Professional wrestlinghas accrued a considerable amount ofjargonthroughout its existence.[1][2]Much of it stems from the industry's origins in the days ofcarnivalsand circuses.[3]In the past, professional wrestlers used such terms in the presence of fans so as not to reveal theworkednature of the business.[1][3]Into the 21st century, widespread discussion on the Internet has popularized these terms.[1]Many of the terms refer to the financial aspects of professional wrestling in addition to in-ring terms.[3]
A management employee, often a former wrestler (though it can be a current wrestler or even a non-wrestler), who helps wrestlers set up matches, plan storylines, give criticisms on matches, and relay instructions from thebookers.Agents often act as a liaison between wrestlers and higher-level management and sometimes may also help in training younger wrestlers. They are referred to byWWEas "producers" and byAEWas "coaches".
alliance
A cooperative relationship developed between two or more wrestlers, whether wrestling as atag teamor in individual matches. Differentiates from astableand afactionas the wrestlers are not packaged together, but are presented as a group of individuals working together for a common short-term goal. Alliances are often formed for the specific purpose of retaining titles between the members of the alliance, or to counter a specific foe or group of foes. The formation of an alliance can be a storyline of its own.[6]
Andre shot
A camera trick by which a wrestler is made to appear larger by placing the camera below the wrestler and shooting upward. Named forAndré the Giant,a frequent subject of such camera shots.[2]
angle
A fictional storyline. An angle usually begins when one wrestler attacks another (physically or verbally), which results in revenge.[3]An angle may be as small as a single match or a vendetta that lasts for years. It is not uncommon to see an angle becomeretconneddue to it not gettingoverwith the fans, or if one of the wrestlers currently involved in the angle is fired.
Apter mag
An old-style professional wrestling magazine that sticks tokayfabearticles.[1]The term refers to the magazines at one time connected to journalistBill Apter,such asPro Wrestling Illustrated.[1]
audible
A message delivered from backstage, either to the referee (using their earpiece) or the commentary team (using their headsets) instructing the wrestlers and other on-screen talent on what to do, usually in order to work around a botch by changing the match on the fly.
A wrestling event featuring the middle and lower-level talent of a wrestling promotion. Sometimes includes well-known wrestlers making a return or finishing up their career.[1]CompareA-showandC-show.
B-team
The group of wrestlers on aB-show.[1]Frequently, the B-team will wrestle at a venue the same night wrestlers on theA-teamare wrestling in a different event, although a promotion will sometimes schedule an event with B-team wrestlers to test a new market.CompareA-team.
The Shieldperforming abeat downonKane
Ananglein which a wrestler or other performer is the recipient of a one-sided beating (sometimes with brieffalse comebacks), usually by a group of wrestlers or after being lured into a compromising position.[1]
bicycling
A now-obsolete practice used in the territorial era in which television tapes were distributed to stations within a promoter's territory.[2]
bidding war
A "bidding war" refers to a situation where multiple wrestling promotions compete to sign a particular wrestler, often leading to heightened contract negotiations. This typically occurs when a wrestler's contract is nearing expiration, and their market value is perceived to be high, sparking interest from competing organizations. The term gained notable attention during the self-declared "Bidding War of 2024" initiated byMaxwell Jacob Friedman(MJF), where it was heavily implied thatAEWandWWEwill engage in competitive negotiations for his contract. This scenario often garners significant attention and can be used by wrestlers and promotions to leverage contract terms or enhance storylines.[7][8]
A wrestler intentionally cutting themselves (or, more rarely, allowing themselves to be cut by the opponent or referee) to provoke bleeding tosellthe opponent's offense.
blind tag
1. A tag made in atag teammatch where the wrestler on the apron tags their partner unbeknownst to them or without their consent.
2. A tag where the tagger's opponent is unaware a tag has occurred, leaving them open to a blindside attack as they attempt to attack the wrestler who has been tagged out. Most often occurs when the partner in the ring is thrown against the ropes or backed into their own corner.
blowjob
An attractive male wrestler, used to attractgroupiesto events.[9]
The final match in afeud.[1]While the involved wrestlers often move onto new feuds, sometimes it is the final match in the promotion for one or more of the wrestlers.[1]
Anendingused in tag team and other multi-party matches in which all wrestlers are in the ring and the referee cannot restore order.[2]
book
Alsobookerandbooking.
"Booker (professional wrestling)" redirects here. For the wrestler, seeBooker T (wrestler).
To determine and schedule the events of a wrestlingcard.The person in charge of setting up matches and writinganglesis a "booker".[1]It is the wrestling equivalent of adirector.A booker can also be described as someone who recruits and hires talent to work in a particular promotion. TheUnited States District Court for the Southern District of Iowadefined a booker in 1956 as "[...] any person who, for a fee or commission, arranges with a promoter or promoters for the performance of wrestlers in professional wrestling exhibitions".[10]Booking is also the term a wrestler uses to describe a scheduled match or appearance on a wrestling show (i.e., "a booked match" ).[1]
boom boom boom
A match segment, often near the end of tag team or multi-party matches, when competitors perform their signature moves in quick succession.[2]
To fall on the mat or ground.[1][17]A flat back bump is a bump in which a wrestler lands solidly on their back with high impact, spread over as much surface as possible.[1]A "phantom bump" occurs when a wrestler or referee takes a bump without a plausible reason (usually due to abotchor other mistake).[1]
burial
Alsoburyandburied.
