Professional wrestling match types

Manytypes of wrestling matches,sometimes called "concept" or "gimmickmatches "in thejargon of the business,are performed inprofessional wrestling.Some gimmick matches are more common than others and are often used to advance or conclude astoryline.Throughout professional wrestling'sdecades-long history,some gimmick matches have spawned many variations of the core concept.

Singles match

The singles match is the most common of all professional wrestling matches, which involves only two competitors competing for onefall.A victory is obtained bypinfall,submission,knockout,countout,ordisqualification.One of the most common variations on the singles match is to restrict the possible means for victory.

Blindfold match

In a blindfold match, the two participants must wear a blindfold over their eyes for the entire duration of the match. A well-known example of this match is theWrestleMania VIImatch betweenJake "The Snake" RobertsandRick Martel.

No count-out match

A no count-out match is a singles match in which both competitors can stay outside of the ring without being counted out. A well-known example is atVengeance (2003)betweenStephanie McMahonandSable,which Sable won.

Pure wrestling rules match

A pure wrestling rules match originally appeared inRing of Honor(ROH), and still exists as the "official rules" for theROH Pure Championship.Under the rules, each wrestler is allowed only three rope breaks; once they are all used, the wrestler cannot use the ropes to escape pins or submissions. Closed fists are illegal, and the first offense (if seen by the official) results in a warning. A second offense results in disqualification. The wrestlers must shake hands before and after the match.

Special challenge match

A special challenge match was often used inWorld Championship Wrestling(WCW) to refer to a singles match in which the champion is not defending the title, so the title doesn't change hands if the champion loses the match. It can be announced by name, as a non-title match or as a singles match. It was also used in a tag team format.World TV ChampionArn Andersonvs.Paul OrndorffatClash of the Champions XIwas one example. Though Orndorff won the match, Anderson remained champion.

Champion vs Champion match

A champion vs. champion match can also be referenced to aWinner Takes All match,but in some cases each superstars' title is not contested in the match or only one title is on the line. During WWE's secondbrand extension,this type of match was frequently used atSurvivor Series,with both titles not defended, up until 2021, with the champion vs. champion matches being replaced byWarGames.This type of match has now been used atCrown Jewelsince2024,with both the men's and women's world title holders facing each other for a commemorative Crown Jewel Championship.

Bloodsport/Underground match

This event consists of a unique ruleset compared to a traditional pro wrestling event, in that every match must end in either a knockout or submission. The traditionalwrestling ringis replaced by a ring canvas with no ropes or turnbuckles.

GCW Bloodsport

Main article:GCW Bloodsport

This event featuresworked shootmatches in a style that mimics the early days of MMA andcatch wrestling.It is common for Bloodsport competitors to have some knowledge in other combat sports and/or MMA, as well as professional wrestling, as these one on one matches often appearstiffand have a feel of classicShoot-style wrestlingfights.

Raw Underground

As a result of theCOVID-19 pandemicwrestling promotions were forced to hold eventsbehind closed doorsfrom March 2020 onwards. WWE introduced Raw Underground in August that year. It was hosted and commentated byShane McMahoninRaw'sthird hour and didn't take place in the arena, but rather in a warehouse environment, with only wrestlers and dancers present. The matches were shortwork shoot styleand could end by knockout, submission or McMahon's call. Raw Underground segments aired from August 3 to September 21, 2020 in 8 episodes of Raw.

NXT Underground

The first NXT Underground match took place on the July 4, 2023 episode of NXT betweenEddy ThorpeandDamon Kemp,for which Thorpe sought the help ofGable Steveson(Kemp's real life brother) to train him. Thorpe won the match. On the December 26, 2023 episode of NXT, Thorpe defeatedDijakin the second NXT Underground match. The first women's NXT Underground match took place on week 2 ofNXT Spring Breakin' (2024),whereLola VicedefeatedNatalya.

Battle royale-based variations

The battle royale is a multi-competitor match type in which wrestlers are eliminated until only one is left. Typical battle royales begin with 20 or more participants all in the ring at the same time, who are then eliminated by being thrown over the top rope and having both feet touch the venue floor.

Battlebowl

Main article:Battlebowl

The Battlebowl is a two-ring variation on a battle royale. In these matches, the wrestlers start in one ring and try to throw wrestlers into the second ring, after which they can be eliminated by being thrown out of that ring. The last remaining wrestler in the first ring can rest until only one wrestler is left in the second ring, after which they fight in both rings until one is eliminated and a winner is declared, in similar fashion to adouble elimination tournament.This was held by World Championship Wrestling at the 1991Starrcadeevent, but future Battlebowl matches were contested under normal battle royale rules.

Battle Zone

The battle zone features any number of men in a one-ring, over-the-top-rope elimination. A typical battle royale, except this one features tables covered with barbed wire, thumbtacks, and light bulbs on the outside of the ring, which may catch wrestlers as they are thrown out of the ring.

Bunkhouse Stampede

TheNational Wrestling Alliance's (NWA) Bunkhouse Stampede involved wrestlers wearing what was described as "bunkhouse gear" —cowboy boots,jeans,T-shirts—instead of their normal wrestling tights and not only allowed but encouraged the bringing ofweapons.In 1988 the NWA named a pay-per-view after theBunkhouse Stampede,headlined by a Bunkhouse Stampede match held inside acage.Recently, the match has been revitalized by Ricky Morton of the Rock n' Roll Express at his wrestling academy in Chuckey, Tennessee.

Hardcore battle royale

A battle royale with hardcore rules (no disqualifications and no count-outs) involving several competitors in the ring at the same time. The match could last for either 15 or 20 minutes. All participants are not eliminated by being thrown out of the ring and both feet touching the floor. Pinning or forcing to submit whoever was current Hardcore champion would result in the victorious participant becoming the interim champion. Whoever the person held the title at end of the time limit would be declared the winner of the match and the official champion. The most famous example is the Hardcore Title Battle Royal from WWF'sWrestleMania 2000.

Last Blood battle royale

A last blood battle royale is essentially a multi-competitorFirst Blood match.All competitors start at the same time and wrestlers are eliminated when they start bleeding. The winner is the last wrestler in the match not bleeding. This match was held in the Tri-State Wrestling Association, a predecessor toExtreme Championship Wrestling.

Reverse battle royale

Generally used inTNA/Impact Wrestling,a reverse battle royale begins with wrestlers surrounding the ring instead of inside it. At the start of the match they battle for half of them to get into the ring, at which point a standard last person standing wins the battle royale.

TheCage Reverse Battle Royaleis another TNA variation of this match type. This actually has three stages; It begins the first stage as an inside-out battle royale with 15 or more wrestlers involved. The first seven to enter the ring over the top cage will advance to the second stage which is a gauntlet match. When it gets down to the final stage, only two wrestlers will battle in a singles match which is decided by pinfall or submission.

Semi-final battle royale

A semi-final battle royale consists of a battle royale where when a specific number of wrestlers are remaining, the match ends, and those that remain are placed in a standard wrestling match for the prize at stake. An example of this occurred on a January 2024 episode ofNXT,where 20 women competed in a battle royal that became a Fatal 4-Way once there were four competitors remaining.

InAll Elite Wrestling(AEW), it is known as aDynamite Dozen Battle Royale,as twelve competitors compete until it is reduced to two, and there is a subsequent episode where the final two compete, in this case, "AEW Dynamite Diamond Ring".

InNew Japan Pro-Wrestling(NJPW), the 2021 New Japan Rumble atWrestle Kingdom 15was conducted as a semi-final battle royale.Chase Owens,Bad Luck Fale,Tetsuya Bushi,andToru Yanowere the final four that competed in a championship match the next day.

Tag Team battle royale

The tag team battle royale consist of designated tag teams of wrestlers with two members on the team. This match uses the normal battle royale rules, teams may be eliminated when either one or both partners are thrown over the top rope with both feet touching the floor. This match is conducted similarly to a battle royale but in these cases, both wrestlers are considered active at the same time and there are no tags using the tornado tag team stipulation.

This variation of the tag team battle royale was used during the2011 WWE Drafton April 25, 2011; where the wrestler's team has to eliminate all members of the opposing team, much like an elimination tag team match where the losing wrestler of a team, who just got thrown over the ring ropes with both feet touching the floor, must return to their locker room. The team winner receives a #1 draft pick for their respective brand. Another notable version of this match was used at theWrestleMania XVas well.

World War 3

Main article:WCW World War 3

Created by WCW in 1995, the World War 3 battle royale involved a three-ring setup and 60 competitors; 20 wrestlers started in each of the three rings, in which they would wrestle under regular battle royale rules. Once there were 30 competitors remaining (except in 1997, where the number was 20), all competitors would enter the center ring and continue under regular rules until only one wrestler was left standing.

Cinematic match

A cinematic match is not technically a match type itself, but rather, it is a term used to refer to matches that are produced with variouscinematic techniques.The rules vary from match to match, but generally have a basis in hardcore wrestling. Unlike a normal wrestling match, which is done inone takeand typically in front of a live audience, cinematic matches are shot over several hours with various scenes filmed, similar to filmmaking, with higher-budget production involved. The final product (the complete match) generally lasts from 20 to 40 minutes andairsat a later time, typically for a pay-per-view event. They are also usually filmed on-location or at a custom built set.

While not considered a cinematic match at the time, the Hollywood Backlot Brawl betweenRoddy PiperandGoldustatWrestleMania XIIin 1996 is considered an early cinematic match by the World Wrestling Federation (nowWWE), as it used techniques now featured in cinematic matches. Unlike future cinematic matches (which typically air during one segment), the match aired during several segments in between matches inside the ring, and featured both pre-taped segments outside theArrowhead Pondof the two fighting as well as Piper "chasing" Goldust's solid goldCadillacin a whiteFord Broncoin an obvious reference to the then-ongoingO. J. Simpson murder case.(Vince McMahonmentioned on commentary without completely breakingkayfabethat the "footage looked awfully familiar"; in reality, repurposed footage of Simpson's infamous Bronco chase was actually used as part of the match.) The match eventually ended in the ring live, when Piper stripped Goldust down to women's lingerie and kissed him as part of "making him a man".WrestleMania XII featured a second cinematic match between "The Huckster"and"Nacho Man".

AtSummerSlam 1996,The UndertakerfacedMankindin a "Boiler Room Brawl"that was largely pre-taped, incorporating props and unorthodox camera angles.

In 2016,Total Nonstop Action Wrestling(TNA, now Impact Wrestling) held a match entitled the "Final Deletion" between brothersMatt HardyandJeff Hardyfor the July 5 episode ofImpact Wrestling,which was filmed at Matt Hardy's compound. It was a hardcore wrestling match with falls count anywhere.The sequel was a brawl betweenThe Broken HardysandDecaytitled "Delete or Decay".The Broken Hardys and Decay continued their feud atBound for Glory,where Decay lost theirTNA World Tag Team Championshipto The Hardys in "The Great War". The Hardys issued an open tag team invitational at their compound on the December 15 episode ofImpact Wrestling,titledTotal Nonstop Deletion.The main event was the "Tag Team Apocalypto" where The Hardys last defeated Decay.

Although not contested as a match, WWE followed this up shortly after and filmed a cinematic-style brawl betweenThe New Day(Big E,Kofi Kingston,andXavier Woods) andThe Wyatt Family(Bray Wyatt,Erick Rowan,andBraun Strowman) that was held at The Wyatt Family Compound and shown on the July 11, 2016 episode ofWWE Raw.WWE then taped their own cinematic match for their 2017 pay-per-viewPayback,called a House of Horrors match betweenRandy Ortonand Bray Wyatt. Similar to the "Final Deletion" match in TNA, this one was held at an abandoned house, but instead of falls count anywhere, this match had to end in the ring in the arena that the event was held in (the House of Horrors scenes were pre-taped, while the in-ring portion was live).The next cinematic match would occur on the March 19, 2018 episode ofRaw,which featured Matt Hardy, who had returned to WWE and became "Woken" Matt Hardy, against Bray Wyatt and was called the "Ultimate Deletion;" this was just like the "Final Deletion," including being held at Matt's compound.

Cinematic matches became more frequent in 2020 as a result of theCOVID-19 pandemic;the pandemic began affecting the professional wrestling industry in March that year, forcing promotions to hold eventsbehind closed doors.WWE would hold several cinematic matches at their pay-per-views between March and August, being highly praised for the two that occurred atWrestleMania 36;a Boneyard match betweenThe UndertakerandAJ Styles,which was a Buried Alive match held at a custom built cemetery set in theOrlandoarea,and a Firefly Fun House match betweenJohn Cenaand "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt. (Although the match ended with The Fiend pinning Cena in a ring, the match itself was a dream-like sequence of Cena's career, showing his perceived character flaws; the various segments were filmed at WWE'sTitan Towersheadquarters inStamford, Connecticut).Following this, cinematic matches occurred atMoney in the Bankin May, which was the event's eponymous ladder matches that occurred at WWE's headquarters,a Backlot Brawl betweenAdam ColeandVelveteen Dreamin the parking lot ofFull Sail UniversityatNXT TakeOver: In Your Housein June,a cinematically produced singles match betweenEdgeandRandy OrtonatBacklash(billed as "The Greatest Wrestling Match Ever" ) also in June,and a Wyatt Swamp Fight between Bray Wyatt andBraun StrowmanatThe Horror Show at Extreme Rulesin July.Following the introduction of theWWE ThunderDomeandCapitol Wrestling Center(CWC) staging arenas in August and October, respectively, the use of cinematic matches was greatly reduced, as these new staging arenas allowed fans to attend the events virtually. To go with theHalloween-theme atNXT:Halloween Havocin October, a Haunted House of Terrors match was held betweenDexter LumisandCameron Grimes,which was similar to the House of Horrors match from Payback 2017.Matches involving Randy Orton, "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt, andAlexa Blisshave also used cinematic techniques, such as the Firefly Inferno match between Orton and The Fiend atTLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairsin December, where Orton set The Fiend's entire body on fire,and anintergender matchbetween Orton and Bliss atFastlanein March 2021, where Bliss used supernatural powers.Since the resumption of live touring in July 2021, WWE ceased producing cinematic matches.

AEW also incorporated cinematic matches during pandemic restrictions in 2020 and 2021, most notably the Stadium Stampede match atDouble or Nothing 2020,which was a 5v5 empty arena match in theTIAA Bank Fieldstadium.During that period, AEW featured at least one cinematic match at each of their PPVs: a "Tooth and Nail match" atAll Out 2020betweenDr. Britt Baker, D.M.D.andBig Swoleat Baker's real-life dental office,a match entitled "The Elite Deletion" atFull Gear 2020,featuring Matt Hardy againstSammy Guevaraand similar to the other "Deletion" matches involving Hardy,and a tag team street fight pittingDarby AllinandStingagainstTeam Taz(Brian CageandRicky Starks) atRevolution 2021,which was held at an abandoned warehouse somewhere inAtlanta,Georgia.AtDouble or Nothing 2021the Stadium Stampede match was a hybrid cinematic match with the first half recorded at TIAA Bank Field, then concluding live at the adjacentDaily's Place.The audience in attendance watched the first half of the match on video screens before the action spilled into the amphitheater. This would be AEW's final cinematic match produced before the company resumed live touring in July that year.

Impact Wrestling would also return to producing cinematic matches in 2021 whenEthan Pagewrestled his alter ego "The Karate Man" atHard to Killin aMortal Kombat-style cinematic match that saw The Karate Man "kill" Page in what would be Page's last appearance with Impact before leaving for AEW.

Container-based variations

Some matches have a container stationed in or near the ring, with the object of the match being to trap the opposing wrestler in it. All of these matches are fought under hardcore rules, and many of these matches take the name of the container, such as Ambulance match and the Casket match. A similar type of match aims to restrain opposing wrestlers somehow, and the match often takes the name of the restraining device – for example, the Stretcher. None of these matches can end in a pinfall, submission, countout, or disqualification.

Common containers used for these matches arecaskets(connected toThe Undertaker's Deadman persona, either using a typical coffin or a double-deep, double-wide casket, sometimes specially designed for specific opponents The Undertaker takes on),ambulances,dumpsters,hearses(known as a "Last Ride match", also connected to The Undertaker gimmick), andstretchers.

Ambulance match

An Ambulance match is fought under hardcore rules, no pinfalls, no submissions, no disqualifications, no countouts and the only way to win is for one wrestler to force their opponent into the back of an ambulance and close the door. The first ambulance match took place atSurvivor Series 2003whereKanedefeatedShane McMahon.The second one took place atElimination Chamber (2012)which also involved Kane as one of the competitors. His opponent was John Cena, who won the match, where an additional rule was added in that the ambulance has to leave to win. The third Ambulance match was part of Three Stages of Hell match at WWE Payback on June 16, 2013, in Rosemont, Illinois betweenJohn CenaandRybackfor theWWE Championship.The most recent was atNXT Halloween Havocin October 2024, betweenRidge HollandandAndre Chase.The famous 2017Lucha Underground"Hell of War" bout between Dante Fox (A.R. Fox) and Killshot (Swerve Strickland) was that promotion's only ambulance match.

Buried alive match

Aburied alivematch is one in which the object is for one wrestler to throw his opponent into a grave dug out of a large mound of soil placed outside the ring. Once in the grave, the wrestler must bury his opponent in dirt and soil to the referee's discretion.Equipment ranging fromshovelsandwheelbarrowstobulldozersare often made available to completely bury the opponent. The Buried Alive match is one of three ofThe Undertaker's signature matches (the Casket and Last Ride matches being the others).

A cinematic Buried Alive match was held between The Undertaker andAJ StylesforWrestleMania 36,referred to as a "Boneyard match". The match took place outdoors in a cemetery-like setting near an abandoned warehouse rather than in a traditional ring.

