War paint: the crazy world of European wrestling

Wrestling is not only a sport but a colorful show which fighters are prepared externally and internally. Belgian photographer several years accompanied the athletes on tours around Europe to capture the vivid reality of the brutal fighting. Makeup, spectacular costumes and a winning attitude: stunning pictures show the extravaganza of emotions in the ring and outside it.Eccentric and brutal world of professional wrestling hit the lens of the photographer who accompanied the wrestlers on the European tour.

Belgian Sebastian Franco (Sebastiaan Franco) saw behind the scenes and became friends with the athletes.

His pictures show impressive moments of the title fights and knockouts.

A series Kayfabe was created in 2015. Keyfob is a term used to denote rivalry and play in the world of professional wrestling.

Severe men apply makeup and wear ridiculous outfits to impress the audience.

Many athletes have their signature look and war paint.

Athletes play to the audience, to whet the audience's interest in the fight.

Impressive costumes make the match a good show.

Wrestlers are in constant touch with the audience.In the ring, everything happens for real: the pain, the frustration and anger break out.

The cruelty and pain also have a peculiar beauty. Full of emotion photos of Sebastian Franco show that a ring is the stage on which occur not only fights, but also played a show. The fight is no place for the weak, and strongmen with military raskrasok confirm this.

In Bolivia are equally impressive women's fights. "Cholita wrestling" — one of the most interesting and colorful spectacles. Ladies in fluffy dresses and stylish hats go into the ring to face off, and sometimes even challenge the men.