Theworkedlowering (relegation) of a wrestler's status in the eyes of the fans. The opposite of apush,it is the act of a promoter orbookercausing a wrestler to lose popularity, momentum and/or credibility, or damaging their gimmick through means such as forcing them to lose insquashmatches, losing continuously, allowing opponents to no-sellorkick outof said wrestler'sfinisher,or forcing them to participate in unentertaining or degrading storylines, or not using them at all. A burial is often used a form of punishment due to real-life backstage disagreements between the wrestler and the booker, the wrestler falling out of favor with the company, or sometimes to demote an unpopular performer orgimmick.
business
Professional wrestling; instead of "profession" or "sport".[3]
bust open
To start to bleed, usually from the head after being hit with something like a chair, and typically (but not always) afterblading.
An event featuring the lowest level of talent in a promotion, most notably rookies and entry-level talent. Often used as a derogatory adjective.CompareA-showandB-show.
call
To instruct the other wrestler of what is going to happen in the match.[1]Also refers to commentators detailing what is happening during a match.
call it in the ring
To make up moves and storytelling in a match on the fly, rather than rehearse them in advance. It is essentially the wrestling equivalent ofimprovisational theatre.
camera kills
Empty seats that are not sold due to being right behind a permanent camera location which would result in an obstructed view.
card
The lineup of the matches that will be staged at a given venue for a given performance.[1]The card is generally performed in a roughly inverse order to the way in which it might be printed for posters or other promotional materials. The major matches between well-known opponents are said to be "top of the card" or themain eventand generally go on last, while the preliminary matches between lesser-known opponents are said to be the "undercard".
carpenter
A term for a wrestler whose purpose is to use their in-ring abilities to make their opponents look as good and strong as possible. This is different from anenhancement talentin that a wrestler is used as a carpenter because they are recognized as having great in-ring abilities and experience. Often (but not always) a carpenter is an older, more experienced wrestler, tasked with making less experienced wrestlers (often in the beginning stages of receiving apush) look like a credible threat going into their nextprogram.In modern times, a carpenter is also used when a company is preparing to present a recent signee who may not be familiar to the audience, in an effort to help the wrestler best showcase their abilities. Because of their skill and role in building up talent, carpenters are regarded with a great deal of respect.
carry
The act of one wrestler guiding a typically less experienced or skilled performer through a match. A "carry job" refers to a match oranglein which a particularly skilled performer is able to make an inferior wrestler look good or is perceived to be doing all the work.
chain wrestling
A sequence of traditional grappling moves usually employed near the start of a match. More common in Japan, the UK and Mexico than in the US.[2]
champion's advantage
Alsochampionship advantage.
The rule that a reigning champion, should they lose during a title defense bycountoutordisqualificationrather than by the traditional means of pinfall or submission, would retain their title despite losing the match; it can sometimes be revoked as part of a storyline.[18][19]
cheap heat
The incitement of a negative crowd reaction by insulting the crowd en-masse, typically by bringing up something unrelated to the wrestling business (such as mocking a local town or sports team), usually used in a negative light. Foreign heel wrestlers, like Iron Sheik, often get this by insulting whatever country they're performing in.[1][3]Comparecheap pop.
cheap pop
The incitement of a positive crowd reaction by "kissing up" to the crowd. Mick Foley would often do this by saying "It's great to be here in (insert name of city and state)!" While The Rock would begin many promos by saying “Finally, The Rock has come back to (insert name of city or state)!”,heelsoften follow the same principle, but in reverse to get booed.Comparecheap heat.
clean finish
A match ending without cheating at all, (including low blows and being hit with weapons)
clean wrestling
Matches pitting twofaceswith no storyline animosity against each other, both obeying the rules throughout. Such matches are characterized by an emphasis on displayingtechnical wrestlingskill instead ofworkingthe audience and a general air of sportsmanship. Although a staple of British and Japanese wrestling, it is uncommon in North America.[20]One notable "clean" match which took place in North America isHulk Hoganvs.The Ultimate WarrioratWrestleMania VIin 1990.[citation needed]
closet champion
A titleholder (usually aheel) who ducks top-flight matches, cheats to win (often by managerial interference), and—when forced to wrestle good opponents—deliberately causes themself to be disqualified (since titles often do not change hands bydisqualification) to retain the title.[1]
A moment in which a wrestler is being dominated and then manages to turn things around and fight back successfully. Usually done byfacesto earn sympathy and support from the audience. The expression "feeding a comeback" refers to behavior byheelsto increase the dramatic impact of a comeback.See alsoHulking up.
crimson mask
A face covered in blood, comparable to a mask.
cross-promotion
Alsoforbidden door.
An event which occurs when two or more rival promotions put together onecardor wrestling event. Some promoters have used cross-promotion styleanglesto further interest. Cross-promotion dates back to the early days of wrestling as challenges between rival promoters in the same area often occurred.