Body Bag match

A Body Bag match is a no-disqualification match where the objective is for a wrestler to put an opposing wrestler in a body bag situated in the middle of the ring for the victory. This was one ofThe Undertaker’s early gimmick matches; he had one of these matches in 1992 againstThe Ultimate Warriorat theMadison Square Garden.

Casket match

The Undertakerin a casket match againstCM Punk

The casket match (also known as theCoffin match) has a casket near the ring, with the objective of the match being to trap the opposing wrestler inside.The casket match began its life as a one-off coffin match in the 1970s fought betweenDusty RhodesandIvan Koloff.The coffin match was revived as one ofThe Undertaker's signature matches and first appeared on television at theSurvivor Seriesas the coffin match againstKamala.Prior to that, at ahouse showon July 14, 1991, the Ultimate Warrior defeated the Undertaker in a casket match in St. Louis, Missouri at Busch Stadium. There have been 17 casket matches, 11 of which have been won by The Undertaker. The 20th edition was held atHalloween Havocand the first following the retirement of The Undertaker involvingGrayson Wallervs.Apollo Crewsin which Crews won. WWE held its first women's casket match on the October 29, 2024 episode ofNXTinvolvingTatum PaxleyandWendy Chooin which the Paxley won.

In addition to WWE, the casket match has been adopted for use inTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling,All Elite Wrestling,andLucha Underground,with Lucha Underground denominating it as the Grave Consequences (subsequently Graver Consequences) match. Another toned-down version of the Casket Match is when a victory is not obtained by placing the opponent in the coffin but by pinfall or submission. However, the defeated wrestler is then placed into the coffin.

Last Rites match

The Last Rites match is a Total Nonstop Action Wrestling variation where a casket is lowered into the center of the ring, and the objective is to get your opponent into the casket, which is raised to the ceiling following the match. The first Last Rites match was done betweenStingandAbyss.Vince Russocame up with this match; it was perceived to be a disaster because neither wrestler could work properly due to the placement of the casket in the center of the ring, which limited and obstructed their workspace. The match was such a failure that during the match, the enraged crowd screamed "Fire Russo!" so loudly that the commentators had to yell into their microphones to be heard.

In 2023, TNA Wrestling brought back the Last Rites match, but modified it to be more of a basic casket match.

Dumpster match

A dumpster match is a no-disqualification, no-submission, no-countout, no-fall hardcore match in which the only objective to win is by forcing your opponent into adumpsterand closing the lid. The first match occurred was atWrestleMania XIV,pittingThe New Age OutlawsagainstCactus JackandChainsaw Charlie.

The most recent Dumpster match taking place, was on the October 5th, 2024 episode ofSmackdown,in whichMichinpowerbombsChelsea Greenthrough a table and into a Dumpster.

Last Ride match

A Last Ride match is a hardcore match similar to an Ambulance match, in which the victory condition is for one wrestler to force their opponent into the back of a hearse, close the door, and drive it out of the arena. The first match of this type occurred atNo Mercywhen Undertaker challengedJohn "Bradshaw" Layfieldfor theWWE Championship,although a match was held previously with similar stipulations. The second match of this type occurred atArmageddonwhenThe UndertakerchallengedMr. Kennedyand defeated him. A variation of this match was used atNXT Spring Breakin',called a Trunk match contested betweenTony D'Angeloand Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo, who were the victors; andPretty Deadly(Kit WilsonandElton Prince).

Enclosure-based variations

Some matches take place in specific enclosed environments. Although the majority of these enclosures are set up either in or around thering,some of them are placed apart from it. In all cases, the structure itself is considered "in play" and most enclosure-based matches are decided bypinfallor submission unless specific other stipulations are made beforehand.

Steel cage match

A steel cage match at a 2013 Impact Wrestling event

Steel cages are one of the oldest form of enclosures used in professional wrestling. The earliest known "steel cage matches" of any kind took place on January 9, 1936, inCaruthersville,Missouri, in a card that included two such "chicken wire fence" matches between Jez and Otto Ludwig, and Joe Dillman vs. Charles Sinkey.These matches took place in a ring surrounded bychicken wire,to keep the athletes inside, and prevent any potential interference.They have evolved a great deal over time, changing from chicken wireto steel bars tochain-link fencing(the latter is now the standard, due to it being cheaper to manufacture, lighter to transport, and more flexible and thus safer for the wrestlers).

A steel cage match is a match fought within a cage formed by placing sheets of mesh metal around, in, or against the edges of thewrestling ring.The most common way of winning is by simply escaping the cage, either over the top of the cage wall and having both feet touch the arena floor, or by escaping through the cage door with both feet touching the arena floor. The other occasional ways to win a steel cage match are bypinfallor by submission.

It is also possible to have one wrestler attempting to escape over the top of the cage wall while another tries to escape through the cage door.In Mexico, steel cage matches are won by just climbing to the top of the cage wall. InImpact Wrestling,the matches were previously brandedSix Sides of Steelas the cage surrounded their six-sided ring.

Asylum match

The Asylum match is the name given to three different types of matches, involving a chain link cage in the shape of a circle placed in the middle of the ring.

The first type was a match created byScott Steinerin WCW, held within a small chain link cage in the shape of a circle placed in the middle of the ring. Victory occurred only by submission.

On May 16, 2016, a second type was introduced and scheduled betweenDean AmbroseandChris JerichoatExtreme Rules,a variation to the steel cage match where weapons are suspended above the cage and escaping the cage is not a means of victory, leaving only pinfall or submission.

On August 10, 2019, a third type, which also included a barbed wire steel cage stipulation (a type of match where the steel cage door is locked with chains and a padlock), was introduced afterAdam ColeandJohnny Garganotied one to one after a normal match and a no holds barred match atNXT TakeOver: Toronto (2019)where weapons are connected to the steel cage and barbed wire on the top.

Barbed Wire Steel Cage match

A barbed wire steel cage match is a match that uses strands ofbarbed wirein a steel cage match in some capacity, usually around the top of the cage. Simply using barbed wire in an otherwise regular steel cage match doesnotmake the match a barbed wire steel cage match; the barbed wire must be part of the cage's design. This type of match is one where escape from the cage is almost impossible, because in addition to the barbed wire preventing escape over the top of the cage, the cage's door is also locked with chains and a padlock, like aHell in a Cellmatch. One particular example wasJohn "Bradshaw" Layfieldvs.Big ShowatNo Way Out 2005where in addition to the barbed wire there was also razor wire wrapped around the top of the cage in a circular fashion; and another example wasAdam ColevsJohnny GarganoatNXT TakeOver: Toronto 2019where in addition to the barbed wire and the chain-locked door, various weapons were made available at the top of the cage; this cage however did not have razor wire.

Wire Steel Cage match

Other variations are the razor wire steel cage match, a similar concept to that of the barbed wire cage match, however the barbed wire is replaced by larger and thickerrazor wireand is wrapped around the top, corners, and walls of the cage, and barbed wire razor wire steel cage match is the same as the barbed wire cage match, however the top, corners, and walls of the cage are covered with barbed wire, then also further covered with razor wire. There are also boards in the ring that are covered in razor wire.

Cage of Death match

Main article:CZW Cage of Death

The Cage of Death match is a type of steel cage match with various weapons littered in the cage, such as electrified cage walls, cacti, tables, light tubes, glass, thumbtacks, baseball bats, barbed wire and numerous other weapons and objects. This match always features as the main event ofCZW's biggest show, Cage of Death. Some of these matches have been done under WarGames style rules with two rings being used.

Chamber match

InTNA,a Chamber match starts off between two wrestlers (or up to six) fighting inside a chamber. Wrestlers who were not involved in the match surrounded the chamber. About five minutes into the match, the outside wrestlers throw weapons into the chamber. This match only ends when one wrestler knocks out his opponent.

Chamber of Extreme match

In a Chamber of Extreme match, created byExtreme Canadian Championship Wrestling(ECCW), an 8-feet-high steel cage surrounds the ringside area with the top wrapped in barbed wire and "extreme" weapons scattered around the ring and ringside area. Disqualifications, count-outs and rope-breaks do not apply. The winner is decided by pinfall, submission or being unable to stand up at 10-count.

Chamber of Horrors match

The Chamber of Horrors match was an enclosed steel cage match between two teams of four men. In the middle of the cage there was a smaller cage with an electric chair connected to a lever. The way to win this match is to put the opponent in the chair and switch the lever on (which was attached to the outer cage and six feet off the ground), so as, in kayfabe, the person is electrocuted. This match was used in WCW only once, withAbdullah the Butcherbeing electrocuted accidentally by his teammateCactus Jackafter being placed in the chair at the last second byRick Steiner.

Dixieland match

A Dixieland match (named for TNA PresidentDixie Carter,who "invented" the match) is a hybrid steel cage/ladder match. The wrestlers start the match in the ring enclosed in a steel cage. To win the match, a wrestler must first climb out of the cage, then go up the entrance ramp where a championship belt is hung from the ceiling, and finally climb a ladder to retrieve the belt. The first match of this type occurred during theImpact Wrestling:Final Resolutiontaping on December 3, 2013, asMagnusdefeatedJeff Hardyto becomeTNA World Heavyweight Champion.

Doomsday Cage match

Also called a Tower of Doom, the Doomsday Cage is a three-story cage – the middle one split into two rooms – all of which house wrestlers. The object of the match is for a team of wrestlers to fight their way from the top cage to the bottom, where pinfalls and submissions come into play.In the later days of WCW, it was referred to as a Triple Decker Cage match, a reference to the match type being used in the finale of the filmReady to Rumble.The most notable match of this type occurred at WCW'sUncensoredevent in 1996, whenHulk HoganandRandy SavagefoughtRic Flair,Arn Anderson,Meng,The Barbarian,Lex Luger,Kevin Sullivan,Z-Gangsta,andThe Ultimate Solution.

Doomsday Chamber of Blood match

The Doomsday Chamber of Blood match was created byAbyss,despite his creative abilities not being well known. This match is a combination of the Barbed Wire Cage, Six Sides of Steel and Sadistic Madness match types, with the cage having a barbed wire roof on top. This match is won by making your opponent bleed first, then pinning your opponent for the victory.Matt MorganandAbysscompeted in one of these matches at TNA'sLockdown (2009)pay-per-view.

Electrified Cage match

The Electrified Cage match is a match where the ring is surrounded by an electrified steel cage. The cage can be also used as a weapon. The only way to win is by pinfall or submission. TheLucha en Jaula Electrificadais another variation of the electrified cage match in which the only way to win is by escape. The cage is turned off in a time interval, allowing the participants a chance at escape before it turns back on. This match type is used by theAAApromotion in Mexico.

Elimination Chamber match

Main article:Elimination Chamber

The original Elimination Chamber structure

The Elimination Chamber (known as No Escape in Germany to avoid a potentialbrand blunderover references ofgas chambersinThe Holocaust), which was the result of an idea byTriple Hand introduced by Eric Bischoff for WWE in 2002, is a steel cage with a grid-locked, chain-linked enclosure with support bars that surrounds theringentirely, including creating a steel grated (later padded) floor area on the apron. Inside the cage, at eachturnbuckle,is a clear pod in which competitors in the match wait to join the match. As the name implies, this is an elimination-style match, so wrestlers are eliminated one-by-one viapinfallorsubmissionuntil only one remains.

The original Chamber, used from 2002-16, wascylindrical,and a re-designed chamber introduced in 2017 wascubic,but still used the same materials with the same 4 enclosures.

An Extreme Elimination Chamber took place at the 2006December to Dismemberpay-per-view, where each waiting wrestler was given aweapon.Since 2010, WWE has held aneponymous Elimination Chamber pay-per-viewevery February, with this match type as one of its marquee matches. At its2018 edition,the first-ever women's Elimination Chamber match was held, as well as the first seven-man Elimination Chamber match.

Fight Pit match

The Fight Pit match is a variation of a cage match where the ring is surrounded by a steel cage rather than ropes and turnbuckles, with a catwalk surrounding the top. The catwalk also has chain-linked fence surrounding the outer edge (originally railings), which the wrestlers can climb up to and jump from. The match also has a no-pinfall stipulation, which means it can only be won by submission or knockout either by making the opponent unable to stand up at a 10-count or via technical knockout, making the match somewhat of a hybrid of a professional wrestling match and a mixed martial arts fight- MMA fights can only be won in those ways. The inaugural fight pit match was held during the May 27, 2020 episode ofNXT,betweenMatt RiddleandTimothy Thatcher(withKurt Angleas a guest referee).A modified version of the Pit with chain-linked fencing was used at theExtreme Rulespremium live event whereMatt RiddleandSeth Rollinscontinued their rivalry (withUFC Hall of FamerDaniel Cormieras a guest referee). The match between Riddle & Rollins was the first ever Fight Pit match in a WWE PPV.

Hell in a Cell match

Main article:Hell in a Cell

Shane McMahonandKevin Owenson the outside of the Hell in a Cell structure, as seen in2017.

The Hell in a Cell match is a specific kind of enclosure match run byWWEinside an enlarged 4-sidedcuboidsteel cage made from open-weave steel meshchain-link fencing,which extends beyond the ring apron, leaving a gap between the edge of the ring and the Cell fence. As opposed to a conventionalsteel cage,the cell fencing continues across the top as a ceiling, hence the name 'Cell'. Unlike a standard cage match, there is no escape clause because after the combatants enter the Cell, the door of the Cell is locked with chains and a padlock from the outside by referees to prevent the combatants from escaping (although it has been fairly common for Hell in a Cell matches to spill out of the cell and even onto the roof of the cage). The match has a no disqualification "anything goes" stipulation, and can only be won via pinfall or submission inside the ring. One exception could be made is Hell in a Cell 2018 and 2019 where the WWE Universal Championship match ended via stoppage.

Because of the "anything goes" rule, this match developed an infamous reputation in its early years. This match usually takes place on pay-per-view shows (there have only been five exceptions: four Cell matches occurred onRaw:two in 1998, one in 2011 (as a dark match), and one in 2021, while the first-ever Cell Match onSmackdownhappened on June 18, 2021). Many wrestlers were legitimately injured during these matches (most notablyMick Foley) thanks to the dangerous bumps involved and the chain-link fencing of the Cell. Inkayfabe,it is regarded as the most dangerous match in the entire promotion.Jim Rosshas referred to the cell itself as "a demonic structure" that is "custom built for injury". There have been 53 Hell in a Cell matches to date, withThe Undertakercompeting in 14 (with his last atWrestleMania 32), more than any other WWE performer. The first Hell in a Cell match was between The Undertaker andShawn MichaelsatBadd Blood: In Your HouseinSt. Louisin October 1997.

Kennel from Hell match

A Kennel from Hell match was held at WWF'sUnforgivenpay-per-view in 1999, betweenAl SnowandThe Big Boss Manfor theWWF Hardcore Championship.The match was held within a steel cage, but with the Hell in a Cell cage also placed over the steel cage and the ring. The objective of the match was to escape through the door of the outer Hell in a Cell cage first, with the added obstacle of hostileattack dogsthat would roam the apron between the two cages. This match was conceived byVince Russoas part of Snow's short-lived feud with The Big Boss Man—in which he had kidnapped and killed his petchihuahuaPepper.

After being unable to obtain trained attack dogs, Russo sought dogs from local owners on short notice. The dogs were playful and friendly towards Russo, and during the match, they were seen urinating, defecating, and trying to mate with one another rather than making any attempt at attacking the wrestlers when they stepped outside the steel cage. The match was deemed by critics to be one of the worst gimmick matches, if not one of the worst matches in WWE history.

Inferno match

In an Inferno match (a type of no-disqualification, no-fall, no-submission, no-countout match), the ring is completely surrounded by flames once both contenders have entered the ring. The only way to win is to set your opponent on fire. Inferno matches usually end on the outside of the ring; this way, paramedics can assist the loser of the match. Due to the potentially graphic or dangerous nature of this type of match, it is very rarely seen in North America. As of December 2020,there have only been six inferno matches in WWE, with almost all of them have involvedKane,this being his signature match.

The first Inferno match took place in 1987 at the Juan Pachin Vicens coliseum in Ponce, Puerto Rico, where the ropes were simply soaked with gasoline and lit on fire. This kind of match was also done again in 1992 atFMWin Japan, and was called a Hellfire Deathmatch, which featured barbed wire as the ring ropes which were lit on fire. The match was a total disaster as wrestlers such asSabu,his uncleThe Original SheikandAtsushi Onita,due to unbearably hot conditions, dashed out of the ring after just a minute. The Sheik was badly burned as a result and went into a coma.The first WWF Inferno Match was between Kane andThe UndertakeratUnforgiven (1998)pay-per-view in Greensboro, North Carolina, and it was a safer and much more professional affair where special effects and pyrotechnics experts were brought in from Hollywood to set up and control the fire around the ring. Kane had been thrown out of the ring and the Undertaker had no way of attacking him unless he too went out of the ring. The match ended in the Undertaker's victory. WCW also attempted an Inferno match, known as the Human Torch match, atThe Great American Bashin 2000 betweenStingandVampiro.

Another version of the match known as theFirefly Inferno matchwas held atTLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairsin 2020, between"The Fiend" Bray WyattandRandy Orton;its title referenced Wyatt's "Firefly Fun House"gimmick. In addition to the ring being surrounded by fire, other objects that are placed around the ring are also set on fire.

Another variation of the Inferno match, dubbed aRing of Fire match,took place atSummerSlamin 2013, whenKanefacedBray Wyatt.While the ring is surrounded by flames just like in a standard Inferno match, the match is decided by pinfall or submission and not by burning your opponent. In addition, the flames prevent others from possibly interfering in the match, as was the case withLuke HarperandErick Rowanof The Wyatt Family.

