn about other cultures

    Whether in the form of Sombo (Russia), Judo (Japan), or Freestyle (USA and Great Britain), the different styles of wrestling embrace cultural aspects of their places of origin. Learn about the various backgrounds of each — and gain a new level of respect for the sport and the countries where each style was founded.

​5 No-holds-barred Wrestling Facts

  1. ​Wrestling is in the world’s oldest book

    In the book of Genesis, the prophet, Jacob, wrestles with an angel in the Bible.

  2. Wrestling is more popular than you think​

    High school wrestling ranks sixth in participation for all boys' sports.

  3. ​Wrestling generates income for colleges

    ​Of all NCAA Championships, collegiate wrestling ranks in the top five for revenue.

  4. ​Wrestling is diverse

    ​Wrestling competitions are held all around the world, with almost 200 nations actively hosting events.

  5. ​Wrestling is not just for men

    ​Since 1994, the number of women who wrestle in high school has grown from 800 to over 16,500. Women’s wrestling has been a recognized Olympic sport since 2004.

Why We Love National Kiss a Wrestler Day

  1. Wrestling is a sport of the gods

    Zeus became ruler of the Earth after a wrestling match with his father, Cronus. In addition, both Hercules and Theseus were famous for wrestling mythical creatures.

  2. Wrestling is theatrical

    Sometimes referred to as "American Style," professional wrestling organizations like the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) and Impact Wrestling run events throughout the world. Fights are choreographed, highly theatrical and mixed with dramatic stories. "Feuds" between fighters further promote matches.

  3. Wrestling builds athletic “X-factors”

    Wrestling encompasses a number of unquantifiable skills including self-reliance, self-confidence and self-discipline — not to mention sportsmanship and the respect for one’s opponent.

National Kiss a Wrestler Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 October 5 Monday
2027 October 5 Tuesday
2028 October 5 Thursday
2029 October 5 Friday
2030 October 5 Saturday