A non-televised match at a televised show (comparehouse show).[1]A dark match before the show is often used to test new talent or warm up the crowd.[1]A dark match after the show typically featuresmain eventlevel wrestlers, in order to sell more tickets and send the crowd home happy, without affecting TV storylines. Some promotions may tape the dark matches, such asAll Elite Wrestling,which showed the dark matches onYouTubeasAEW DarkandAEW Dark: Elevation.Both programs were cancelled in April 2023 with the introduction ofAEW Collision.[23]
The bloodiest and most violent form ofhardcore wrestling,popular in Japan, Mexico, and some parts of the United States. In deathmatch wrestling, many of the traditional rules of professional wrestling are not enforced and the usage of objects such as barbed wire, panes of glass, fluorescent light tubes, and weed whackers occurs. Deathmatches are typically much bloodier and more violent than typical wrestling contests.
The Fabulous Rougeausperforming adouble teammaneuver(March 1989)
A tactic used in atag teammatch when both members of a tag team gang up on one of the opponents, or a move that involves two wrestlers working in unison.
double turn
The occurrence when both thefaceand theheelswitch roles during anangleor a match. Arguably the most famous example is that ofStone Cold Steve AustinversusBret HartatWrestleMania 13,where Austin entered as a heel and Hart entered as a face, but due to Austin fighting on through blood and passing out to a move by Hart, and Hart's post-matchbeat down,the two switched roles to end the match.
draw
A wrestler orprogramthat attracts the attention of the audience; someone fans are willing to pay to see. Derived from the term "drawing money", meaning the wrestler makes money for the promotion.[1]
drop
To lose a match or championship (the loser agreed to drop the match to the winner).
Dusty finish
Afinishin which thefaceappears to win a big match, but the decision is later reversed due to some sort of technicality, such asinterferenceby otherheelsto save the heel champion, as, in most federations, the title could not change hands on such adisqualification.It can also refer to an ambiguous finish to a match where neither wrestler can claim to be the winner.[1]Named afterDusty Rhodes,whobookedmany such finishes in theNational Wrestling Alliance(NWA) and later inWorld Championship Wrestling(WCW).[1]
A wrestler who is heroic, who isbookedto be cheered by fans.[1]Heelsare the opposite of faces and faces commonly perform against heels.
face-in-peril
Alsoplaying Ricky Morton.
In atag teammatch, the member of afaceteam who is dominated by theheelteam for an extended period of the match. The tactic can be used to help get the crowd behind the face tag team and is usually followed up with ahot tag.During the 1980s,Ricky Mortonof theRock 'n' Roll Expresswas typically in this position while teaming withRobert Gibson;so much so that "playing Ricky Morton" has become synonymous with the term.
faction
A group of several wrestlers who band together and protect each other during matches. Different from astablein that stables have a leader orspokesperson.Factions are also generally larger than stables.[25]
The first televised show after apay-per-view.Often new storylines are introduced in these episodes, and the consequences of the pay-per-view are explained.Contrast withgo-home show.
A brief offensive flurry by aface,before losing momentum back to aheelafter being dominated for several minutes.[1]Usually, it occurs before the actualcomeback.
false finish
Apinfallattempt which is kicked out of, usually after afinisheror series of high-impact moves, and usually kicked out of just before the referee counts to three. This builds crowd anticipation toward the actual finish.
Astagedrivalry between multiple wrestlers or groups of wrestlers. They are integrated into ongoing storylines, particularly in events which are televised. Feuds may last for months or even years or be resolved with implausible speed, perhaps during the course of a single match.[1]
fighting champion
A champion who defends their title often, and with most or all of the outcomes being victory by pinfall or submission.
A wrestler's signature move that usually leads to thepinfallorsubmission.
five moves of doom
A particular combination of moves that a certain wrestler tends to use in every match, often in the same sequence, usually ending with theirfinisher.This term is usually used pejoratively, though it was not originally intended so byDave Meltzer,who coined the term in the 1990s to describe the finishing sequence ofBret Hart,and later used by fans to describe that ofJohn Cena.
forbidden door
Alsocross-promotion.
The imagined barrier between competing wrestling promotions; wrestlers who are signed to one promotion but make appearances for another as part of a talent exchange agreement are said to have entered or passed through the Forbidden Door. The term was coined in January 2020 by New Japan Pro-Wrestling'sHiroshi Tanahashiwhen speaking of his desire to challengeChris Jerichofor theAEW World Championship.[26]The term was further popularized byAEWgeneral managerTony Khanduring an appearance onImpact Wrestlingtelevision during AEW wrestlerKenny Omega'sconcurrent reign as both AEW World Champion andImpact World Championin 2021, and further codified in 2022 with AEW and NJPW announcing ajoint pay-per-viewwith that title, which becamethe firstof an annual series.