Lethal Lockdown match

Main article:Lethal Lockdown match

Similar to the WarGames match used in WCW, TNA/Impact Wrestling's Lethal Lockdown consists of a single ring enclosed by a steel cage with two teams facing off with each other. The staggered entry system is identical, but weapons are permitted and are even provided. When all competitors have entered the ring, a roof is lowered onto the top of the cage, with various weapons hanging from it. Victory can be attained by pinfall or submission. This match has become a staple of TNA'sLockdownpay-per-view event, but has also made appearances at other TNA pay-per-views.

Lion's Den match

The Lion's Den match is a steel cage match where a wrestler must knock out their opponent unconscious or make them submit inside an octagonal cage. The rules are made to mimic mixed martial arts matches, with the octagonal cage meant to mimic the cage used by theUltimate Fighting Championship.This was Ken Shamrock's specialty match; two examples were at the1998and1999editions of SummerSlam, where Shamrock respectively foughtOwen HartandSteve Blackman.

Punjabi Prison match

The Punjabi Prison atNo Mercyin 2007

The Punjabi Prison match, named after thePunjabstate thatThe Great Khali(the match's founder) is billed from, consists of two large steel-reinforcedbamboocages. The first is four sided and stands 16 feet (4.8 m) tall, while the second has eight sides and stands 20 feet (6 m) and surrounds the first.

The inner cage has a four-foot (1.2 m) by four-foot door on each of its sides, with arefereestanding by to open them at a wrestler's request. Each door may only be opened once and is only allowed to remain open for sixty seconds, after which it ispadlocked.Should all four doors end up locked before the wrestlers escape, they are forced to climb out over the top, where the bamboo is fashioned into spikes. Between the two cages are sometimes placed two tables, on which areweapons(both "medieval" and "bamboo" variations of standard wrestling weapons). There are also extended straps at the corners of the cage which can be used to choke the opponent. Once a wrestler has escaped the first cage, he must climb over and out of the second cage, with the first wrestler having both of their feet touch the arena floor becoming the winner of the match.

The match was revived with modifications in 2017 as the main event ofBattleground,which featured the Indian-CanadianJinder MahalfacingRandy Ortonfor the WWE Championship; The Great Khali made a surprise run-in to assist Mahal.

Rage in a Cage match

The Rage in a Cage match is held in an oval-shaped steel cage. It is typically used as the arena for the blowoff match of a feud and can be used for a tag team or singles match. In this match, wins are usually by pinfall or submission. Alternatively, Rage in a Cage may refer to the match that held in a Florida independent organization such asNWAFlorida in which 20 or more wrestlers take part in a battle royale inside the oval-shaped steel cage. Each wrestler is encouraged to bring different weapons to the match, and a wrestler is eliminated by being thrown through the cage door. The last man standing wins.

Scramble Cage match

The Scramble Cage match was contested exclusively inRing of Honor(ROH), in which the ring is surrounded by a steel cage with four wooden platforms at the corners of the cage to make the "high risk" wrestling moves. All participants are allowed to be inside and outside the cage at any time. The Scramble Cage Melee match is an elimination cage match held in a cage similar to the one used in the Scramble Cage match, with wooden platforms on the top corners. There are no pinfalls or submissions; wrestlers are eliminated only by aerial moves performed from the platforms. The first and only match took place atRing of Honor(ROH) on August 24, 2004. The competitors in this match wereJack Evans,Trent Acid,H. C. Loc,Tony Devito,Dan Maff,B. J. Whitmer,Oman Turtuga, Diablo Santiago, Fast Eddie,Altar Boy Luke,Kevin Dunnand Kirby Marcos.

Thundercage

AAA'sDomo de la Muerte

WCW's Thundercage, based on the filmMad Max Beyond Thunderdome,is a large domed structure of steel bars engulfing the ring. Although it does not have a top, the sides curve in to prevent escape.

Mexico'sAAApromotion tweaked the concept with theDomo de la Muerte( "Dome of Death" ), which uses a similar cage but only allows victory by escaping through a hole at the top center. This variation is also used inTNA,where it was called the TerrorDome, or more recently the Steel Asylum. In AAA it is typically used for multi-man "luchas de apuestas" (bet matches), with the last man standing in the cage losing his mask or hair.

The Thunderdome is a variation on the Thundercage, with the area near the top of the cage electrified. The only way for a wrestler to win the Thunderdome match is to have their opponents' "terminator" (usually amanagerwho stands outside of the ring) throw in the towel to stop the match. In another variation of this match, each pinned competitor in the match is handcuffed to the cage.The last man left is given a key to unlock his teammates to attack the other team, who are still handcuffed.Ironically, the ThunderDome name was used for WWE'sbio-secure bubbleduring the pandemic between 2020 and 2021.

Triple Cage match

Triple cage matches have been held by WCW and its predecessor, Jim Crockett Promotions, in which two smaller cages are stacked on top of the cage enclosing the ring.

AtThe Great American Bashin 1988, a "Tower of Doom" match was held, in which two teams attempted to make their way from the uppermost cage to the bottom, with victory achieved when all five members of a team escaped a door there. The cages were cut off from each other, with doors controlled from outside by referees, who only opened them for two-minute intervals.

AtUncensoredin 1996, a "Doomsday Cage Match" was held whereHulk HoganandRandy Savagefaced off against the Alliance to End Hulkamania, which consisted ofRic Flair,Arn Anderson,Lex Luger,The Taskmaster,Meng,The Barbarian,The Ultimate SolutionandZ-Gangsta.Hogan and Savage had to start at the top of the three tiered structure, and on each level there were members of the Alliance waiting for them. The structure featured scaffolding with steps on it to enable the wrestlers to traverse it, with the object being to make it to the bottom cage where the ring was and score a fall to win.

A triple cage match atSlamboreein 2000 was held betweenDavid Arquette,Diamond Dallas Page,andJeff Jarrett;it was conducted similarly to a ladder match, with the objective being for the competitors to make their way to the roof of the third cage, and retrieve the championship belt. The roof of the first cage—which extended beyond the apron–had atrapdoorleading to the second cage, which contained weapons. The competitors then had to exit through a side door in the second cage, and climb the structure to reach the belt above the third cage. The third cage contained guitars, used for Jarrett's signature move.

The same year, WCW conducted another match using the same structure, "WarGames 2000:Russo's Revenge ", on an episode ofWCW Monday Nitro.Despite sharing its name with WCW's well-knownWarGames match,its only similarity was its use of teams. A belt was placed inside the uppermost cage, with the first team to have a member escape from the bottom cage with the belt being declared the winner.

WarGames match

Main article:WarGames match

Sometimes suffixed with the tagline "The Match Beyond," the WarGames match features two rings surrounded by an enclosed steel cage (usually with a roof), with two teams (or sometimes three) of four or five wrestlers facing one another. After a portion of the match fought one-on-one, members of the two teams begin to alternate entering the other ring at staggered intervals (with the order decided by a coin toss); once both teams' members have all entered the ring, the first team to score submission or surrender over a member of the opposing team is declared the winner. Depending on the rules used, a team may also win by scoring a knockout or pinfall.

This match was made famous by Jim Crockett Promotions' annualGreat American Bash,and later WCW'sWrestle War,before becoming a tradition at their annualFall Brawlpay-per-view event from 1993 to 1998. AtFall Brawl 1998,a three-team WarGames match was held, with pinfalls counting. An in name only revamp of WarGames, "WarGames 2000", was held on an episode ofWCW Monday Nitro.

ECW held its own version of WarGames known as an "Ultimate Jeopardy steel cage match" (typically as part of aneponymous event), with weapons available, pinfalls counting, and the losing team receiving a stipulation as a penalty. In 2017, WWE'sNXTbrand began to hold a live event known asNXT TakeOver: WarGames,which feature a version of the WarGames match as their signature event. The NXT version of WarGames does not use a roofed cage, and pinfalls count.In 2021, AEW held a WarGames match betweenThe PinnacleandThe Inner Circleas a "Blood and Guts match", during aneponymous special episodeof its weekly seriesDynamite.AEW adopted the WarGames rules that were used by WCW, with a roofed cage and no pinfalls.

Xscape match

The Xscape match has been held by TNA/Impact Wrestling as one of the signature matches of itsLockdownpay-per-view, which exclusively features cage matches. The match begins with four to eight competitors, who are eliminated by either pinfall or submission; eliminated wrestlers leave the cage through a door. When only two competitors remain, the first to escape the cage by climbing out and reaching the floor is declared the winner.

Flag match

The flag match is essentially the professional wrestling version ofcapture the flag.For the match two flags are placed on opposite turnbuckles, each representing a specific wrestler or team of wrestlers and the objective of the match is to retrieve the opponent's flag and raise it while defending the flag in the wrestler's corner.If the referee is knocked down and cannot acknowledge the win, the defender can put the flag back in its place, thus resetting the match.

Anthem match

An Anthem match is a variation of a flag match with the added stipulation that thenational anthemof the winning wrestler's or team's home country will be played in the arena after the match, similarly to a medal ceremony. This can be used to promote patriotism for the face wrestler orheatfor the heel wrestler. Another variation of the Flag match can be a regularInterpromotion matchbetween two wrestlers, each usually representing a different wrestling promotion, fighting for the right to raise the flag of their respected promotion. This variation was only used at ECW'sNovember to Remember 1997in a match betweenRob Van Dam(representingWWE) vs.Tommy Dreamer(representingECW) which ended in a no-contest.

Handicap match

A handicap match is any match pitting one wrestler or team of wrestlers against a team of wrestlers with numerical superiority, such as two against one or three against two. Normally thebabyfacesare outnumbered with the heels having more members on their team to provide an unfair advantage.In some two-on-one handicap matches, the team with superior numbers act under tag team rules, with one person in the ring at a time. In others, such as tornado tag team handicap matches, all competitors are in the ring at the same time.In the 1980s and 1990s, handicap matches were used in preliminary matches involving large star wrestlers (usually heels), such asKing Kong Bundy,Big Van VaderorYokozuna,who – as a way to get a monster heel persona/gimmick over with the crowd – would completely dominate their opponents despite the latter's superiority in numbers.

Hardcore-based variations

Main article:Hardcore wrestling

Hardcore wrestling, the most violent and bloody type of professional wrestling, is a subset in which some or all of thetraditional rulesdo not apply. Most often this simply means there areno-disqualifications,which itselfeliminates countouts,sometimes allowing decisions to take place anywhere. Most hardcore matches or deathmatches often have a combination of match types within one, and elaborate titles are often used, particularly in Japanese wrestling promotions. (example: "Barbed Wire Rope, Exploding Barbed Wire Boards and Exploding Ring Time Bomb Deathmatch" )

Some promotions, such asFrontier Martial-Arts Wrestling,theInternational Wrestling Association of Japan,International Wrestling Syndicate,Extreme Championship Wrestling,Big Japan Pro Wrestling,andCombat Zone Wrestling,have specialized in hardcore matches, with "standard" non-hardcore matches being the exception.

Hardcore match

A standard hardcore match, also known as aDevil's Playground match,aBelfast Brawl matchor aGuerrilla Warfare matchis ano-disqualification,no-countout,falls count anywhere, one-fall match where the only rule (unless specifically noted) is to achieve a fall by pinning the opponent for a 3-count or making them submit. Otherwise, anything goes: any weapon can be used, any amount of wrestlers who are not booked in the match can be involved, either wrestler booked in the match can be pinned anywhere and any move can be used (except moves banned by the promotion booking the match before-hand). Hardcore matches came to prominence in Japan in the 1970s, and then in the United States in the 1990s in promotions like ECW and later WWE. Blunt objects such as steel chairs, wooden event tables, ladders, wrestling ring stairs, kendo sticks, baseball bats, flour, metal cylindrical trashcans, trashcan lids and road signs are often featured in hardcore matches.

Other common euphemisms for hardcore matches are theNo Holds Barred match(which suggests wrestlers are allowed to use any illegal moves),Street Fight(which suggests wrestlers are to dress in normal street clothes), andWorld Championship Wrestlingused the termRaven's rules matchfor hardcore matches involving the wrestlerRaven.They also created their own specific brand of hardcore match, for which bouts were to begin backstage rather than in the ring.

Unsanctioned match

A variant of a hardcore match is anon-sanctioned match,unsanctioned match,orlights out match.In addition to the match not having any rules and the objective being achieving a pinfall or submission anywhere, the match is not officially recognized by the promotion (such as inAll Elite Wrestling,where the match does not count towards a wrestler's win–loss record). In kayfabe, the match is sometimes used when a wrestler is "injured" (at the hands of another wrestler) and wants revenge but cannot be "medically cleared", thus he agrees to a non-sanctioned match where "the promotion is not held liable" for any injuries incurred during the match.

Deathmatch

A more extreme version of a hardcore match, adeathmatchis effectively the same as a hardcore match only even more violent and bloody, hence why the match is called a "deathmatch". In addition to blunt objects, deathmatches often include sharp objects and even more dangerous objects and elements, such as bricks, nails, staple guns, explosives, thumbtacks, barbed wire, light tubes, standard glass, cactus plants, gardening tools (such as weed whackers) and even fire mixed with lighter fluid or gasoline. Although hardcore matches do on occasion feature sharp objects- particularly hardcore matches with Mick Foley - they are not used in such a gratuitous manner as they are in deathmatches. Other common euphemisms for deathmatches areextremerules match,ultraviolentrules match(hardcore rules matches exclusively inCZW) andHardKore X-Treme match.

Barbed Wire Ring Rope match

Joey Kings (in white top, right) dropkicks Warhed into thebarbed wireropes

A barbed wire ring rope match or no rope barbed wire match is a hardcore match where the ring ropes are replaced with barbed wire. There are four known ways to prop up barbed wire in place of ring ropes: with three strands of barbed wire run from turnbuckle to turnbuckle; with five strands of wire tied to form an "X"; "spider net", where the ring ropes are not replaced and barbed wire is wrapped up and down the ropes to create a wall of barbed wire, and finally barbed wire wrapped in the "X" fashion- that has been electrified or rigged with explosives. These types of matches were made popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s by American territory wrestling promotions, as well as Japanese promotions during the 1990s. These types of matches often included other stipulations and weapons in them.

Barbed Wire Massacre

A Barbed Wire Massacre is a type of barbed wire rope match where the barbed wire ropes are set up in the "X" fashion and the use of additional items that have barbed wire attached to or wrapped around them are made available, such as plywood, baseball bats, steel folding chairs and other weapons. This match originated in TNA in 2005. Since then, there have been five such matches, the most recent in 2022. However, unlike the first three Barbed Wire Massacre matches, the fourth did not replace the ring ropes. TheJapanese Barbed Wire Massacreis a variation in which there are wooden boards covered with barbed wire, and a small charge goes off when someone lands on one.

Bath House Deathmatch

The Bath House Deathmatch was believed to have been started byIWA Japanin 1995. The wrestlers compete in the pool of a public bathhouse, with even naked or toweled women in this bath house during this match. Besides regular wrestling rules, if they leave the pool, they are disqualified. The pool is heated by a fire that is regularly fed more logs, making staying in it harder and harder.

Caribbean Barbed Wire Deathmatch

The Caribbean Barbed Wire Deathmatch is a hardcore match where barbed wire is wrapped around the ring ropes in "spidernet" fashion on two sides, and on the other two sides are barricaded traps on ground level situated right next to the ring. These elaborate traps are wooden structures featuring multiple strands of barbed wire strung from short adjacent wooden poles covered by panes of glass, with a thick wooden board below as foundation for the entire trap. The wooden poles stand 18 inches high on one side, and two feet on the other side. This match was featured in theW*INGhardcore wrestling promotion in Japan and was first done in 1993.

Circus Deathmatch

A Circus Deathmatch is a type of scaffold match where in the ring is a scaffold and under that scaffold, there is a type of spider net made of barbed wire six feet below. The first wrestler to fall off of the scaffold into the barbed wire spider net loses. The first match was betweenMad Man PondoandRyuji Itoin Japan.

Clockwork House of Fun match

The Clockwork House of Fun match, known as "Raven's House of Fun" or simply "House of Fun", was created by professional wrestlerRaven(legitimately,as Raven pitched the idea himself to TNA's creative team). It is a singles match for which poles attached to the ring posts measured about five to six feet above the turnbuckles, with single chains wrapped from and hanging on the poles to various points on the ring itself with many weapons hanging from and attached to steel chains above the ring, sometimes with sides of a steel cage attached to and erected on the ring.In the first match the use of weapons is legal, and the only way to win was to put an opponent through two tables after throwing them off "Raven's perch" (a smallscaffold),but afterwards it was changed to falls-count-anywhere rules.

Electric Pool match

In an Electric Pool match, the ring is placed in a large pool of water, with no ropes on two sides of the ring, and exploding barbed wire on the other two sides of the ring. Wrestlers were transported to the ring via adinghy,and the ring was put on a floating device, then it was surrounded by four metal barricades. There was a current running through these four barricades (which were essentially small sections of the pool enclosed off from the rest of the pool), enabling the water to "explode" when a wrestler was thrown into one of these barricaded areas. Considering the danger involved in allowing a current to run through water, this match was only used once inFMWin 1994, which was known for its extreme hardcore matches.

Explosion/Bomb Deathmatch

The Explosion or Bomb Deathmatch is usually accompanied with barbed wire ropes, a large barbed wire wrapped explosion board is placed in the ring laced with a small amount of C-4. The match can be won by either a pinfall or a submission, or in other versions of the match, by blowing up the eventual loser. In some versions of the C-4 match is to finish the match before the timer runs out and detonates the ring (although this does not necessarily end the match) while in others the explosives are concentrated in a specific area, with the wrestlers struggling not to get pushed onto it. Almost all of these matches so far have been done in Japan in promotions with larger budgets.

