The "big four" professional sports, which include the NFL, MLB, NHL, and NBA, generate billions of dollars every year and are amongst the wealthiest industries in the world. Some of them, if not all, contain violent instances during gameplay. Other sport organizations, like some listed below, are rising in popularity because of thrilling performances.
Boxing/UFC/MMA
Back in the Mohammed Ali days, boxing was a popular event to go to. Boxing is still an Olympic sport and is a common sport worldwide. Fighting icons like Manny Pacquaio and Floyd Mayweather give the sport enormous amounts of money and publicity. New sports have derived from boxing and they use mixed martials arts by adding kicking, submissions, and other strikes. The Ultimate Fighting Championship is a booming sport today with many popular fighters attracting viewers weekly.
Professional sports
National Football League (NFL)
The NFL is the most popular and wealthiest sport organization in the U.S. Football has been the preferred sport for Americans for decades. Some call baseball "America's past time," but it can be argued that sports fans would take a Sunday off to watch a gridiron match rather than nine innings of guys in pajama pants. Football is one sport where both the collegiate and professional level are widely popular. Freakishly strong linebackers, lightning fast receivers, good-looking quarterbacks, tailgating outside, roaring stadiums; is it Fall yet?
National Hockey League (NHL)
Hockey, also an Olympic sport, is played in several countries and most popular in places like North America and Europe. The NHL brings a very rowdy fan base and the games are electrifying to see. Fights, checks, hits, yelling, and goals are all highlights the fans want to see. The deliberate use of violence, even when a cheap shot or a scuffle in front of the net, brings excitement to the game. As Mike Lange, legend radio announcer for the Pittsburgh Penguins, would say: "It's a great day for hockey."
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)
Studio wrestling is a rather unique form of entertainment. Some would call it a sport, others would say it's a show, others would say it's just a couple half-naked guys yelling at each other. Regardless, the WWE has been one of the most watched live shows every year since it started in the 1980's. The two shows, RAW and SMACKDOWN, air weekly and attract sold out crowds plus millions of viewers at home. Fans range all the way from toddlers to adults, and there are wrestlers for everyone to love and hate. Yes, a lot of the show is choreographed. But the "WWE Universe" is a big sucker for charismatic actors and stuntmen.
