What must occur for a tie-breaker to take place in a wrestling match?

A tie-breaker in a wrestling match is necessary when both wrestlers end the match with the same score. This situation typically arises at the conclusion of the regulation time, where neither wrestler has achieved a definitive victory as dictated by the scoring criteria. The rules of wrestling recognize the importance of determining an ultimate winner when the circumstances allow for it, thus initiating the tie-breaker process to break the deadlock.

The requirement for a tie or equal score is fundamental, as it ensures that the tie-breaker is only used when absolutely necessary, promoting fair competition. A systematic approach is adopted in tie-breakers, often involving additional rounds or criteria to determine which wrestler will prevail based on performance rather than chance or external factors.

In contrast, the other scenarios mentioned, such as an injury, a timeout called by the referee, or both wrestlers agreeing to a tie, do not inherently justify the need for a tie-breaker under competitive conditions. Instead, these situations may lead to different outcomes that do not involve scoring, such as a match being stopped or concluded without the need for a tie-break.