Anus Explosion Deathmatch

An Anus Explosion Deathmatch is a hardcore match where the only way to win is to stick a firecracker up an opponent's buttocks and light it. Once the firecracker goes off while lodged inside an incapacitated wrestler's buttocks, the match ends. This match was only done once, by Japanese hardcore wrestling promotionFrontier Martial-Arts Wrestlingin October 1999, whereMr. Gannosukefaced off againstHayabusa.

Double Hell Deathmatch

A Double Hell Deathmatch is a hardcore match where exploding (or non-exploding) barbed wire is put up at two sides of the ring in place of ropes, and the other two are left with nothing. However, at ringside on the empty sides, there are huge boards laden with barbed wire andlandmines/explosives (and sometimes glass). This makes it a lot easier for a participant to fall out of the ring.

Exploding Barbed Wire Deathmatch

AEW's variation is an Exploding Barbed Wire Deathmatch which is a combination of an Explosion Deathmatch,Barbed Wire Ring Rope match,Double Hell Deathmatch,andTime Bomb Deathmatch.There was three sides of barbed wire ring ropes with explosives triggered upon contact, three zones around the ringside floor wired to explosives (Triple Hell), and a 30-minute countdown timer until all explosives in and around the ring detonate.The match was contested betweenKenny OmegaandJon Moxleyfor theAEW World ChampionshipatRevolution,which Omega won.

The concept was planned to be used in theWWEbut according toCourt Bauerin November 2022,Vince McMahonhad once accepted an idea for an Exploding Barbed Wire Deathmatch. This stipulation did not appear at all but it would later appear in a form of a Punjabi Prison Match which debuted atThe Great American Bashin 2006.

Landmine Deathmatch

A Landmine Deathmatch is a hardcore match where explosives are set up at ringside, usually laced with barbed wire. This match was first done withFMWin Japan in the mid-1990s.

Time Bomb Deathmatch

A Time Bomb Deathmatch is a type of deathmatch where explosives or fireworks set up around the ring are set off after an allotted time. This match originated in Japan and was done various times in the 1990s.Mick FoleyandTerry Funkparticipated in a "Barbed Wire Rope, Exploding Barbed Wire Boards and Exploding Ring Time Bomb Deathmatch" as the final match of the 1995Kawasaki DreamKing of the Deathmatch tournament, where there were multiple plywood boards with barbed wire and explosives attached to them strewn around the ring.

Time Bomb Exploding Cage Deathmatch

A Time Bomb Exploding Cage Deathmatch is a mixture of a Steel Cage match and a Time Bomb Deathmatch, where every square foot of a steel cage is wrapped in barbed wire and explosives set up around the ring go off after a set time, and five minutes before the explosion a loud siren is activated. The match, unlike a traditional steel cage match is a one-fall match and victory cannot be achieved via escaping the cage, which, if attempted would be very painful and difficult. This match also originated in Japan in the early 1990s.

Eye for an Eye match

An Eye for an Eye match is a hardcore match that could only be won when one competitor "extracts" an eyeball out of the socket of their opponent. This match only occurred once, betweenRey MysterioandSeth RollinsatThe Horror Show at Extreme Rules.In it, Rollins shoved Mysterio's eye into the corner of the steel steps, causing the eyeball to pop out and giving Rollins the victory.

Falls Count Anywhere match

A falls count anywhere match allows pinfalls to take place in any location, negating the standard rule that they must take place inside the ring and between the ropes, and these matches largely take place outside of the ring. Submissions may or may not also be covered by this rule. This also eliminates the usual "countout"rule. A variation of the rules states that once a pinfall takes place, thepinned wrestlerloses the match if they are unable to return to the ring within a specific amount of time – usually a referee's count of 10 or 30. If the pinned wrestler makes it to the ring in this time, the match continues.Occasionally, this stipulation is listed as having a specific territory in which falls count (e.g. the state, county, or general location the match is in).As the match may take place in various parts of the arena,the "falls count anywhere" provision is almost always accompanied with a "no-disqualification" stipulation to make the match a hardcore match, so as to allow wrestlers the convenience to useany objectsthey may find wherever they wrestle.

First Blood match

A First Blood match is a no-disqualification, no-submission, no-fall, no-countout match in which the first wrestler to bleed anywhere loses the match. Depending on the nuance of the stipulation, this might include bleeding noses. Although there are no-disqualifications, outside interference cannot be seen causing the participant to bleed. The first televised First Blood match wasStone Cold Steve Austinvs.KaneatKing of the Ring 1998.This type of match became rare in the WWEsince 2008in which blood is rarely shown in its programming to adhere with the TV-PG standards. The most recent first blood match wasJohn Cenavs.JBLatOne Night Standin 2008.

Doomsday Chamber of Blood match

A Doomsday Chamber of Blood match, created byTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling,is a First Blood match that takes place inside of abarbed wiretoppedcage.

Sadistic Madness match

A Sadistic Madness match, created byTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling,is another variation of the First Blood match, the main difference being that the opponent must be bleeding before a wrestler can legally pin them.

Four Corners of Pain match

A Four Corners of Pain match is a hardcore match where in each corner of the ring, there is a container that has a weapon or another type of harmful item. This match originated at the 2003Combat Zone WrestlingTournament of Death II, and at the 2006 IWA-MS Queen of the Deathmatch, Amy Lee took on Sexxxy Eddy in this match.

Pools of Fuckery Deathmatch

A Pools of Fuckery Deathmatch is similar to a Four Corners of Pain match, only the harmful items in each corner are in small plastic pools. This match originated in March 2021 in the independent wrestling promotion Asylum Wrestling Revolution (AMR), whereMickie Knucklesfaced Akira.

Good Old Fashioned Donnybrook match

A Good Old Fashioned Donnybrook match is a no disqualification hardcore match where large wood barrels of Irish brandy and canes are made available at ringside. The first match of its kind was on the July 29, 2022 episode ofWWE SmackDownbetweenSheamusandDrew McIntyre,which McIntyre won. A tag team version later took place during WWE's 2022 edition of itsExtreme Rulespay-per-view betweenThe Brawling BrutesandImperium,which was won by The Brawling Brutes. This is Sheamus' signature match.

Hard Ten match

The Hard Ten match is a hardcore match that was created byTNA/Impact Wrestling.It is contested on a points system, in which the points are earned for the use of weapons. The first wrestler to earn ten points and be at least two points ahead is the winner. Regular strikes with a weapon are worth one point, while putting an opponent through a table is worth five points. This match type happened only once in TNA history.

Last Man/Woman Standing match

A last man standing match (or last woman standing) is a hardcore-style match in which the only way to win is by count out via standing, and a wrestler can be counted out anywhere. A wrestler will lose the match if they are unable to answer a ten-count after being downed, similar to theknockoutrules of abo xingmatch. To avoid losing, the downed wrestler must be on their feet by the count of 10, but they can not lose by leaving the ring for 10-count (ring out) if they are still on his feet while recovering.Because of the hardcore nature of the match restraining a downed opponent is a permissible way to ensure that they do not respond to the ten-count, even if they would otherwise be able to.

Baseball Brawl match

A Baseball Brawl match or Brawl Game match is variant of a Last Man Standing match where baseball bats are initially banned, but if a wrestler is counted out by 10, then baseball bats for the wrestler or team that got the count-out automatically become legal, and the match converts over to a standard hardcore match where victory is achieved by either pinfalls, submissions or count outs. This match was first done atECW's Hardcore Heavenin August 1994, and was known as the signature match ofThe Public Enemytag team.

Texas Deathmatch

Ciclón Negro(left) andDory Funkin a 1972 Texas deathmatch that lasted over an hour and included 27 total falls

A variant of the Last Man Standing match is theTexas Deathmatch(a.k.a.Mexican Deathmatch,orArmageddon Rules match), in which a wrestler must be pinned to a 3-count or made to submit/rendered unconscious before therefereewill begin the ten-count. Some of these matches have been known to last for hours, including one thatDory Funk Jr.participated in that went on for more than four hours.This match was often done by Dory and his brotherTerry Funkin the 1960s in their father Dory Sr.'s promotionWestern States Sports.

Light Tube Deathmatch

A light tube match is a hardcore match where hundreds (usually 200) of long, cylindrical, glassfluorescent light tubesare attached to the ring ropes (usually via tape), and mock shaped weapons and mock large objects made of light tubes are made available. These matches often end with most or all of the light tubes broken or shattered; these matches are some of the bloodiest, most gruesome and most dangerous types of wrestling matches because the glass in a light tube contains poisonous andcarcinogenicchemicals, and when broken, the poisonous and carcinogenic dust from the shattered glass gets into the air and allows audience members, the referee and the wrestlers to breathe it in. Another hazard of this match is shards of broken glass still rife with dangerous chemicals laying around the ring mat and sticking in the wrestlers' bodies (when they are slammed onto the wrestling mat); in more organized wrestling promotions, attendants briefly enter the ring and quickly sweep the broken glass off the mat. This type of match originated in Japan in the late 1990s and early 2000s inBig Japan Pro Wrestling,and some independent promotions in the United States feature this type of match.

2/3 Light Tube Log cabins Deathmatch

A 2/3 Light Tube Log Cabins Deathmatch is a hardcore match where the only way to win is to break two shaped light tube weapons over and/or on an opponent.Combat Zone Wrestlinghas used this match in their Tournament of Death series.

Monster's Ball match

AMonster's Ball matchis a match invented and staged byTNA Wrestling.The key premise of the match was that all contenders are sequestered alone in a locked room without light, food or water for 24 hours before the match. This stipulation is intended to induce extreme feelings of aggression in the competitors. Once released, the wrestlers fight one another in a hardcore match, with the usage of weapons encouraged. Victory can be achieved by pinfall or submission, with the match ending as soon as one wrestler is pinned or submits.

The Monster's Ball match typically features numerous high spots. There have been 54 matches taking place under TNA, as well as several unaffiliated independent promotions hosting the match. The match has almost always featuredAbyssin some capacity, wrestling in 48 and managing in one, as it is his signature match. There are various weapons frequently used in the match, including thumbtacks, "Janice" (a board filled with nails, Abyss's signature weapon), and a bed of barbed wire.

No Disqualification match

A No Disqualification match, also known as aNo Holds Barred match,or sometimes as anAnything Goes match,anExtreme Rules match(in WWE, since the establishment of the now-formerECW brand), or aNo Ropes Catch Wrestling match(inMLW), is a match in which neither wrestler can bedisqualified,allowing forweaponsand outside interference. However, unlike a hardcore match pinfalls and submissions must be made inside the ring.

No-disqualification matches may be used in feuds in which a challenger may have won matches against the champion, but did not claim the championship because the champion was disqualified (championships usually only change hands via pinfall or submission). Unless stipulated, a no-disqualification match can end in a countout. Those that cannot are no-disqualification, no-countout matches, therefore they're called no holds barred matches.

Piranha Deathmatch

A Piranha Deathmatch or Amazon River Piranha Deathmatch, similar to a Desert Deathmatch is a type of highly dangerous match where a fish tank containing dangerous and flesh-eatingPiranhafish is placed in the center of the ring, and the first wrestler who gets put into the tank for 10 seconds loses. There was only one match ever done, and it was atBig Japan Pro Wrestling's Summer Night Dream event inYokohama,Japan in September 1996, where in the main eventKendo NagasakiputMitsuhiro Matsunagain the tank, defeating him.

Pitch Black match

A Pitch Black match is a hardcore-based match during which the arena lights are turned off or extremely dimmed, with most of the action visible due to the competitors wearing clothes or body paint thatglows in the dark.The only known Pitch Black match, sponsored byMountain Dew,happened at the2023 Royal Rumble,withBray WyattdefeatingLA Knight.

Razor Deathmatch

A Razor Deathmatch is an often extremely bloody match where boards full of razor blades are made available as weapons. This match is a trademark of Japanese hardcore wrestlerJun Kasaiwho has participated in five such contests.

Spike Nail Deathmatch

A Spike Nail Deathmatch is a hardcore match where a large bed of six-inch spiked nails sticking out of a rectangular piece of plywood is made available. The most famous example of this kind of match was at the IWA Kawasaki Dream King of the Deathmatch, whereCactus Jackfaced Shoji Nakamaki in August 1995. Another type of Spike Nail match was rather than achieving a fall to win, the first wrestler to take a bump on the huge planks of wood infested with six-inch nails at ringside loses.

Nail Hell Deathmatch

A Nail Hell Deathmatch is a hardcore match where some boards with nails were hung on the ring ropes all the way across, and onto opposing sides of the ring there was a board, on one side there was nails and on the other side was barbed wire. Only one match like this was done, in December 1994 byIWA Japan.

Street fight

A street fight is a type of hardcore match with no disqualifications, in which falls count anywhere, and weapons are legal. The main difference between a hardcore match and a street fight is that while wrestlers wear their normal wrestling gear in hardcore matches, wrestlers (particularly in modern times) almost always wear their own street clothes in street fights, and weapons typically used in street fights are items typically found on or are often used on city streets, such as trash cans, road signs, broomsticks, dumpsters and sometimes vehicles and shopping carts filled with those items, among other things. Sometimes street fights have the name of the host arena's city in the name, such as "Chicago Street Fight" or "New York Street Fight".

Bunkhouse match

A Bunkhouse match is a type of street fight where wrestlers compete with each other dressed in cowboy clothes or wearing items cowboys wear, such as cowboy boots, leather belts, jeans and ten-gallon cowboy hats. This is named a "Bunkhouse match" because bunkhouses were barracks-like buildings that historically were used to house working cowboys on ranches.

Miracle on 34th StreetFight

AMiracle on 34th StreetFight is a Christmas-themed variant of a Street Fight, named after the movieMiracle on 34th Street,involving Christmas-themed weapons including fire extinguishers, pumpkin pies, presents, Christmas trees, Christmas wreaths, candy cane themed kendo sticks, bowling balls, and teddy bears, plus common wrestling weapons such as tables and chairs.

Trick or Street Fight

A Trick or Street Fight is a Halloween-themed variant of a Street Fight, named after the Halloween tradition "trick or treating", involving Halloween-themed weapons including pumpkins, buckets of candy, bowls full of water and apples, skeletons, witches' brooms, gravestones, candy corn themed kendo sticks, plus common wrestling weapons such as tables and chairs.

Taipei Deathmatch

A Taipei Deathmatch, (also known as anAncient Way Deathmatch) is a very bloody and violent hardcore match where the wrestlers' fists are taped and dipped into glue or honey, and then into broken and crushed glass, allowing shards to stick to their fists. Win by pinfall, submission or escape. It is unknown why this match is named afterthe capital cityofTaiwan;the first time this match was ever held was at ECW'sHardcore Heavenin July 1995 where the Rotten brothers, Axl and Ian, faced off in this match, and it was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, not in Taipei.

Thumbtack Deathmatch

A Thumbtack Deathmatch is a hardcore match where one or more trays containing thousands (usually 10,000) ofthumbtacksis/are made available and usually placed in either the center or apron of the ring. The most well-known version of this match was at the IWA Kawasaki Dream King of the Deathmatch, whereTerry GordyfacedCactus Jackin August 1995.Variants of the thumbtack deathmatch staged by TNA/Impact Wrestlinghave been done where the objective is modified to simply slam an opponent into the pile of thumbtacks on the mat. A variation of this match is a cross between a Ladder Match and 10,000 Thumbtacks Match called aThumbtacks Ladder matchin which a ladder is placed in the ring with a reward at the top. Thumbtacks are also spread out across the ring. A variant of the 10,000 thumbtacks deathmatch is theEast Coast Thumbtack match,this match has 177,000 thumbtacks placed in the ring. The first match was introduced betweenIan RottenandThe Messiah.

Barefoot Thumbtack match

A Barefoot Thumbtack match is a hardcore match where both wrestlers have bare feet, and there is a large container containing thousands of thumbtacks in the middle of the ring that are legal to use it. Originated inBig Japan Pro Wrestling.

Thumbtack Balloons match

Big Japan Pro Wrestlingstaged a 'Thumbtacks In Balloons' match on 5/22/96. The match, which sawAxl Rottenand Shoji Nakamaki lock up withKendo Nagasakiand Seiji Yamakawa, had six black balloons suspended above the ring. At a certain point in the match, the balloons exploded and released 30,000 thumbtacks onto the ring.

Unlucky 13 Deathmatch

An Unlucky 13 Deathmatch is a hardcore match invented byIan Rotten.In order to win the match, a wrestler must staple seven out of thirteen one dollar bills to their opponent's mouth.

Location-based variations

Though most matches take place in and around thering,some are designed specifically for more exotic locales. The majority of these matches take on the name of their setting, often appending "brawl" to the end, and all of them arehardcoreby definition. The following is a list of locale-based variations that supplant or replace the standard rules.

Bar Room Brawl

A Bar Room Brawl is a multi-competitor no disqualification match held in a bar. During the match wrestlers are encouraged to drink while fighting, and the "last man standing" is declared winner. Wrestlers can be eliminated from the match both by the standard pinfall, submission, or by simply becoming too (kayfabe) drunk to continue the match. A known example of this match is the APA Invitational Bar Room Brawl atVengeance 2003whichBradshawwon after knocking downBrother Love.Another example, aBar Fightwas done in 2020, withJeff Hardyfacing off againstSheamus.

Boiler Room Brawl

A Boiler Room Brawl or Boiler Room match starts in aboiler room,with the winner being the first wrestler to successfully get out. This match is a no-disqualification, no-falls, no-countout match, so anything goes, so long as someone escapes first. The rather hazardous environment of this match featured some of the arena's internal infrastructure, such as all sorts of large, exposed metal piping with large bolts, concrete flooring and solid electrical equipment everywhere, among other features.Mick Foleyparticipated in all of theWWF-run Boiler Room Brawls under his persona Mankind, because this persona dwelled in boiler rooms, hence this being Mankind's signature match. The first Boiler Room Brawl happened atSummerSlam 1996with Mankind vs.The Undertaker,where in addition to escaping the boiler room the combatant had to make his way to the ring and grabPaul Bearer's urn; but when the next Boiler Room Brawl was contested atBacklash 1999with Mankind against TheBig Show,the objective was simplified to just escaping the boiler room first.World Championship Wrestlingused a match with similar rules, naming their match and its location the Block.