foreign object
A weapon that is not allowed to be used in the match. Usually found under the ring or ringside, in a wrestler's tights, or handed to wrestlers bymanagers,interfering wrestlers, or (less commonly) audience members. If a foreign object is used behind the referee's back, it usually leads to apinfall.The same object is typically less effective in a match where it is legal. At one point inWorld Championship Wrestling(WCW)'s history, this was referred to as "international objects" by commentators due to a misunderstanding of WCW ownerTed Turner's objections to the use of the word "foreign" applied throughout his media empire, when he intended only to restrict the word's use on his news networks.[citation needed]
Freebird rule
A "rule" that allows a three-wrestler stable to challenge for and defend a tag-team championship with any two of its members. Named forThe Fabulous Freebirds,who popularized this concept.[2]
full package
A wrestler who can perform well in their wrestling technique, promotional/speaking skills on the microphone, and have an appearance that backs their skillset up. Sometimes calls a 'complete package'.
future endeavored
Fired or leaving a promotion. Inspired by WWE's announcement of a wrestler's release, typically wishing the subject "all the best in their future endeavors."[2]
1. The character portrayed by a wrestler. Can be used to refer specifically to the motif or theme evoked by a character, as indicated by their name, costume or other paraphernalia, or to refer to any aspect of theworked presentation, sometimes negatively (e.g., agimmick match,which can also have an event based on it, such asWWE Hell in a Cell,referred to as agimmick event/PPV).
Ajobberwho defeats "pure jobbers" as well as mid-card wrestlers in matches, but consistently loses tomain eventlevel wrestlers.
go away heat
When a wrestler,heelorface,evokes a negative reaction not through theirworkingof the audience but because the audience are not entertained by the wrestler and do not want to watch them perform.CompareX-Pac heat.
go home
To finish a match. One wrestler would tell the other to "go home" when it is time for them to execute the planned ending for their match. Referees may also tell the wrestlers to go home (usually after receiving word to do so from a producer backstage).
go-home show
The final televised show before apay-per-viewevent. So named because the promotion will often have nohouse showsin the next few days before the pay-per-view, in order to give the wrestlers a chance to literally go home and rest up so they may bring their A-game at the pay-per-view.Contrast withfallout show.
going into business for him/herself
When a wrestler starts working for their own benefit rather than the mutual benefit of themselves and their opponents or partners, typically by refusing tosellor by saying something not agreed to in apromo.A type ofshoot.
gold
A championship belt.
good hand
A decent, skilled, dependable performer, that gels with the wrestlers he or she works with and consistently puts on a good show.
The staging area just behind the curtain where wrestlers come out to the ring, named afterGorilla Monsoon,who could often be seen standing there during WWF/WWE PPVs. The Gorilla Position inWorld Championship Wrestlingwas named afterJody Hamiltonand was commonly referred to as the "Jody Position." InAll Elite Wrestling,the "go position" is named the "Dusty Position" afterDusty Rhodes.[28]
green
Refers to a wrestler who is in the early stages of their career and, as a result, may be prone to making mistakes because of their inexperience.[1]
gusher
A deep cut that bleeds a lot,[22]usually caused by a mistake whileblading,but can be intentional. An example happened at theJudgment DayPPV in 2004, whenEddie Guerreroaccidentally hit a blood vessel when blading.[1]
The main camera(s) that shoots the ring from the crowd. These are positioned in the first level of permanent seats usually at about the center court/center ice area of a venue.
A style of wrestling that emphasizes brutality and real violence with matches typically involving minimaltechnical wrestling,instead focusing on moderate brawling techniques and the use of weapons.
hardway
A wrestler drawing blood by any means other than blading, typically from a legitimate strike orpotato.
head drop
A move which, as a result of abotchor otherwise, causes the receiver to be dropped on their head, often resulting in alegitconcussion or other injury such as a broken neck. Also, especially inpuroresu,the term can refer to abumpwhich is intended to make a move appear as if the receiver landed on their head. In reality, the full force of the move is intended to be taken on the upper back and shoulders, though such moves still carry a high degree of legitimate risk with them. Some wrestlers have used moves where the receiver lands on their head as theirfinisher,includingKenta Kobashi,who used the highly dangerousBurning Hammeras his finisher.[29]
1. Negative reactions (such as booing) from fans. When the heat is directed at aheel,this is seen as a good thing, as it means fans are reacting in the desired way.
2. Real-life tension or ill will between two wrestlers, or a wrestler and the promotion.
heater
A wrestler; usually ajobberwho is used against a more valued opponent to "heat them up" perhaps after a recent loss or succession of losses.
A popularheel/facepersona based on the idea of a performer having real-world success and fame which transcends the wrestling business. Used by wrestlers such asHulk Hogan,The Rock,Batista,andThe Miz.
hooker
A wrestler with strong legitimate mat-wrestling abilities and an array of match-ending (or in extreme cases, career ending) holds known as "hooks", hence the name.[1]Primarily a holdover from the days where professional wrestling had to maintainkayfabe,a hooker would be used against a local non-wrestler brawler to enhance the belief that professional wrestling was "real". Additionally, the champion would most often be a hooker in order to avoid his opponents trying toshooton him. One of the most famous hookers in wrestling history was world championLou Thesz.
hoss
A wrestler who is physically large, but lacks other skills. A match between two large men who use plenty ofstiffstrikes is sometimes known as a "hossfest".
