People are only just realising what the rope in the corner of a WWE ring is for

dailystar.co.uk:

wrestler is on the ropes, to the fact that in certain parts of the United States – Carmel-by-the-Sea in California to be exact – high heels are not allowed to be worn by anyone on the ring apron.But there is one rule that has consistently baffled wrestling fans for years.The tag rope has been a mainstay in professional wrestling rings since the early days of the sport, going back around 100 years.But many new fans to the industry have probably never noticed it – which could be down to its lack of implementation in recent years.However, there are several rules surrounding the tiny piece of white rope attached to the corner turnbuckle.According to WWE, the exact length of the rope must be 18 inches – or around 1.5 feet.A wrestler must be holding this piece of rope in order to be tagged in, and for the tag to be counted as legal, during a tag team match.The purpose of the rope is to prevent “blatant double-teaming and interference from the illegal partner, as well as to prevent the illegal partner from walking halfway down the ring apron to make the tag”, WWE states.Whether that rule is actually put into practice, however, is a different story as illegal pin break-ups and interference happen on a regular basis during matches.There is one very random stipulation attached to the rope, should the match in question be taking place in Dallas, Texas – ironically, right near the site of Wrestlemania 38 in April, which takes place in neighbouring Arlington at the AT&T Stadium.A WWE spokesman said: “As far as most local sport commissions are concerned, the specific length of the rope is of stunningly little consequence.“Most governing bodies view it more as a goodwill gesture by WWE’s officiating community that suggests the tag.