Body of Water match

A Body of Water match is a hardcore match where the sole objective is to get your opponent into a large body of water. This match was only done once, whereCM PunkfacedChavo Guerreroduring an ECW show inCorpus Christi, Texas(which is located right onthe Gulf of Mexico,the body of water used) in February 2008.

Dungeon match

A Dungeon match is a hardcore match that took place in the legendary Hart Family Dungeon inCalgary,whereOwen HartchallengedKen Shamrockto come to the Dungeon (referred to as Hart's "basement" ) for a fight. The match can only be won by submission.

Empty Arena match

An empty arena match is ahardcore(no disqualification, falls count anywhere) "anything goes" match between two or more wrestlers that takes place in an arena or stadium that although is fully set up for a wrestling event, isdevoid of fans.The only people present are the competitors,referee,commentators, and cameramen. The match is broadcast, or videotaped and played later. An example of this is theWWFchampionshipmatch betweenThe RockandMankindthat took place inTucson, Arizona,at theTucson Convention Center,which aired as part of a specialHalftime Heatedition ofSunday Night Heatairedagainst the Super Bowlhalftime show ofSuper Bowl XXXIIIin 1999. One of the earliest and best known empty arena matches occurred in 1981 inMemphis, Tennessee,at theMid-South ColiseumbetweenJerry LawlerandTerry Funk.

A lack of audience that is alegitimateaspect of the production and not a kayfabe stipulation of the match (i.e. the match is conducted normally, except a live audience is not present) is not necessarily considered an empty arena match. For example, audiences were barred from attending televised AEW, and later WWE, shows in 2020 during the height of theCOVID-19 pandemic.

Parking Lot Brawl

A Parking Lot Brawl is a Falls Count Anywhere match that is usually fought in an interior location or in an outside parking lot around a tightly parked circle of cars. The first wrestler to score a pinfall, submission, or knockout in a Parking Lot Brawl is the winner. Both wrestlers are allowed to use everything around them as weapons, including the cars. The first Parking Lot Brawl was betweenJerry LawlerandEddie GilbertinMemphis, Tennesseein 1988, which was fought all over the arena and its outside parking lot. More well-known examples of a Parking Lot Brawl both involvedJohn Cena,where he facedEddie Guerreroin 2003 andJBLin 2008.

Hollywood Backlot Brawl

A Hollywood Backlot Brawl was a no-disqualification match that started in a Hollywood studio backlot, and it was fought betweenGoldustandRoddy Piper.This match also involved the two performers actually driving cars for a long period of time, and then ended with the two arriving in theHonda Centerin Anaheim 30 miles away to finish their match in the ring.

Iron Circle match

A Iron Circle match is a type of Parking Lot Brawl that is fought specifically in a parking garage around a rowdy live audience sitting on the cars encircling the competitors. An Iron Circle match was a falls count anywhere match whereKen ShamrockfoughtSteve BlackmanatWWF Fully Loaded 1999.

Train match

A Train match is a Falls Count Anywhere match fought in a moving train. All weapons are legal, and there is no disqualification (except for damage to the train). This happened in 2023 byCyberFight's DDT Pro Wrestling promotion, whereSanshiro Takagicompeted againstMinoru Suzukion theShinkansenTGVfrom Tokyo to Nagoya, with speeds exceeding 170 MPH on the train.

Tooth and Nail match

A Tooth and Nail match is a Falls Count Anywhere-stipulation match that is fought in and around adentaloffice, and any weapon is legal. This isBritt Baker's speciality match, based on her role as a dentist in both kayfabe and off-screen reality, and the objective of this match is to achieve a pinfall, submission or countout.

Lumberjack match

In keeping with the theme, the wrestlers outside the ring may wearflannelshirts during lumberjack matches; an example of this is the1–2–3 Kidin 1995

A lumberjack match is a standard match with the exception that the ring is surrounded by a group of wrestlers not directly involved in it.These wrestlers, known collectively as lumberjacks (female wrestlers serving in this manner are sometimes called lumberjills; lumberjack matches between female wrestlers are calledlumberjill matches,a play on the famousNursery Rhyme,"Jack and Jill" ), are there to prevent the wrestlers in the match from getting out of the ring.The groups of lumberjacks are typically split up into groups offacesandheelswho occupy opposing sides around the ring. Usually, the "opposing" lumberjacks (that is, face lumberjacks if the wrestler is a heel, and vice versa) swarm the wrestlers if they leave the ring and force them back in it. Occasional interference from the lumberjacks is common, as is an all-out brawl on the outside involving most of the lumberjacks. Early lumberjack matches even featured the lumberjacks wearing stereotypicallumberjackclothing in keeping with the lumberjack theme, though this is generally no longer done. A common theme is for the lumberjacks to consist entirely of heel wrestlers to stack the odds against the face competitor. TheLumberjill Snowbunny matchis another variation of the Lumberjill match with female lumberjacks, held in a pit of snow.

Canadian Lumberjack match

In a "Canadian" lumberjack match, the lumberjacks are equipped withleather straps.TNA's "fan's revenge" match was their own version of a Canadian lumberjack match, where fans equipped with straps act as lumberjacks and were encouraged to whip wrestlers.A similar "fans' revenge" variation was used inLucha Undergroundwhere it was called a Believers' Backlash match ( "Believers" was the nickname for fans of the series).

Extreme Lumberjack match

The Extreme Lumberjack match is a lumberjack match competed underhardcorerules, where there are no disqualifications, no countouts, and falls count anywhere.

Multi-competitor-based variations

On some occasions, a match may be held between more than two individual wrestlers or teams. Multi-competitor matches are often broken down to eliminations and non-eliminations.

Basic non-elimination matches

Non-elimination matches with three competitors

The most common example of a non-elimination match is theThree-Way match(also known as aTriple Threat matchin WWE,Triangle matchin WCW andThree-Way Dancein ECW), in which three wrestlers compete under standard rules with the first competitor to achieve a pinfall or submission being declared the winner. Triple Threat matches are fought under no-disqualification and no-countout stipulations. Triangle matches are often contested like a tag match where only two can be in the match at one time while the third waits on the ring apron and the only elimination factor is if a competitor is disqualified.

Non-elimination matches with four or more competitors

In many promotions, there are typically no distinctions between the two terms. Non-elimination variations are theFour-Way match(known as aFatal Four-Wayin WWE,Four Corners matchin WCW andFour-Way Dancein ECW), theFive-Way match(known as aFatal Five-Wayin WWE) or theSix-Way match(known as theSix-Pack Challengein WWE), involving four, five, or six wrestlers, respectively. American independent promotion USA Xtreme Wrestling hosted a match involving 8–12 competitors known as the8 Ball Challenge.These types of matches can be used in certain situations to take a title off a wrestler without weakening him in the process.

On some occasions, multi-competitor matches are contested under similar rules as a tag team match. Two competitors start the match in the ring while the other wrestler(s) wait outside the ring for a tag from another wrestler, often achieved by touching an unsuspecting competitor in the ring. Variations of this include aFour Corners Survival matchorSix-Man Mayhem matchinRing of Honor.Competitors are permitted to leave their position and attack wrestlers outside of the ring, such as when one or both wrestlers have been thrown over the top rope.

Basic elimination matches

Matches involving a larger number of competitors are typically elimination matches. These matches may begin with all of the competitors in the ring at the same time. The standard match rules apply as wrestlers may leave the position and attack other wrestlers outside the ring with a twist that the wrestler be pinned or forced to submit is eliminated from the match.

Elimination matches with three competitors

The most common example of an elimination match is theThree-Way Dance,where the first fall would eliminate one wrestler, reducing the match to a standard one-fall singles match. TheThree-Way Dancewas a specialty ofExtreme Championship Wrestling.

Elimination matches with four or more competitors

AFour-Way Danceis similar except it involves four wrestlers inExtreme Championship Wrestlingand some promotions use a tag format for the match instead of having all the wrestlers in the ring at the same time. Elimination variations are theFour-Way match(known as aFatal Four-Wayin WWE), theFive-Way match(known as aFatal Five-Wayin WWE) or theSix-Way match(known as theSix-Pack Challengein WWE), involving four, five, or six wrestlers inside the ring, respectively.

TheDeadly Draw matchis a TNA variation where four competitors wrestle. The match begins with two competitors in the ring. After five minutes pass, the third competitor enters the ring, then after another five minutes pass, the fourth competitor enters the ring. Any wrestler who gets pinned or force to submit is eliminated, and any wrestler in the ring not involved in the fall is also eliminated. The last man standing wins.

Beat the Clock Challenge

A Beat the Clock challenge is a multi-competitor match in which wrestlers must defeat their opponent in a singles match before the clock runs out. Additionally, the next wrestler must beat the winner's set time by defeating their opponent to advance, otherwise that wrestler is eliminated. In doing so, the victorious wrestler usually gets some type of reward in return, such as inclusion in a title match, for instance. In a variation on the November 20, 2013 episode ofNXT,two wrestlers completed a match, with the match duration being used as the marker for two other wrestlers to complete their match. The first ever Divas Beat the Clock challenge occurred in the August 2015 episode of Raw whenPaige,Becky LynchandCharlotte Flairfaced a different competitor to earn aWWE Divas Championshipmatch againstNikki BellaatNight of Champions.

Championship Scramble

WWEfeatures a match called the Championship Scramble in which none of thewrestlersare eliminated. Two wrestlers start the match and every five minutes another wrestler enters until all five participants are present. After the last wrestler enters, there is a predetermined time limit. Each time a wrestler scores a pinfall or submission, he becomes the interim champion. Such reigns are not recorded as title reigns. The winner is the wrestler who scores the last pinfall or submission before the time limit expires. TheUnforgivenpay-per view of 2008 is arguably the most prominent showcase of this match type, as all three world titles were contested under a Championship Scramble match.

Elimination Chase

The Elimination Chase, first used in WWE's version ofECW brandin 2007, is a series of multi-competitor, one fall matches, with the loser of the fall being eliminated from future matches until one competitor remains.

Iron Survivor Challenge

WWE'sNXTbrand features a match called the Iron Survivor Challenge at its annual December eventDeadline,in which none of the wrestlers are eliminated. There is one each for the men and women. The rules are as follows:

• Five wrestlers compete in the match, which lasts 25 minutes.
• Two wrestlers start the match, which begins the timer, and every five minutes, another wrestler enters with the fifth and final participant entering at the 15-minute mark.
• Each time a wrestler scores a pinfall, submission, or being the victim of a disqualification, they gain a point. Points can be gained even before other participants have entered.
• A wrestler who is pinned, submitted, or is disqualified goes into a penalty box for 90 seconds, after which they can re-enter the match.
• The winner of the match, dubbed the Iron Survivor, is the wrestler who scores the most points at the end of the 25-minute time limit. In the result of a tie, those who are tied enter sudden death overtime.
• The winners of the men's and women's matches earn a future match for theNXT ChampionshipandNXT Women's Championship,respectively.

The Iron Survivor Challenge combines elements of theChampionship Scramble,Iron Man,andTNA Wrestling'sKing of the Mountainmatches. It was used for the first time atDeadlinein 2022.

Special Guest Referee

The Special Guest Referee is any match in which the usual referee is replaced with a "guest" filling in as the official. Celebrities (such asMuhammad Aliin the main event ofWrestleMania I), managers and other wrestlers can "guest" as the special referee. In some cases, a special referee is put into a match which is already a different match type or stipulation. The special referee will often be biased towards or against one of the competitors or will be assigned as the Special Referee to ensure the match is called down the line. Special Outside Referee also known as Special Enforcer or Special Guest Enforcer is same as the Special Referee but the guest referee stays on the outside enforcing what the normal referee doesn't see. These guests are sometimes known as "enforcers", the most famous of which wasMike Tyson,who served as the Special Guest Enforcer for the WWF title match betweenSteve AustinandShawn MichaelsatWrestleMania XIV,andChuck Norriswho served as Special Guest Enforcer atSurvivor Series 1994in a match betweenThe UndertakerandYokozuna.Another example of this isTriple Hvs.The Undertakerin a Hell in a Cell match atWrestleMania 28withShawn Michaelsbeing the Special Guest Referee.

Non-wrestling matches

Occasionally, a match would take place under the rules of a different type of contest. Like professional wrestling matches, the matches would beworked,with the participants not being in the perceived danger and the winner being predetermined.

Arm Wrestling match

An arm wrestling match, in the context of professional wrestling, is a basicarm wrestlingcontest. It can be contested between two females, two males or between one male and one female. Often the male in the latter will be a manager going against the wrestler of a competitor.

Bo xing match

The professional wrestling version of a bo xing match has standardbo xingrules applied to it. Wrestlers wearbo xing glovesand the match is contested in rounds with fouls given out, though the matches are generallyworkedand end with one wrestler cheating and using wrestling maneuvers.

Mixed Martial Arts match

The professional wrestling version of amixed martial arts(MMA) match under standard MMA. As in MMA, pinfalls are not a valid method of victory. Matches can typically only be won by knockout, submission, disqualification, forfeit or by going to a referee'sdecision.

Sumo match

For a sumo match, the ropes are removed from the ring and standardsumorules apply. The first person to step outside of the ring or touch the mat with any part of the body except the soles of the feet is the loser. The most infamous match of this kind in WWE happened atWrestleMania 21between TheBig Showand Sumo legend,Akebono.

Sumo Monster Truck match

A Sumo Monster Truck match is a regular tug-o-war contest where two wrestlers are driving monster trucks, pushing and shoving each other. An example of this match type is at theHalloween Havoc (1995)pay-per-view betweenHulk HoganandThe Giant.

Rumble rules-based variations

In this version – unlike traditional battle royales where all the wrestlers begin the match in the ring – the competitors (after numbers 1 and 2 begin the match) enter at timed intervals in accordance with the number that they have drawn until the entire field has entered.

Aztec Warfare

Aztec Warfare is theLucha Undergroundversion of the "Rumble Rules" battle royale. Upwards to 20 participants enter every 90 seconds and elimination occurs by eitherpinfallorsubmissionand has to take place inside the ring. There are no count-outs and no disqualifications. As of April 2019,four Aztec Warfare matches have occurred—one in each season ofLucha Underground.

Battle Riot

Main article:MLW Battle Riot

The Battle Riot isMajor League Wrestling's "Rumble" style battle royale. This match isn't that much different from other Pin, Submission & Over the top rope elimination rumble rules, however is different from the WWE Royal Rumble, of which you can only get eliminated via going over the top rope with both feet hitting the floor.

Casino Battle Royale

Main article:Casino Battle Royale

The Casino Battle Royale is used byAll Elite Wrestling(AEW). It is a modifiedrumble rulesbattle royale that features 21 entrants. It begins with a group of five wrestlers, and every three minutes, another group of five wrestlers enter, while the 21st and final entrant enters alone. The wrestlers are grouped based on the suit they drew from adeck of cards– spades, diamonds, clubs, or hearts – and the order of when each group enters is based on a random draw of the cards. The 21st and final entrant is the wrestler who drew thejoker.The winner receives a world championship match of their respective gender's division—either theAEW World Championshipor theAEW Women's World Championship.

The first Casino Battle Royale occurred during the pre-show of AEW's inaugural event,Double or Nothing in 2019,and was a men's match. The winner of the inaugural match was entered into the match to determine the inaugural AEW World Champion atAll Outthat year.The second Casino Battle Royale was an all-female version and was held during the pre-show of the aforementioned All Out event. Like the first, the winner of this second iteration was entered into the match to determine the inaugural AEW Women's World Champion on the debut episode of AEW's weekly television show,Dynamite.The third Casino Battle Royale—a men's match—took place atAll Out in 2020and the winner received a future AEW World Championship match.

Honor Rumble

Ring of Honor(ROH) also periodically features the "Rumble" style of battle royale on their shows, billing it as theHonor Rumble.This battle royal differs from a standard version of the match in that the contestants do not all begin in the ring at the same time, but instead enter the match at timed intervals in order of their assigned entry numbers (comparable in style to WWE's Royal Rumble match). Numbers are usually drawn through a lottery that is typically staged right before the event begins, although participants can also win desirable spots via a number of other means, the most common being winning a match.

New Japan Rumble

New Japan Pro-Wrestling's annual "Rumble" battle royale, takes place on the pre-show ofWrestle Kingdomon January 4. Participants enter at one minute intervals and are eliminated via pinfall, submission or by being thrown over the top rope.Typically leaning towards light comedy, the match includes past stars as surprise entrants.

Royal Rampage

Used byAll Elite Wrestling(AEW) on its programRampage.The Royal Rampage is a two ring rumble rules battle royale. It features 20 wrestlers between the two rings (10 in each). It begins with two wrestlers in each ring, with two new wrestlers entering at timed intervals - one in the red ring and one in the blue ring (as differentiated by the color of the ropes). After all 20 wrestlers have entered, and once the field narrows to the last four participants, they will then consolidate into a single ring and fight until there is a winner, who then receives a championship match at a later date.