hotshot
A rushedfeud,climax of a feud, or big match on television instead of at apay-per-viewin order to get a short-term boost for business.[1]Also applies toanglesorturnsthat are done for shock value rather than acting as a part of an ongoing storyline.[1]
hot tag
In atag teammatch, theface's tag to a fresh partner after several minutes of being dominated by bothheels,usually immediately followed by the freshly tagged partner getting in a quick burst of offense.[1]Often the hot tag happens after several teases (where the other face is enticed into the ring, only to be stopped by the referee and the heels getting away with illegal tactics, or a legal tag being made while the referee is distracted, resulting in the referee forcing the fresh partner out of the ring because "he was not tagged in" ).
house
The amount of money drawn at a particular event. Also, a term denoting how many fans are in attendance for an event (e.g., "that looks like a packed house tonight" ).[1]
A type ofcomebackspot that involves the face suddenly start tono-selltheir opponent's offense, recovering more strength with every blow before finally striking back. Named afterHulk Hogan,who regularly used this as a part of his matches.
A Japanese term forjoshiwrestlers who are known for their attractive appearance and may be involved in theJapanese idol industry.Idol wrestlers often sing songs and model inphoto-booksand/or on various video releases. Examples includeTakako Inoue,Cutie Suzuki,andRiho.
impromptu match
A match that takes place, specifically onpay-per-views,that was not advertised on thecardbefore the event.
A smaller wrestling company that operates at a local (rather than national) level and typically employs freelance wrestlers, as opposed to signing wrestlers to exclusive contracts.
Also known ascross-promotion.A match or event involving wrestlers from two or more different promotions wrestling, usually against each other, on the samecard.
interference
The act of someone who is not part of the match (including asecond) getting involved; this may involve distracting or assaulting one or more of the participants in the match.
invasion storyline
A storyline in which a group of wrestlers from one promotion appear in another promotion. In some cases, this happens suddenly without advance warning or notice, and usually involves the invaders attempting to take the promotion over.
IWC
Internet wrestling community; the community ofInternetusers (some of themsmarksonsocial media) who discuss professional wrestling online.
To wrestle the first match of thecard.Refers to the curtain separating the entranceway from backstage. A wrestler commonly booked in this position is a "curtain jerker". In recent years, this term has become much less pejorative, with many main event level wrestlers choosing to have the first match of the show, as a way to "set the tone".
The presentation of professional wrestling as being entirely legitimate or unscripted. Prior to the mid-1980s, this was universally maintained across all wrestling territories and promotions.
kick-out
To use the legs to kick or power out of a pin by using the force made to lift the shoulders off the mat.
king's road
This term describes the style of wrestlingAll Japan Pro Wrestlinguses. It is a fusion of the Japanesestrong styleand a more American style of professional wrestling. King's road practitioners incorporated increasingly morestiffstrikes andhead dropsduring the 1990s.
1. Refers toreal-lifeincidents or events that have not beenbookedor scripted and are therefore not part of the fictional andkayfabepresentation. It is often used to describe a genuine injury to a wrestler, as opposed to one scripted as part of a storyline.
2. Used to describe a wrestler who has a genuine background in another combat sport (typically bo xing, other wrestling codes, or mixed martial arts) and so has proven "real" fighting skills.
Aspotin which the house lights are suddenly turned down to allow for a surprise of some kind.[2]
local competitor
An unsigned wrestler that is usually put intosquashmatches with company wrestlers to build the other's momentum. Often used so known wrestlers from the promotion do not have tojob.
local medical facility
WWE's term for 'hospital'. Used in kayfabe scenarios when a wrestler is injured and was coined to prevent fans from calling an actual hospital during the time in which kayfabe was not yet broken.
lock up
Alsolink up.
A portion of a match, usually the very start of the match, where two wrestlers join together in a collar-and-elbow tie up.
low-carder
A wrestler who typically wrestles near the beginning of a show and does not participate in major storylines or matches. Often seen as being at the bottom of a promotion's hierarchy.
lumberjack (m)
lumberjill (f)
A wrestler, typically, who stands close to the ring, usually in alumberjack match,in which he or she (and others similarly called upon) are to forcibly return to the ring any wrestler who attempts to leave or is expelled therefrom. Usually, in the case of aheel,he or she is actually helping one or more (rarely all) wrestlers.
Mexican professional wrestling. Translates to "free fight" and is sometimes shortened to simplylucha,the Mexican style of professional wrestling is characterized by high-flying aerial moves, colored masks, and the rapid series of holds, strikes, and maneuvers.
lucharesu
The specific fusion style of professional wrestling that could involve the high-flying acrobatic moves oflucha libreand the suplexes, strong martial arts strikes, physicality, and psychology ofpuroresuor strong-style wrestling.
The headline or marquee match of a show. Almost always the last match of the show, although some exceptions exist. The penultimate match on a card is sometimes referred to as thesemi main-event.
main eventer
A wrestler who is seen as on the highest level in a promotion and typically headlines shows. Often wrestling for the world title of a promotion.
