Bridging nations, one body slam at a time.

From the Office of International Grappling Relations — U.S. Department of Wrestling

For far too long, the story of professional wrestling has been told in fragments—through grainy match footage, whispered locker room legends, and the occasional municipal parade. But wrestling is not just a sport or spectacle; it is an architecture of human will, and in few places is that architecture more literal than the City-State of Jabrovnik. For centuries, its skyline has been shaped by the squared circle’s influence—cathedrals tuned to crowd chants, civic towers designed for fair officiating, apartment blocks where champions honed their craft above the hum of the city.

In partnership with the Jabrovnik Ministry of Civic Pageantry, the United States Department of Wrestling is proud to present this series highlighting the city’s most iconic wrestling-related buildings. From the august Hall of Banners to the rowdy Ropeburn Arms, each structure stands as a testament to the deep cultural roots and architectural ingenuity that have bound Jabrovnik and wrestling together for generations. By sharing these stories, we aim not only to illuminate a glorious history but also to build a bridge—one turnbuckle at a time—between our nations. History may remember our strained past, but the future belongs to those who learn, respect, and wrestle with it.

Designed by: Studio Stojic, 1942

An austere wartime block, later painted in bright colors by postwar tenants. Known for clandestine “persona swaps” in its stairwells, where masked wrestlers would trade outfits before heading to bouts. The famous Jobbian slogan 'Potenz. Ornovos. Victoran.' (which accruately evokes the image of Jabrovnik as a fortress-state of suplexes and steel chairs and translates roughly to 'Might. Honor. Victory.'), which can be seen on one of the building's walls, was spraypainted by unknown activists following The Potenz Clash in 1964.

Notable residents:

“The Pale Stranger” (real name unknown) — held the Midnight Belt for a record 77 days without revealing their identity.

Josip “Five Holds” Pavić — taught grip techniques to neighborhood kids; three of them went pro.