Royal Rumble

Main article:Royal Rumble match

See also:Royal Rumble

2010 Royal Rumble match

WWE's Royal Rumble is the original battle royale to use this format. It begins with two wrestlers in the ring, with the remaining participants introduced one by one at a set time period, usually 90 seconds or two minutes. Elimination occurs in the normal way with the last person standing as the winner, after all participants (traditionally 30 or 40 inRoyal Rumble 2011and 20 inRoyal Rumble 1988) have entered the ring eliminated by being thrown over the top rope and having both feet touch the venue floor. (referred to as the "Shawn Michaels rule" inRoyal Rumble 1995in which he was thrown over the top rope, hung on to the top rope and only had one foot land on the floor). There is both a men's and women's Royal Rumble match, although WWE's first official women's Royal Rumble match debuted in 2018 used the same rules as the men's version, with the winners getting a world championship match (in their respective divisions) at that year'sWrestleMania,which is WWE's biggest annual show. At theGreatest Royal Rumblein 2018, 50 participants entered the match.Stone Cold Steve Austinis the only 3-time Royal Rumble winner.

Royal Sambo

Dragon Gate's version takes place exclusively at touring shows at the Kobe Sambo Hall venue, as the promotion's home location isKobe, Japan.Royal Sambo matches typically consist of 10-16 participants entering two at a time at 60 second intervals, with both wrestlers' entrance themes crossfading back and forth over the speakers. If an odd number of wrestlers are booked in the match, the final participant enters solo. Participants can be eliminated via over-the-top rope elimination, pinfall, or submission, and multiple wrestlers may pin or submit someone simultaneously. Typically booked as a comedy match, or with one high-profile wrestler as the obvious winner among others with much lower status on the roster.

Square Go!

Square Go! isInsane Championship Wrestling's (ICW) very own hybrid ofWWE'sRoyal RumbleandMoney in the Bankmatches, and named for the Glaswegian term for a street fight. The competitors will compete in a 30-man over-the-top-rope "rumble rules" battle royale, the Square Go!, with the winner earning the Square Go Briefcase. It has mostly the same rules apply as Royal Rumble, two competitors who draw the numbers 1 and 2. The remaining participants which will enter the ring one-by-one at every two-minute intervals.

Five people have drawn entry numbers that allow them to carry a weapon of their choice into the ring. Participants were eliminated when thrown over the top ropes with both feet landing on the floor. The winner will win a briefcase that will entitle him to a match for the ICW World Championship at any time and anywhere of their choosing for one year (similar to Money in the Bank).

Series-based variations

Series matches may involve the same match throughout, or may use different matches for some or all of the series. The most common form of a series match is extending the one-fall concept to a series of falls.

Best of Series match

A "Best of Series" match is similar to a two out of three falls match but an extended series to five or seven; Even though it takes place over several nights to continue a feud rather than settle it in one night. One variation is aBest of Five Serieswhere a wrestler must win three matches to win the series.John CenadefeatedBooker T3–2 to win theWWE United States ChampionshipatNo Mercy (2004).

TheBest of Seven Seriesis another variation, where a wrestler must win four matches to win the series.Chris Benoitand Booker T fought in such a series to determine the #1 contender for theWCW World Television Championshipin 1998. The two resumed their Best of Seven series in 2006 for the WWE United States Championship.SheamusandCesaroended in a 3–3 draw when their seventh match atClash of Champions (2016)ended in a no-contest.Death Triangle(Pac,Penta El Zero Miedo,andRey Fénix) wrestledThe Elite(Kenny OmegaandThe Young Bucks (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson)) in a series for theAEW World Trios Championshipin 2022.

Gauntlet match

A Gauntlet match, also referred to as a Turmoil match, is a quick series of one-fall one-on-one matches. Two wrestlers begin the match and are replaced whenever one is eliminated (by pinfall or submission). After a predetermined number of wrestlers have competed in the match, the last person standing is named the winner. A Gauntlet match may also be played out in multiple "parts" as part of a storyline (in which a face wrestler must face a series of a heel wrestler's underlings before facing the heel himself, for instance) this was common inWorld Championship Wrestlingin the early 1990s. A participant involved in a Gauntlet match may be said to be "running the gauntlet" but in most cases this designation being reserved for those who are involved for most of the match. Sometimes, it could also be (one-on-three) or (one-on-four) handicap match. Unlike tag matches, the three/four-man team will challenge the person handicapped individually until he is knocked out, at which time the match is over. One example of this was on September 23, 1999, edition ofWWE SmackDownwhereTriple H,being punished byVince McMahonfor his actions against him and his family, was booked in five gimmick matches in one night: a Chokeslam Challenge match (a match where the first to Chokeslam their opponent wins) againstThe Big Show,a HandicapCasket matchagainstVisceraandMideon,anInferno matchagainstKane,aBoiler Room BrawlagainstMankind,and aBrahma Bullrope matchagainstThe Rock.

Gauntlet Eliminator

The Gauntlet Eliminator is a modified gauntlet match in which two wrestlers start in the ring and every four minutes, another wrestler enters until all the entire field has entered. Eliminations can occur only by pinfall or submission. The last wrestler remaining wins. An example of this match was onthe first night of 2021's NXT TakeOver: Stand & DeliverbetweenLeon Ruff,Isaiah "Swerve" Scott,Bronson Reed,Dexter LumisandL. A. Knight.

Casino Gauntlet

The Casino Gauntlet match is a modified version of the Gauntlet Eliminator promoted byAll Elite Wrestling(AEW). Two wrestlers begin the match, with new entrants coming in at randomly timed intervals, with a maximum number of 21 entrants. It is a one fall match that can end at any time via pinfall or submission inside the ring, even before the entire field has entered. The prize for winning the Casino Gauntlet is a championship match at a later date.

Gauntlet for the Gold

Main article:Gauntlet for the Gold

TNA Wrestlinguses the "Gauntlet for the Gold" format, which is named similarly to the Gauntlet match but is actually very different. The wrestlers enter at regular intervals, and elimination occurs when thrown over the top rope with both feet hitting the floor (as in aRoyal Rumble match). This continues until only two wrestlers remain, after which the final winner is decided by pinfall or submission. This match type was first featured on the first ever NWA-TNA PPV, withKen ShamrockdefeatingMalicein the final two.

Iron Man/Woman match

Main article:Iron Man match

An Iron Man (or Iron Woman for female matches) match is a multiple-fall match with a set time limit (usually 30 or 60 minutes). The match is won by the wrestler who wins the most falls within the time limit by either pinfall, submission, disqualification, or countout. If there is ever a tie, the match goes to sudden death overtime in which the wrestler who scores one fall on their opponent will immediately be declared the winner. An example of anIron Man MatchisDolph Zigglervs.Seth Rollinsat2018 Extreme Rulesfor theIntercontinental Championship.Other examples areMJFvs.Bryan DanielsonatAEW Revolutionin 2023 for theAEW World Championship,andBret Hartvs.Shawn MichaelsatWrestleMania XIIfor theWWE Championship.The first Iron Woman match was betweenBayleyandSasha BanksatNXT TakeOver: Respectin 2015.

Anything Goes Iron Man match

An Anything Goes Iron Man match is the hardcore variation of an Iron Man match: there are no disqualifications, no countouts and falls count anywhere.John CenafacedRandy Ortonin an Anything Goes Iron Man match atBragging Rights 2009for 60 minutes.

Thunder Queen battle

The Thunder Queen battle is a hybrid match, a variation of Tag Team and Iron Woman match types. This stipulation was used inAll Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling.The match starts off with two teams of four members wrestle each other for 60 minutes. Individual members will have a 5 minute Singles Iron Woman match (20 minutes total each), followed by a 40 minute Tag Team Iron Woman match. The team with the highest total number of points within the time limit wins.

Ultimate Submission match

An Ultimate Submission match is a variation of an Iron Man match where the only way to score a fall within the allotted time limit is to make your opponent submit.Chris BenoitandKurt Anglehad an Ultimate Submission match atBacklash 2001for 30 minutes plus one minute and 33 seconds of tie-breaking overtime.

Three Strikes match

The Three Strikes match (often shortened toThree Strikes' You're Out) is a multiple-fall match where wrestlers must achieve three victories of a specific nature in a specific order before the other. The name of the match is taken from baseball, referring to the notion that having three strikes would entail losing the match. The most common arrangement for the three strikes are pinfall, submission and knockout with the entire match being fought under no disqualification and no countout rules.DiamantefacedBig Swolein a Three Strikes match onAEW Darkon September 7, 2021.

Two out of Three falls match

A Two out of Three falls match is a multiple-fall match where a wrestler or tag team must beat the other opponent(s) not once but twice for the victory. (by pinfall, submission, disqualification or count-out). For such examples of this match type are theExtreme Rules (2012)betweenDaniel Bryanvs.SheamusandChris Benoitvs.Chris Jerichoat theSummerSlam (2000)pay-per-view. Also, a tag team version of this match type is at thePayback (2015)pay-per-view betweenThe New Dayvs.Cesaro&Tyson Kiddfor theWWE Raw Tag Team Championship.

Gate of Heaven match

A Gate of Heaven match is a multiple-fall match that is applied to tag team matches. Started inDragon Gate,with the first match being a strict tag team match with two referees to make sure tags actually happen. The second match being theDragon Gaterules. The third match, if necessary; tables, ladders and chairs are now legal. The first team to gain two victories before the other is the winner.

Three Stages of Hell match

A Three Stages of Hell match is a multiple-fall match in which two wrestlers must wrestle three special types of matches. A wrestler must achieve two victories before the other. There have only been five occasions in which this match has been contested in WWE history. The first Three Stages of Hell match occurred in 2001 betweenTriple HandSteve Austinat2001 No Way Out,which Triple H won 2–1. Another match of this type took place at2002 ArmageddonbetweenShawn MichaelsandTriple Hfor theWorld Heavyweight Championship.The most recent example of this was atNXT TakeOver 36,whenAdam ColefacedKyle O'Reilly.

Three Degrees of Pain match

The Three Degrees of Pain match is a hybrid match, a variation of Two out of Three Falls and Steel Cage match types where a wrestler must achieve a victory in the specific order before the other. The first victory is a pinfall, the second victory is a submission and if necessary, the third victory is to escape from the steel cage. There have only been two of these matches occurred inTNAhistory and both were feud-enders.

Stipulation-based variations

As professional wrestling seeks to also tell a story, some matches are made solely for the purposes of advancing the plot. This typically involves the loser of a match being penalized in some way.

Clock Strikes Midnight match

The Clock Strikes Midnight match is a singles match where a match is contested under different stipulations, and stipulations of the match keep changing after random intervals. This match was contested between Alexxis Falcon andNina Samuelsat the2023 Super Strong Style 16.The stipulations changed from time to time from a singles match to different stipulations such as Tables match, First Blood match, Submission match, Last Man Standing match, and Deathmatch.

Crybaby match

A Crybaby match is a singles match with the exception that the loser would have to dress as a baby by wearing a nappy and sucking from a bottle. This match only occurred once between1-2-3 KidandRazor Ramonat theIn Your House 6pay-per-view.

Jailhouse match

A Jailhouse match is a singles match with the exception that the loser would have to spend the night in a New York City jail cell. This match featured heavy brawling by both competitorsThe MountieandBig BossmanatSummerSlam 1991.At one point the Mountie tried to use his cattle prod, but missed. Bossman got the pin following a double leg slam and NYC police officers came down to handcuff the Mountie and take him to jail.

A variant of this match, entitled "Jailhouse Street Fight" is a hardcore match where the winner throws an opponent into a cage. This concept was introduced atNXT Roadblock 2023whereTony D'AngelodefeatedDijak.

Kiss My Foot match

A Kiss My Foot match is a singles match with the exception that the loser must kiss the winner's bare foot. Such matches includedBret Hartvs.Jerry Lawlerduring the1995 King of the Ring,Jerry Lawlervs.Michael Coleduring the2011 Over the Limitpay-per-view. A version of this match was used as aNo Holds Barredkiss my foot matchatMajor League Wrestling's2023 Fury Roadevent betweenMatt CardonaandMance Warner.

Kiss My Ass match

A Kiss My Ass match is a singles match in which the loser has to kiss the winner's bare buttocks, in front of the crowd; it became prominent during WWE's Attitude Era. A notable example isThe Rockvs.Billy GunnatSummerSlam 1999,which The Rock won. The match type made a reappearance forSheamusvs.Dolph ZiggleratExtreme Rules 2015,where it was branded a Kiss Me Arse match in reference to Sheamus' Irish accent. Ziggler won, but Sheamus attacked him and forced Ziggler's unconscious self to kiss Sheamus' behind.

Last Chance match

A last chance match, also called a do or die match, is achampionshipmatch where, if the challenger does not win the title, they are banned from challenging for it again as long as the winner of the same match holds it.Rarely, the loser may even be barred from challenging for that title for as long as he remains employed at the company. For example, atSlammiversary XI's main event,Stingwas defeated by defending championBully Rayin a No Holds Barred variant of this match; as per the pre-match stipulation, he was barred from challenging for theTNA World Heavyweight Championshipever again no matter who holds it. A similar situation occurred atAll Elite Wrestling's2019 Full Gearevent, in whichCody Rhodeslost toAEW World ChampionChris Jerichoand could never challenge for the title again as long as he was employed by AEW.Tyson Kiddlost a last chance match againstAdrian Nevillefor theNXT Championshipin 2014. As a result, Tyson Kidd would never get another chance at the NXT Championship as long as he remained employed with WWE.

These matches are usually a way to finish a feud between the champion and a certain challenger. It can also be used as a way of keeping the same challenger a title feud with a multiple champions; someone who had previously lost a last chance match may issue a challenge to a new champion as soon as the previous champion - who won a last chance match - loses their title. An example of this would beDrew McIntyre,who lost a last chance match forBobby Lashley'sWWE Championshipbut immediately challenged new championBig Ewhen the latter won the belt from Lashley. A ban may also be lifted in some other way, such as when Sting was able to challengeMagnusfor the TNA World Heavyweight Championship in a No Disqualification Title vs. Career match atGenesis (2014),though Sting lost.

AEW introduced a variation on the Last Chance match called a Championship Eliminator. In this variation, if the challenger defeats the champion, they get a future match for the title, but if they lose, then they can no longer challenge that champion for as long as the champion holds the title.

Loser Leaves Town match

"Loser leaves town" is a generic term for any match in which the loser has to leave the currentpromotionor sub-division.These matches were most often held during the "territorial days",when wrestlers frequently jumped from company to company. It has been held with greater frequency inWWEduring thebrand split;the losing wrestler typically leaves the brand (usually eitherRaworSmackDown), only to go to the other brand. It is also used as a way to write a wrestler off TV to give them some time off.

Loser Wears A Chicken Suit match

Loser Wears a Chicken Suit match is a singles match where the loser must wear a chicken suit either following the match or at another event soon after.Col. Robert Parkerhad to wear a chicken suit on the January 29, 1994 episode ofWCW Saturday Nightfollowing his loss toFlyin' Brian PillmanatClash of the Champions XXVI.

Loser Wears Dress match

Loser Wears Dress match is a singles match where the loser must wear a woman's dress temporarily after the match occurred. The match is won by pinfall or submission. An example of this type of match is atSouled Out (1999)betweenChris JerichoandPerry Saturnwhich Jericho won.

Luchas de apuestas

Main article:Lucha libre § Luchas de apuestas

Luchas de apuestas(in English meaning "gambling fights" ) are matches in which both wrestlers wager something specific (themaskor hair) on the outcome. The loser of the match then loses the item, being forced to take off their mask or beshaved bald.It is also possible for a wrestler to put someone else's item on the line, with the same stipulation applying in the event of a loss.These matches have a storied history inMexico.Upon unmasking, it is not unheard of for a wrestler's real name and information to be published. As a form of further humiliation, the loser can be forced to physically hand the mask they just lost to the winner.

The most popular types of wager are the mask of a masked wrestler or the hair of a non-masked wrestler, most commonly put against each other in mask vs. mask (in Spanish:máscara contra máscara), mask vs. hair (máscara contra cabellera), or hair vs. hair (cabellera contra cabellera) matches. Throughout Mexico, when masked wrestlers lose their masks, they are not allowed to compete under a mask with that samegimmick.In addition to masks and hair,championships,or careers— as a form ofretirement match— can be put up as the wager in any combination.

Bounty match

Similarly the mask can be used in a bounty match, which can be a single match or series of matches where a third party will reward whoever can unmask the targeted competitor. The match can also be used to defeat a targeted individual or take them out of action with a reward. Sometimes the reward is disclosed and sometimes not. An example of the mask bounty match wasFlyin' Brian Pillmanhaving a bounty byBarry Windhamafter making appearances as The Yellow Dog in order to continue wrestling after losing a loser leaves match.

Move match

A Move match has the objective of performing a specific move first. Usually a signature move or finisher of the wrestlers is selected, although on occasion it will be a generic move that is notoriously hard to perform on both wrestlers. The match usually takes the name of the target move if both wrestlers are trying to perform their finisher for the win. The best known of these wasYokozuna's Bodyslam Challenge,whichLex Lugerwon. Another famous move match was the$15,000 Body Slam ChallengebetweenAndre The GiantandBig John Studdat the first WrestleMania. Another move match was theMasterlock Challengewhich was created byChris Masters.AChokeslam Challengematch was also done between TheBig ShowandTriple Hon WWE Smackdown in September 1999. AStink Face Challengematch is another move match where whoever delivers theStink Faceto their opponent first wins.

Banned Move match

A Banned Move match is a singles match when one or both of the competitors is not allowed to use their finishing move or else they will be disqualified. One of the competitors cannot be disqualified if that wrestler uses the move to give an unfair disadvantage. Sometimes this stipulation is used in a feud with wrestlers whose finishers are the same or similar, in these cases it is common to see the stipulation added that the losing wrestler is no longer allowed to use that move anymore. This type of match often forces the banned wrestler to get more creative and use moves they don't normally use in an attempt to win. An example of this match took place atExtreme Rulesin 2015 betweenSeth RollinsandRandy Orton,where, in addition to the match taking place in a Steel Cage, Orton's finisher, the RKO, was banned. Another example was at the 2020 edition ofAEW'sAll Outevent, whereAEW ChampionJon Moxleydefended his title successfully againstMJF.In that match, Moxley's finisher, the Paradigm Shift (a variation of a DDT) was banned, although he did use it when the referee had his back turned.

