What is the name of the gladiator who uses a wooden sword?

The correct answer is the term "Rudis." A rudis refers specifically to a wooden sword that was awarded to a gladiator who had earned their freedom and was able to retire from the gladiatorial games. This sword symbolized their status as a freed man, highlighting their bravery and survival in combat. The act of receiving a rudis signified an important moment in a gladiator's life, transitioning from a life of combat to one of freedom.

While gladiators like the provocator, murmillo, and thraex were distinct fighting types characterized by their own armor and weaponry styles, none of these gladiators were defined by the possession of a wooden sword. Instead, they used more traditional weapons in the arena, reflecting their specific combat training and roles. The rudis stands out because of its significance in the context of gladiatorial culture and the acknowledgment of a fighter's achievements.