A performer (usually a non-wrestler) who is paired with one or more wrestlers in order to help them getover,often by acting as amouthpieceor interfering in matches on their behalf. Typically, managers are seen accompanying their wrestlers to the ring and are presented as having some sort of influence or sway over their wrestlers.
mark
1. A wrestling fan who enthusiastically believes or behaves as though they believe professional wrestling is not staged, or loses sight of the staged nature of the business while supporting their favorite wrestlers.[30]The term is often used pejoratively, for example to refer to people who have little or no knowledge about the business, which to an insider can refer to all wrestling fans.[31]
2. Used by some industry insiders to describe a participant in the wrestling industry whom they think believes that anyworkedaspect of the industry is more important than the money they can earn; for example, being preoccupied with holding a title belt rather than being paid more will often see a wrestler described as a "mark for him/herself."[1]
married
To be paired with another wrestler (or tag team) in a long series of matches.[2]
Derisive term given to a member of a tag team who, upon the breakup of the team, achieves markedly less success than their partner. Coined in reference toMarty Jannetty,who teamed withShawn Michaelsto formThe Rockers.While Michaels went to become a four-time world champion and two-timeWWE Hall of Famer,Jannetty was released from the WWF two months after the team's breakup and would repeatedly be hired and fired from the promotion (and other promotions) over the next twenty years, almost always participating in storylines which related to his status as Michaels's former partner. Other wrestlers often seen as a Jannetty of a team includeRick SteinerofThe Steiner Brothers,Stevie RayofHarlem Heat,andJim NeidhartofThe Hart Foundation.[32]
mechanic
A wrestler whose job it is tofeudwith the futuremain eventperformers and help get them ready for the position. Other times, mechanics are the in-ring teachers helping younger wrestlers gain experience and ability.[33]
mic work
Alsomicrophone work.
The ability to generate reaction from the audience using words, and generally by speaking using a microphone.[34]
mid-carder
A wrestler who is seen as higher than alow-carder,but below amain eventer,typically performing in the middle of a show. Often wrestling for the secondary title of a federation.[1]
Someone who founds or invests in a wrestling promotion mainly to associate with wrestlers, often willfully or ignorantly disregarding financial risks a profit-focused investor would avoid.
money match
A highly promoted non-title match at or near the end of acard,which is a main selling point for an event.[1]
monster
André the Giantwas a notablemonsterheellate in his career
An extremely powerful, seemingly unbeatable wrestler, eitherfaceorheel,who often wins matches in a quick, one-sided manner.
mouthpiece
Amanagerwho does thepromos,or all the talking, for a wrestler possessing poor oration skills.[1]
Muta scale
An informal measure among some fans of the amount of blood lost by a wrestler during a match. The scale begins at 0.0 Muta (no blood), with 1.0 Muta being equivalent to the blood loss ofGreat Mutaduring an infamous 1992New Japan Pro-Wrestlingmatch withHiroshi Hase.[35]
An occurrence in which a wrestler's shoulders are pinned to the mat for a count of two, but the wrestler manages to escape before the referee's hand hits the mat a third time, which would signify apinfall."Two-and-a-half count" or other fractions used to denote even closer "counts", such as "two-and-three-quarters", are often used many times in matches to build excitement.
night off
To be paired for a match with a wrestler who is typically easy to work with.
no contest
A match that ends in a draw without any clear resolution. This is often due to unforeseen circumstances such as an injury, a majorspotoranglewhich overshadows proceedings, or the referee being presented as having lost control of the match.
no-sell
To show no reaction to an opponent's offensive moves; a way to demonstrate endurance, appear invulnerable to pain, illustrate masochistic tendencies, or intentionallyburyan opponent. Generally, no-selling isworkedas a part ofkayfabe,but several wrestlers are known to haveshootno-sold their opponent's moves for various reasons.
Comparesellandover-sell.
no-show
A wrestler's or performer's unplanned absence from a show in which they werebooked,often leading to last minute changes on the show'scard.
nuclear heat
A high level ofheat,when fans are agitated to the point of being legitimately angry or upset.
Achieving the desired crowd reaction, with the audience buying into a performer orgimmick.[1]Faceswho are over will be cheered, andheelswho are over will be booed. Sometimes particular aspects of a performer's presentation may be over (such as a specific chant, a move they perform or their ring entrance) without the performer themselves being considered over. Building a rapport with the audience is described as "getting over".
over-booking
A match or angle that is perceived to have been written or choreographed to be more complicated than necessary. Often through the overuse of run-ins, interference, ref bumps and non-wrestling related elements.
over-sell
To show too much of a reaction to an opponent's offense. Over-selling may be done accidentally, for example during amissed spot,or intentionally for various reasons, as occurred in the match betweenHulk HoganandShawn MichaelsatSummerSlamin 2005, where Michaels frequently over-sold Hogan's moves. Wrestlers such asCurt Hennig,Dolph Ziggler,andEvan Goldenare notable for over-selling.Comparesellandno-sell.
To give out free tickets to an event to make it look better attended than it otherwise would have been.