Retirement match

The retirement stipulation can be applied to just one wrestleror both wrestlers in a match can be wrestling for their careers. (Though in practice some wrestlers career may resume their career later either inside or outside the promotion the match occurs in despite being "retired" per the stipulation of the match.)Some examples of this stipulation of match areShawn Michaelsvs.Ric FlairatWrestleMania XXIVandShawn Michaelsvs.The UndertakeratWrestleMania XXVI.More loosely, the term can refer to the last match of a (usually "legendary" ) wrestler's career. Such a match is designed to be a last hurrah, showcasing the wrestler's talent one last time for their fans. An example of this type includesSting's retirement match atRevolution 2024.

Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal

The Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal concept was introduced in WCW at the1992 Halloween Havocto determine the stipulation for the match pittingStingversusJake Roberts.While not a match type in and of itself, Spin the Wheel, Make the deal involves awheel of fortunefeaturing a number of match types. When the wheel is spun, the stipulation it lands on is the one used for the match. The concept was later used in TNA as the "Wheel ofDixie"and in WWE as" Raw Roulette ". Since 2020, WWE has revived Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal for Halloween Havoc, which was itself revived as an event for theNXTbrand.

Strip matches

In two kinds of matches, a wrestler does not win by pinfall or submission, but only by stripping their opponent of their clothing.Historically, these types of matches were contested betweenmanagers or valets,due to their supposed lack of wrestling ability. In theAttitude Era,however, full-timefemale wrestlers(known formerly as Divas inWWE) began engaging in strip matches for the purpose oftitillation.

Bra and Panties match

Abraandpantiesmatch is a match consisting of two or more female wrestlers where the only objective to win this match is to strip her opponent down to her bra and panties.

Evening Gown match

Anevening gownmatch is usually contested by two female competitors in evening gowns. The only objective to win this match is the wrestler must remove the evening gown off of her opponent.

Tuxedo match

Atuxedomatch is usually contested by two male competitors in tuxedos. The only objective to win this match is the wrestler must remove his opponent's tuxedo.

Submission match

A submission match is typically a variation of a singles match in which pinfalls, count-outs, and disqualifications are not legal and the match could only end by making an opponent tap out to a submission hold.

Throw in the Towel match

A Throw in the Towel match, also known as aNo Surrender Rules matchinTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling,is a singles match where there are one or more cornermen for each participant, and victory is obtained when an opponent's cornermanthrows a towel into the ringto signal surrender on behalf of their wrestler. An example of this type of match is betweenBob BacklundwithOwen Hartas his cornermen andBret HartwithThe British Bulldogas his cornermen atthe 1994 Survivor Series.

Catch-as-Catch Can match

A Catch-as-Catch Can match is a singles match where any submission hold are allowed that is not intended to inflict injury, which contained mostly submission amateur-style wrestling. This match is altered to stipulate that a wrestler may lose by going to or being forced to the arena floor, like in a battle royale. An example of this type of match is the infamous match betweenDean MalenkoandBilly Kidmanduring WCW'sSouled Out (2000),where Malenko lost in two minutes by forgetting the rules and escaping to the floor after a barrage of attacks from Kidman.

"I quit" match

Main article:"I quit" match

An "I quit" match is a singles match where a wrestler must force the other wrestler to submit in the form of saying the words "I quit" into a microphone to win. This match is run under hardcore rules - no disqualifications, no countouts and the submission can happen anywhere. The referee follows the action with a microphone in hand during the event.

"I respect you" match

An "I respect you" match is a singles match also similar to an "I quit" match, that means: anything goes. In order to win, a wrestler must hurt his opponent brutally that it leaves the other wrestler no other choice but force to say, "I respect you" into the microphone. This match type took place at WCW'sSuperBrawl VIin 1996 which markedBrian Pillman's final match in WCW in his "I respect you" Strap Match againstThe Taskmaster,before Pillman shouted "I respect you, booker man!", breaking kayfabe, before leaving the ring.

Submission Count Anywhere match

The Submission Count Anywhere match is a variation of a Submission and Falls Count Anywhere match, and was debuted atBreaking Point 2009betweenD-Generation XandThe Legacy.This is a tag-team stipulation where a wrestler can be submitted anywhere to win, and there are no pinfalls, no disqualifications and no countouts. This match occurred only once in WWE history.

Substance match

The match is contested in a large container filled with various substances, typically between two female individuals who may or may not have experience with wrestling. Substances can include anything from mud to chocolate milk. Sometimes, specialty substances are used for certain occasions likegravyforThanksgivingandeggnogforChristmas.

A notable example of this match type was theMimosa Mayhem match,which was contested betweenChris JerichoandOrange CassidyatAll Elite Wrestling'sAll Outpay-per-view in September 2020, where the only ways to gain victory were by pinfall, submission or by knocking the opponent into a large vat ofmimosa.Unlike the traditional reasoning, the theme fit with both parties' gimmicks: Jericho was promoting his own line of champagne, and Cassidy is billed as "Freshly Squeezed" as part of his gimmick (in the independent circuit Cassidy would often spit orange juice into his opponent's eyes).

Another example of this match was theChocolate Pudding matchwhenCandice MichelledefeatedMelinain one of these matches.

Blood Bath match

A Blood Bath match is a no-disqualification match where the first to be covered in a vat of blood dispensed from a bucket loses.The BroodmembersEdgeandGangrelhad a Blood Bath match on WWE Raw in August 1999.

Mud match

Main article:mud wrestling

Perhaps the most notable substance match was a mud match, where wrestlers would wrestle in an area or container full of mud, usually away from the ring. Usually women would participate in these matches with some occasional male involvement.

Hog Pen match

A variation of a Mud Match is the Hog Pen match, which is a Mud Match held in a pig pen on a farm, often filled with mud and pig excrement.Triple HandHenry O. Godwinnparticipated in a Hog Pen match at WWE'sIn Your House 5in December 1995. The only objective to win is to be the first wrestler to throw his opponent into a pig pen.

Team matches

Main article:Professional wrestling tag team match types

Matches are often contested between two or more teams, most often consisting of two members each. Tag team matches can range from two teams of two fighting, to multiple man teams challenging each other.

Tag Team match

On most occasions, one member of the team competes in the ring with one or more of his or her teammates standing behind the ropes. Wrestlers switch positions by "tagging" one another, usually similar to ahigh fiveand, as a result, these teams are referred to astag teams.This can create tension during the match as an injured wrestler in the middle of the ring attempts to reach his or her teammates, often with the heel team preventing them from doing so. In typical tag team matches, standard wrestling rules apply with a match ending by pinfall, submission, countout, or disqualification. Tag team matches have also been seen inmixed martial artsandbo xing.

Promotions usually have a tag team championship for a team of two wrestlers, and on rare occasion allies of the reigning tag team will be allowed to defend the title in the place of one of the reigning wrestlers under theFreebird rule.Though common in Mexicanlucha libre,at one point,World Championship Wrestling(WCW) had a championship forteams of three.WWE also can have three (triple threat) or four (fatal four-way) tag teams going against each other as well. TheTag Team Triple Threat match(known asTag Team Triangle matchin WCW) involves three teams where a member of two teams are in the ring and can tag their partner or a member of the third team. The first team with an active competitor to win by pinfall or submission wins the match for the team.

TheTag Team Four Corners match(also known asTag Team Fatal Four-Way match) is another variation that starts off with four teams positioned as in a tag team match and two wrestlers active in the ring. The two wrestlers in the ring can tag their partner or members of a team not already represented in the match. It is an advantage to have a team member tagged into the match as you can only win by being a legal competitor in the match and the one who scores the fall wins the match for the team. One example was a four team match for theWWE Women's Tag Team ChampionshipatStarrcade (2019).

Another variation of the four-way tag team match is to have a member of each of the four teams in competition while their partners are on the apron and the active member who scores a pinfall or submission wins the match for the team. One example of this variation was contested for theSmackDown Tag Team ChampionshipatClash of Champions (2017).

Sometimes a team will have members of three, four or five in non-elimination tag matches. They are often named based on the number of participants and gender involved. Six-Man (Six-Woman) Tag Team match (known as Trios match in AEW) is one variation.The Wyatt FamilydefeatedThe ShieldatElimination Chamber (2014)in a six-man tag team match.

Tornado Tag Team match

The tornado tag team match (Originally known as theTexas Tornado) is a hardcore-rules match where all wrestlers involved are allowed to be in and wrestle in the ring and elsewhere at the same time, and thus all wrestlers are vulnerable to having a fall scored against them. Whether or not it is truly a tag team match is debatable, as it involves no tagging, but it is contested between tag teams. The first match of this kind was held on October 2, 1937, inHoustonbetween Milo Steinborn and Whiskers Savage againstTiger DaulaandFazul Mohammed.It was the brainchild of promoter Morris Sigel. Another well-known example of this match is whenThe Shield(Roman Reigns&Seth Rollins) challengedTeam Hell No(Daniel Bryan&Kane) for theWWE Tag Team ChampionshipatExtreme Rules (2013).

Another example of this match isAll Elite Wrestling'srenamedAnarchy in the Arena match.The match has been held three times at the annualDouble or Nothingpay-per-view event:

• 2022:The Jericho Appreciation Society(Chris Jericho,Daniel Garcia,Jake Hager,Angelo Parker,andMatt Menard) defeatedThe Blackpool Combat Club(Bryan DanielsonandJon Moxley),Eddie Kingston,Santana and Ortizbytechnical submission
• 2023:Blackpool Combat Club (Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley,Claudio Castagnoli,andWheeler Yuta) defeatedThe Elite(Kenny Omega,Matt Jackson,Nick Jackson,and"Hangman" Adam Page) bypinfall
• 2024:The Elite (Matthew Jackson, Nicholas Jackson,Kazuchika Okada&Jack Perry) defeatedDarby Allin,FTR(Dax Harwood&Cash Wheeler) & Bryan Danielson by pinfall

Elimination Tag Team match

Tag team matches are occasionally held under elimination rules; that is, the losing wrestler is eliminated from the match, but their team is allowed to continue with their remaining members until all members of one team are eliminated. WWE and other promotions also has three or four tag teams going against each other as well. Anyone can be tagged in by anyone else and can be subject to immediate disqualification for failure to accept a tag. When a wrestler is pinned or force to submit, the entire team is eliminated and the last team remaining wins.

In WWE, these matches are primarily featured during itsSurvivor Seriespay-per-views, where they are billed as a "Survivor Series match".Teams of four or five, though on some occasions as many as seven, compete under elimination rules. All other standard rules apply, and team members may tag in and out in any order. While some teams are already establishedstables,others may need to recruit members for their team. Inlucha librepromotions, atorneo ciberneticois a similar type of match between teams of up to eight wrestlers who enter in a predetermined order.

Captain's Fall match

A captain's fall match is a tag team elimination match where the two teams of four competitors to compete and captains are assigned to both teams. The purpose of the match is to score a fall over the captain to get the win. Eliminations may occur until the captain is pinned or force to submit, the team loses if the captain is eliminated. This match type only occurred atWWE 205 Liveon August 20, 2019 between TeamDrew Gulakvs. Team Lorcan.

Tag Team Turmoil

A tag team turmoil is another version of an elimination tag team match. The match has a team in each of the four corners to start the match, but as each team is eliminated another team takes its place, similar to agauntlet match.There are five pay-per-view matches of the tag team turmoil took place atSummerSlam in 1999,Armageddon in 2003,Night of Champions in 2010,Night of Champions Kickoff Show in 2013andElimination Chamber in 2017.Two teams start, when one is eliminated a new team comes to the ring until all teams have competed, the remaining team is the winner. This was used on the May 31, 2011 episode ofNXT,with a team consisting of a WWE pro and an NXT rookie. The winning team earned three redemption points for the rookie in this version. This was also used on the May 8, 2017 episode ofRaw,where the winning team earned a number one contender's spot forMattandJeff Hardy'sWWE Raw Tag Team Championship.

Ultimate Endurance match

Primarily associated withRing of Honor(ROH), An Ultimate Endurance match is a tag team elimination match that typically includes three to four tag teams with the members of two. The match starts off with a particular set of special stipulations, with the stipulation changing every time a team is eliminated. These stipulations are predetermined and are not limited to any specific type.

Mixed Tag Team match

A mixed tag team match features mixed-gender teams that only wrestlers of the same gender may be in the ring at the same time will wrestle each other under the standard rules. For example, if a female wrestler tags her male partner, both women leave the ring and both men enter the ring, the roles is also reversed as well. TheMixed Match Challengetournament was debuted on January 16, 2018, which both team winnersThe MizandAsukawon season one whileR-TruthandCarmellawon season two, earning themselves the #30 spots in the 2019 Royal Rumble matches and an all-expenses-paid vacation, respectively.

Intergender Tag Team match

A intergender tag team match features mixed-gender teams but it differs from the "Mixed Tag Team match" in which that both men and women can be in the ring at the same time to wrestle each other under the tornado tag team rules. This concept was used and popularized in the early 2000s byTeam Xtremeduring theAttitude Era.

Stadium Stampede / Anarchy in the Arena match

A Stadium Stampede match is a type of hybrid tag team, location and cinematic match that originated inAll Elite Wrestling.It has been run twice at theirDouble or Nothingpay-per-view event under this name and three times under the Anarchy in the Arena name, as well as once at theirAEW All In Londonpay-per-view event for a total of six times (when conducted indoors, it is called anAnarchy in the Arena match.) This match typically involves 10 wrestlers in a 5 vs 5 match, and all five wrestlers of the two teams are each part of an established faction in AEW. This often violent and brutal match is contested under hardcore rules, and it starts in a ring in the middle of the stadium or arena and progresses through various environments, such as bars, cargo loading areas and offices. The 2020 edition of this match stayed within the empty TIAA Bank Field and featured the teams brawling around the stadium, while the 2021 edition of this match had the combatants exit the empty stadium and then finally end up in the audience-present central event space at the adjacentDaily's Placeoutdoor amphitheatre, where the match was finished in the Daily's Place ring. The first indoor edition took place under the name Anarchy in the Arena at Double or Nothing 2022. The third match under the Stadium Stampede name was held atAll Ininside London'sWembley Stadiumin 2023. However, unlike the previous stadium editions, the entire match took place live in front of a crowd, instead of it being a cinematic match.

Strange Bedfellows match

A Strange Bedfellows match is a standard tag team match where a member of one tag team has to team up with a member of another tag team they are feuding with. One example of this was whenMatt Hardyhad to team up withChristianagainst his brother/tag team partnerJeff Hardyand Christian's tag team partnerEdge.

Weapon-based variations

Through the use offoreign objects,the matches generally take the name of the weapon being used ( "Singapore canematch "," Chairs match "). In the following list of weapon-based matches additional rules have supplanted or replaced the standard rules.

Arcade Anarchy match

An Arcade Anarchy match is a tag-team hardcore match that originated in AEW where various items found inarcadeslike air hockey tables,mallethammers(forMogura Taiji(Whac-a-Mole)), various video game stalls, aclaw craneand evenTeddy bearsfilled withLegobricks are made available and placed around the ring. There is also a "prize wall" made available with traditional hardcore professional wrestling weapons hanging on this wall. This match was first done on AEW Dynamite on March 31, 2021.

Beach Brawl

A Beach Brawl is a hardcore match where objects that are found at a beach, like surfboards, wooden benches, wooden tables, beach balls, sports balls and a kiddle pool filled with plastic balls are made available. The match is no-disqualification, so other weapons are also legal. The first Beach Brawl was betweenSol RucaandBlair Davenportin WWE NXT'sSpring Breakin'in April 2024.

Bricks match

A Bricks match is a hardcore match where concrete bricks are made available as weapons. Bricks were often integrated into no-rope barbed wire deathmatches, and bricks first made their appearance in Japanesedeathmatchesin 1993.

Chairs match

A Chairs match is a standard weapons match with any number of steel chairs being the only legal weapon to be used. This match can be won by pinfall or submission. The first Chairs match was introduced atTLC 2009betweenBatistavs.The Undertaker,which Undertaker won bypinfall.

Country Whipping match

A Country Whipping match is a hardcore match where all competitors are armed with leather belts, which is the only legal weapon in the match. This was known to beThe Godwinnsspeciality match.

Crazy 8 match

The Crazy 8 match, used mostly in the defunct Pro Wrestling Unplugged promotion, involves placing a championship belt at the top of a scaffold with the first wrestler to retrieve it being declared the winner. Placed in and around the ring for the wrestlers to use during the match are one side of asteel cage,two trampolines, and four rope swings.

Fans Bring the Weapons match

A Fans Bring the Weapons match is a type of dangerous hardcore match where the competing wrestlers take random blunt objects from audience members and use them in the match. This match was first pioneered inExtreme Championship Wrestlingin the mid-1990s.

Good Housekeeping match

A Good Housekeeping match is a hardcore match where various items usually found in private homes such as trashcans, kitchen sinks, ironing boards, pans, tables, brooms, utensils and various raw food ingredients are made available as weapons and these are the only legal weapons. This match is fought under no-disqualification and no-countout rules.Jeff JarrettfoughtChynain a Good Housekeeping match at WWF'sNo Mercy 1999.

Handcuff match

A Handcuff match is a hardcore match when the only way to win is a wrestler must retrieve a pair of handcuffs then handcuff the opposing wrestler to a ring fixture but sometimes so that the opposing wrestler is unable to make use of their hands.

