In the late 19th and early 20th century, a reported four million Italians migrated to the United States of America up until the 1920s. As a result of this wave of migration, many Americans have Italian ancestry that dates back a few generations. As most wrestlers in WWE are American, it's unsurprising that some of the best wrestlers have Italian heritage.

While Italy doesn't have a thriving wrestling scene, unlike other countries in the region like Germany and the United Kingdom, there is a small independent scene in the country existing in cities like Pisa and Milan. Some wrestlers have even been given Italian gimmicks, with Santino Marella playing an Italian wrestler despite being born and raised in Canada.