Parts unknown
The Ultimate Warriorwas popularly billed as being fromparts unknown
A vague, fictional location. Billing a wrestler as being from "parts unknown" (rather than from their real hometown or another actual place) is intended to add to a wrestler's mystique. In some territories, the phrase commonly was applied to masked wrestlers. In the post-kayfabeera, it is used less and less, and usually with a certain air of levity. Sometimes, wrestlers can hail from other similarly abstract places, for exampleStardustbeing billed from "the fifth dimension",Damien Dementobeing billed from "the outer reaches of your mind", orDanhausenbeing billed from "some place far away", or may have their location simply omitted from introductions, such as in the cases ofBig ShowandBraun Strowman.[36]
payoff
The culmination of anangleor storyline with the intention of providing gratification for the fans. Typically involves afacefinally overcoming a dominantheel.
phantom title change
An occasion when a wrestler is announced as having won a championship from another wrestler in a match which did not actually occur, often due to the previous champion having left the promotion. In the era of territories, non-existent title matches were often said to have taken place in a different part of the country.
The act of "breaking" an opponent's ankle, arm, or neck by placing it between the seat and headrest of a steel chair and then stepping or jumping on the chair or striking it with a second object. Named forBrian Pillman,who suffered a severe ankle injury (in kayfabe) when attacked in this manner by Stone Cold Steve Austin.[2]
Holding a wrestler's shoulders to the mat for a three count, to win afall.
pipe bomb
Aworked shootpromowhere the wrestler giving the promo appears to breakkayfabeand touches on real-life topics that are considered taboo, such as backstage politics or issues which are not typically addressed in storylines due to bad publicity. This was a term first used byCM Punk.[citation needed]
plant
A wrestler, stagehand, or paid actor who poses as a fan, usually seated in the front row of an event.[1]Plants are often victimized or attacked byheelwrestlers in order to gainheat,or are used to participate in matches or storylines after being "randomly selected" from the crowd.[1]Notable examples of plants were theWWEdebut ofSantino Marella,who won theIntercontinental Championshipafter being picked out of the crowd, or atWrestleMania 34whenBraun Strowmanpicked a 10-year-old boy named Nicholas (the son of refereeJohn Cone) out of the crowd to be his tag team partner. (They would defeatCesaro and Sheamusto win theRaw Tag Team Championship).[37][38]
poaching
The act of luring away key talent from one company to another, usually with offers of higher pay. It is sometimes done deliberately to weaken a company by taking away their top draws. Poaching is typically done by larger companies. A more extreme form of poaching, wherein multiple wrestlers from a company are lured away, is referred to asraiding.
policeman
police woman
Alsohouse shooter.
A wrestler, often a respected or feared shooter or street fighter, responsible for enforcing the promoter's will against recalcitrant wrestlers by performing unscripted or painful moves within a match, punishing or intimidating them for defying the management. In today's industry it is a largely outdated because such tactics are illegal if they can be proved. Typically, it is only still used bydirt sheetsand outside commentators who believe one wrestler is deliberately placed in matches against more dangerous opponents and injured deliberately after disagreements with management. While allegations of this sort persist, including being made by wrestlers themselves, few have been proven.[1]Also describes a wrestler who keeps order in the locker room by threats of physical force.[2]
pop
A cheer or positive reaction from the crowd.
popcorn match
Originally described a post-intermission match viewed as not important enough to keep fans from trips to the concession stands. Now describes a more lighthearted match designed to provide relief of dramatic tension.[2]
potato
A strike to the head which makes real contact. A wrestler who endures one or more potatoes is likely to potato the perpetrator back, which is known as areceipt.
potato-sacking
Alsosandbag.
A wrestler will make themselves dead weight, to prevent their opponent from lifting them up for a move. Though usually planned in a match, it can also be deliberately done by a wrestler who does not want to be lifted for a move, which can make the move harder to be properly executed and can cause a higher risk of injury to either one of the wrestlers.
powdering
The act of forcefully exiting the ring.
pre-show
Alsokickoff show
A free television program aired prior to a pay-per-view event (usually carried via outlets such as television providerbarker channels,live streamingon a promotion's website orsocial mediaplatforms, or on a promotion's normal television outlet). It functions similarly topre-game showsin televised sports, containing previews and analysis of the pay-per-view's matches, and recaps of the storylines that led up to the event. They may also include one or more preliminaryundercardmatches.
program
A series of matches in which the same wrestlers face each other, usually due to the two being scripted in afeud.
promo
John "Bradshaw" Layfield(right) cutting apromo
An in-character interview or monologue.[1]Often includes either an in-ring or backstage interview or some other type of skit by wrestlers and other performers to advance a storyline orfeud.[1]The act of performing a promo is referred to as "cutting", as in "cutting a promo". When the promo is aimed at a specific opponent (which can be an individual,tag team,stable,orfaction), it is said to be cut "on" the target. Apromois an essential part of any wrestling show and is named as such as it is meant to "promote" an upcoming show or a future segment on the current show.[39]
protected
An aspect of the business which is consciously presented in a way that will make it look as strong and credible as possible. Wrestlers can be protected bybookingthem in a way which emphasizes their strengths and hides their weaknesses as a performer, while a move can be protected by having opponentssellstrongly and rarelykick out.
pull apart
A brawl so vicious that the combatants need to be pulled apart by others.
Alsowrasslin',southern styleor, more specifically,Memphis style.