Hangman's Horror match

The Hangman's Horror match was created byRavento end his feud withVampirow/James Mitchellat TNA'sIMPACT Wrestlingon October 29, 2003. The objective in this match is to wrap your opponent's neck with a steel chain and then proceed in hanging him over the ring ropes. Once he is declared unconscious by the referee, the person in charge of the horrific hanging will gain the victory.

Kendo Stick match

Johnny Devine(left) uses a kendo stick on Buck Gunderson during a match

A kendo stick match (also known as aSingapore cane matchorDueling canes match) is a standard weapons match with akendo stickbeing the only legal weapon. Often, the ring will be lined with many kendo sticks for the wrestlers to use. Hardcore wrestling promotionCombat Zone Wrestlinghas used this match withfluorescent light tubesinstead of kendo sticks.

Ladder match

Main article:Ladder match

A ladder match is a no-disqualification style match in which a specific object (usually a title belt, a contract or a briefcase) is placed above the ring—out of the reach of the competitors—with the winner being the first person to climb aladderand retrieve it. This is often used inWWEwith theirMoney in the Bankmatches.The ladder may be used as a weapon.

Casino Ladder match

The Casino Ladder match was created byAll Elite Wrestlingas a variation of its Casino Battle Royale. A poker chip is hung above the ring beneath a ladder, which can be used as a weapon. The match starts with two wrestlers, with a new participant entering every 2 minutes. The first wrestler to grab the poker chip wins the match, and with it a futureAEW World Championshipmatch at a time and place of the wrestler's choosing. Notably, the match can be won before all of the intended participants have entered.

Full Metal Mayhem match

A Full Metal Mayhem match is a variation on a TLC match (see below), where in addition to tables and chairs being present, steel chains are made available, and any other weapon that is metallic (trashcans, thumbtacks) often make appearances. This match originated inTNA Impact Wrestlingand this promotion has had at least one of these matches every year since 2005.

King of the Mountain match

Further information:King of the Mountain match

The King of the Mountain match is described as a "reverse ladder match". Instead of retrieving an object hanging above the ring, the winner is the first person to use a ladder tohangachampionship beltabove the ring—after having scored a pinfall or submission (pinfalls count anywhere) to earn the right to try. A wrestler who has been pinned or forced to submit must spend two minutes in apenalty box.AtSlammiversary (2022),the first-ever Queen of the Mountain match took place, withJordynne Gracedefeating championTasha Steelz,along withChelsea Green,Deonna PurrazzoandMia Yimto win theImpact Knockouts Championship.Four-time Knockouts World ChampionMickie Jameswas the match's enforcer.

Stairway to Hell match

Used inECW,a Stairway to Hell match is a ladder match with a weapon hanging over the ring. Rather than winning the match by retrieving it, the first wrestler to climb a ladder and retrieve the weapon is allowed to use it in the match. The match is won by standard pinfall or submission.

TLC match

Main article:Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match

A tables, ladders and chairs match, often abbreviated as TLC match, is an extension of aladder matchwithchairsandtablesalso being present as legalweapons.This match was introduced because each of the three teams specialized in one of these weapons: Edge and Christian were known for their frequent use of steel folding chairs and the tandem "con-chair-to" move; the Dudley Boyz were known for their pioneering, hard-hitting use of slamming their opponents through wooden event tables; and the Hardy Boyz were known for their high-flying acrobatics off of twin-step ladders. There had been a similar type of match atWrestleMania 2000called the "Triangle Ladder Match" which also involved tables and chairs. But the first ever official TLC match took place betweenEdge and Christian,The Dudley Boyzandthe Hardy Boyzat the WWF event Summerslam 2000; and another atWrestlemania X-Seven.

Due to the destructive, dangerous, violent, frenetic and physically demanding nature of these matches, every subsequent TLC match was toned down to reduce the physical demands and risks this type of match poses. From 2009 to 2020, WWE has held a pay-per-view in December namedTLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs,which features this stipulation in its main event. The match has two variations: one is competed as a ladder match, which the person/people must retrieve an object suspended above the ring, and the other is a traditional style match won by pinfall or submission. In WWE,Edgehas competed in the most TLC matches (7) including the first three, and has often used this match to gain an advantage in a storyline, with some referring to it as his specialty match.

This match has also been run under singles match rules where a wrestler can win via pitfall, count out or submission, and tables, ladders and chairs are heavily featured as weapons. Two examples were the “WeeLC” match in 2014 and the Tables, Ladders and Scares (a renamed TLC match) betweenTony D’AngeloandOba Femiin 2024.

Ultimate X match

Main article:Ultimate X match

The Ultimate X match is a "ladder match without the ladders" where two cables are strung metal structures rising from the four corners of the ring, crossing above the middle of the ring, forming an "X" pattern. The objective to win this match is to climb the turnbuckles and then climb hand-over-hand across the cables to claim the prize of the match, usually a championship belt. A signature match ofImpact Wrestling's X Division, the match is contested by three or more wrestlers.

Nigerian Drum Fight

A Nigerian Drum Fight is a no-disqualification stipulation weapons match where various musical percussion instruments used in traditional Nigerian music, such as bongos and a gong are made available at ringside, as are tables and kendo sticks.Big EfacedApollo CrewsatWrestleMania 37in a Nigerian Drum Fight.

Object on a Pole match

The Object on a Pole match, whose name is usually derived from the object being hung, i.e. "Brass knuckleson a Pole ","Steel chairon a Pole ","Singapore caneon a Pole "," Paddle on a Pole ","Viagraon a Pole "," Contract on a pole "," Mistletoe on a Pole "or"Judy Bagwellon a Forklift ", is the spiritual forebear of theladder match.In this case, an object is placed on a pole that extends from one of the fourturnbuckleson the ring with the wrestlers battling to reach it first.Unlike the ladder match, however, reaching the object doesn't usually end the match; it simply allows that wrestler to use it as aweapon.This isnota no-disqualification match; the weapon on the pole is merely an exception to the disqualification rule. However, this is sometimes a no-disqualification match in which any weapon, plus the one on the pole, can be used. This match is referred to by many wrestling critics as a "Russo Special", due to the propensity of WCWbookerVince Russo's use of Pole Matches during his tenure at the company. AnotherWorld Championship Wrestlingspecialty is theSan Francisco 49ers match,where four boxes are placed in the four corners of the ring, one with the championship belt and the other three with weapons. You must find box with the belt to win the match and the championship. To date, this match is only known to have happened in a major wrestling federation once, withBooker T.defeatingJeff Jarrettto become the WCW World Heavyweight champion on October 2, 2000.

Multiple variations of the "Pole match" exist. In some cases the matchiscloser to the ladder match, in that reaching the object does end the match.In others there will be objects above all of the turnbuckles.Further still, there can be a mixture of the two, with an object placed at (though not above) each turnbuckle, one to end the match, the rest to be used as weapons.Total Nonstop Action Wrestlingused a "Pole match" as a setup to another match, placing objects at four of their six turnbuckles with the promise that the first wrestler to reach each object would be allowed to use them weeks later at an already scheduledcage match.In aFeast or Fired matcheach case contains a contract to fight for aTNA World Heavyweight Championship,TNA Tag Team ChampionshiporTNA X-Division Championship,with the final case contains a pink slip, mean the holder of that case would be fired immediately, but if the person holding the X-Division title shot briefcase went on to win that title, it cannot be cashed in right away for the World Heavyweight Championship (Option C). TheCoal Miner's Glove matchis a variation of the typical "Object on a Pole match" in which the object in question is a coal miner's glove, which can be used on one's opponent upon retrieval.

Biker Chain match

A Biker Chain match is a hardcore match where a chain is attached to a pole and is the only legal weapon, but the objective of this match is to pin your opponent.Brock LesnarandThe Undertakerdid a Biker Chain match at WWE'sNo Mercy2003.

Pillow Fight

A pillow fight is a weapons match with onlypillowsand a bed are placed in the ring.The pillows may be used as weapons, but other than that, standard wrestling rules apply. Notably,Torrie Wilsononce picked up the bed withCandice Michelleon it and threw it. Another variation, theLingerie Pillow Fight,requires the participants to wearlingerie.Another variation, thePajama Pillow Fight,requires the participants to wearpajamas.

Straitjacket match

In a straitjacket match, a wrestler must put their opponent into a straitjacket, usually after knocking the opponent out or by rendering them unconscious by submission holds. It made its televised debut on TNA whenSamuel ShawbeatMr. Andersonby first rendering him unconscious with a chokehold and then putting him into the straitjacket.On WWF Raw in June 1999,Ken Shamrock,who was the only participant confined to the straitjacket, still won his match withJeff Jarrettafter forcing him to submit to a headscissors submission hold.

Strap match

A strap match, known by many names and done with many slight variations, is any match in which the competitors are placed on the opposite ends of a restraint to keep them in close physical proximity. By definition, the strap and anything tied to it are considered legal and in play weapons. The most common rule for victory is to achieve apinfall,but there is a common variation where one wrestler must circle the ring and touch all four corners in quick order, without interruption.Because of the strap's legality, and subsequent use as a choking device, submissions are generally not allowed.

The traditional strap match involves two wrestlers tied together via a leather strap, with the strap match being one of the most varied forms of professional wrestling match type, both in name and implements used. The name used for the match generally comes from the implement used and one or both of the participants. Common restraints include abelt,bullrope (length ofropewith acowbellthe center), steelchains,one to two-foot "leash",or leather strap, where the wrestlers are tied together at one wrist. This match type is often namedCaribbean Strap matchwhen a wrestler fromPuerto Rico(such asSavio Vega) is participating on the match or the match is being held on a Puerto Rican promotion like theInternational Wrestling Association.

Barbed Wire Chain Deathmatch

A Barbed Wire Chain Deathmatch is a strap match where instead of two wrestlers being bound together with a leather strap at the wrists, they are bound together with barbed wire at the wrists. This match was done a few times in 1995 in the IWA promotion in Japan with Shoji Nakamaki,Hiroshi OnoandCactus Jack.

Dog collar match

A Dog Collar match is a type of strap match where instead of a leather strap at a wrist, the competing wrestlers are bound together by the neck viadog collarsand chains. Made famous by the match betweenRoddy PiperandGreg ValentineatStarrcade '83: A Flare for the Gold,AEW has brought the match back in recent times, withBrodie Leevs.Codyfollowing the stipulation in 2020 (the last match of the former's career before his death later that year), andCM Punkvs.MJFatRevolutionbeing highly regarded for their violence. Punk himself competed in another famously violent dog collar match againstRavenatROH Death Before Dishonour2003.

Four Corners Strap match

The Four Corners Strap match is when the first wrestler to touch all four turnbuckle pads in succession without any form of interruption from his opponent or anyone else wins. If at any point a wrestler starts touching pads but is taken down before the wrestler can finish touching them all, they must start over again. There are no pinfalls, no submissions, no countouts, or no disqualifications in this match. AtWCW'sUncensored 1995,Hulk Hoganactually dragged non-participant (Ric Flair) to all four corners to win his strap match againstBig Van Vader.This match was renamed aSamoan Strap matchfor WWE'sExtreme Rules 2009pay-per-view withUmagafacing off againstCM Punk.WCW has their own variation strap match as well named theYapapi Indian Strap matchbetweenHulk Hoganvs.Ric Flairat the2000 Uncensoredpay-per-view. ANo Surrender Dog Collar Strap matchis a strap match with the "No Surrender" stipulation added, meaning that neither competitor would be permitted to submit in the match.TNAhad a main event at theTNA No Surrender 2005pay-per-view for theNWA World Heavyweight ChampionshipbetweenRavenandAbyss,which Raven won.All Elite Wrestling(AEW) also has its own variation of the Four Corners Strap match, dubbed theSouth Beach Strap match,which has been used once in a match betweenCody RhodesandQ. T. Marshallat theRoad Ragerevent in July 2021. It was named as such due to the event taking place inDowntown Miami,close to the neighbourhood ofSouth Beach.

Russian chain match

A Russian Chain match is a type of strap match where instead of an elastic strap, a thick, 15-foot steel chain is used to bound the wrestlers, and this chain is often used as a weapon. This match has come under many names, including aTexas Chain match.ABiker Chain matchis a variation of anObject on a Pole match.The Russian Chain match was the speciality ofIvan KoloffandBoris Malenko.

Texas Bullrope match

A Texas Bullrope match is a type of strap match where the wrestlers are bound together by a thick cattle rope with a cowbell attached; the objective of this match is to achieve a single pinfall, or in another variation, victory is achieved by touching all four turnbuckles successively similar to a standard Strap Match (as in the case ofJBLvs.Eddie GuerreroinThe Great American Bash (2004)).The Rockhad his own signature match, theBrahma Bullrope matchwhich was a renamed Texas Bullrope match.

Stretcher match

A stretcher at ringside prior to a stretcher match

A Stretcher match is a hardcore match where a wrestler must incapacitate their opponent to such an extent that they are able to get them onto a stretcher and roll them to the finish line for the victory; usually past a line at the top of the entrance ramp. The stretcher can also be used as a weapon.

Steel Stairs match

A Steel Stairs match is a hardcore match where the only legal weapon are any number of steel stairs typically situated the on opposite sides of the ring that can be used to enter the ring. TheBig ShowfacedErick Rowanin a Steel Stairs match at theTLC 2014WWE pay-per view.

Symphony of Destruction match

A Symphony of Destruction match is a hardcore match where various musical instruments are available at ringside as weapons. This isElias's speciality match and debuted in 2018 when Elias facedBraun Strowman.

Tables match

Chris Jericho(left) andShawn Michaelson a table at a 2008 house show inPuerto Rico

A Tables match is a hardcore match in which, to win, one's opponent must be driven through atable.It can only be won with anoffensive maneuver.

Tables matches can be contested withtag teams,under botheliminationand one fall rules. The first tables match was contested atECW's 1995Double Tablesevent betweenThe Public EnemyandThe Tazmaniac&Sabufor theECW World Tag Team Championship,whilst the first in the WWE was a tag-team Tables match withThe Hardy BoyzversusThe Dudley Boyzat the2000 Royal Rumble.The objective of both of these matches was to drive all opposing team members through tables with offensive moves, but subsequent WWE Tables matches have only required one member to be driven through a table. It is common for tables matches to also include a "no-disqualification" clause, turning them into hardcore matches (although this variation may also be known as aHardcore Tables match). In some tag matches, a person can save his teammate by breaking the table with his own body. Apparently this does not count against the team.

Flaming Tables match

A Flaming Tables match is anExtreme Championship Wrestlingspecialty match, where the tables are set on fire, and the only way to win is to put opponents through the flaming tables.

Thanksgiving Leftovers Throwdown

The Thanksgiving Leftovers Throwdown is a specialty match based on theThanksgiving holiday.It debuted on the November 26, 2021Black Fridayedition ofSmackDownbetweenRick BoogsandAngel Garza.It is a standard wrestling match with a table by ringside covered with leftover foods. No competitor was thrown into the table althoughHumberto Carrillo,who distracted Boogs, was thrown into the table byShinsuke Nakamura.

Two out of Three Tables match

A Two out of Three Tables match is a hardcore match where it can only be won when a wrestler or tag team puts their opponent or opponent's team through two tables, but it does not have to be at the same time. Performing a move on double tables does not count as a victory. It is also a variation of a two out of three falls match.

Taped fist match

For a taped fist match, the wrestlers are allowed totape and/or wraptheir hands to allow them to punch harder without damaging their hands. The wrestlers must compete with their fists taped, the idea being that this would make it harder to grab each other while at the same time protecting their hands while punching, encouraging the athletes to "fight" instead of wrestle.In one variation, theTaipei Deathmatch,the taped fists are dipped insuper glue,then broken glass.

Viking Rules match

The Viking Rules match is aviking-themed hardcore match with the ring decorated in a style of aviking ship.This match was introduced byThe Viking Raiderson the September 2, 2022 edition ofSmackDown(taped on August 26, 2022) againstThe New Day.

Water Fight

A water fight is a weapons match which the ring is surrounded with buckets of water, water guns and water balloons to use as weapons. Other than that, standard wrestling rules apply. Notably,Jillian Hallonce smackedMickie Jamesover the head with a water gun during this match.

Weapon Rumble match

The Weapon Rumble match is a hardcore match invented inDDT Pro-Wrestlingin which, similarly to aRumble rules match,with every time interval a new weapon is introduced in the match. The weapons are chosen by the participants beforehand and can widely vary due to the loose interpretation of the definition of a "weapon" that's used by the company in a comedic manner.

Weapons Wild match

A Weapons Wild match is a hardcore match where various blunt weapons are made available along the padded barriers at ringside, and are all legal. Wrestlers are armed with at least one weapon when they start the match. This match originated in WWE'sNXTpromotion.

Winner Takes All match

Two scenarios constitute a Winner Takes All match; a title-versus-title match is a match in which both wrestlers (or teams if a tag team match) are champions going into the match, and the winner receives the championship of the loser, thus "taking all".This differs from a championship unification match, where one championship is absorbed into the other and retired/deactivated. In a Winner Take All scenario, both titles are still active and defended as separate entities. Winner Takes All matches may also take the form of tag team matches, in which two separate titles are fought for in the same match; such as whenSeth RollinsandBecky Lynchdefended theUniversal ChampionshipandRaw Women's Championshiprespectively againstBaron CorbinandLacey Evansat 2019'sExtreme Rulesevent.

Sources

• Text was copied fromWrestling match typesat the Pro Wrestling wiki, which is released under aCreative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 (Unported) (CC BY-SA 3.0) license.
• Foley, Mick(2000).Have a Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks.HarperCollins.ISBN0-06-103101-1.
• Reynolds, R. D. (2003).Wrestlecrap: The Very Worst of Pro Wrestling.ECW Press.ISBN1-55022-584-7.
• PWI Staff (2007). "Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts".Wrestling's historical cards.Kappa Publishing.

External links

• WWE – Specialty Matches