Originally, along with "grunt-and-groan", used by the mainstream media when presenting a derisive story on professional wrestling, which often stereotyped the participants and audience. Now refers to a style of wrestling popular inthe Mid-South region of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas(primary city isMemphis, Tennessee), and as a result, thesoutheastern United States,which emphasizeskayfabeandstiffness,generally with fewersquashmatches and longerfeuds,hence the more recent "southern style" or to be specific compared to the Carolinas (Jim Crockett) or Georgia styles, "Memphis style".
receipt
A term for returning a particularlystiffmove back to a wrestler. This is usually done when one wrestler is being legitimately hit by his/her opponent's blows, and the wrestler being hit will send a legitimate move or hit back to the opponent as a wordless reminder to not hit so hard. Can also be used to refer to other aspects of the wrestling presentation, such asgoing into business for him/herselfin apromo.
ref bump
A scenario where the referee of the match takes abumpand is removed from the match due to being (inkayfabe) knocked out, temporarily or permanently. This usually occurs to allow a storyline to progress (such as arun-inby a third party orturnby asecond).
rematch clause
Alsoreturn clause.
When a champion loses their title to another, this may be invoked as a storyline plot device to procure a title rematch in the near future (often the next pay-per-view event) in order to continue afeud.In recent years, this clause has often been explicitly ignored in storylines.
An experienced wrestler who knows how to work a match to its full potential.
ring psychology
The process of wrestling a match in such a way that the crowd becomes emotionally involved. Performing an engaging match requires acting skills and a good grasp of dramatic timing.[41]
ring rat
Similar to agroupie,one who frequents wrestling events to pursue sex with wrestlers.[1][42]
ring rust
A detriment to wrestling ability resulting from lack of practice during a hiatus.
Road Warrior Pop
A loud roar of approval that a wrestler receives from the fans when making their entrance to the ring, in reference to popular tag teamthe Road Warriors,also known as Legion of Doom.
rope break
A break of the pin count or submission when a wrestler has his hands or feet on the rope or under the rope.
rub
Helping a less popular wrestler getoverby associating them with a more prominent or popular wrestler. An example of this being when The Hurricane won against The Rock during a time in which The Rock was one of the highest ranking wrestlers, while The Hurricane was a mid-carder.[43]
ThenWoperforming arun-induringWrestleMania 31
The unexpected entry of a new wrestler(s) or returning wrestler in a match already in progress.[1]Run-ins are usually made byheels,typically to further afeudwith aface.[1]This is usually done with abeat down.Sometimes a face will do a run-in to protect another face from a heel who is cheating or overly punishing the weaker opponent, often beginning a feud.
rushed finish
Alsoaudible finish.
A match finish which occurs sooner (and often differently) than planned. It is used when a wrestler is legitimately injured and cannot continue as planned, when the match is approaching its time limit (or a television segment is running long), or after abotchsignificantly changes the plot of the match. The term "audible" is also used, referring to the finish being known to happen upon verbal instruction from outside the ring.
To sabotage athrowby letting one's body go limp instead of cooperating, which makes the throw much harder, if not impossible, to execute. This move is typically done deliberately to make the attacker appear weak or unskilled, but can also be the result of abotch.Sandbagging can be dangerous, as many moves require specific actions by the target to lower the risk of injury.[1]
schmoz/schmozz
A match that ends in chaos rather than in a decisive finish, usually due to a number of wrestlers not involved in the match running in and preventing a clean finish, often designed to end a match orangle.
scientific wrestler
A wrestler whomPro Wrestling Illustratedreferred to as a babyface as in its early years of circulation.
A person accompanying, or "seconding", a wrestler to a match.[44]Typically amanager,valet,enforcer,tag team partner orstablemate, the second is typically listed on the card alongside the wrestler they are supporting.
sell
To react to something in a way which makes it appear believable and legitimate to the audience.[1]Typically refers to the physical action by a wrestler of making an opponent's moves look impactful, but it can be used to refer to any aspect of theworkedpresentation, notably including commentator reactions.[45]Compareno-sellandover-sell.
shitcan
To forcefully throw a wrestler from inside the ring to the floor outside through the ropes.
When a wrestler or personality deliberately goes off-script, either by making candid comments or remarks during an interview, breakingkayfabe,orlegitimatelyattacking an opponent.
A style of professional wrestling that originates in Japan. Shoot style wrestling employsstiffstrikes, realisticsubmission holds,and occasionally a round system or other specific rules and ways to win in an attempt to give professional wrestling alegitimatesports-like feel.Satoru SayamaandAkira Maedain theUWFandNobuhiko Takadain theUWFipopularized the style.
signature move
A move a wrestler regularly performs, for which the wrestler is well known. Also, a term used for a special move done before their finisher.[46]
slow burn
A storyline that develops over a long period.
smark
Short for "smartmark".Someone who has inside knowledge of the wrestling business, but is not speaking from their own personal experience with the business and has typically obtained that knowledge throughdirt sheets.Often used as a term of derision for know-it-all fans.[30]
smart
Having inside knowledge of the wrestling business. Originally used to refer to those who were aware of the existence ofkayfabeand the scripted nature of professional wrestling. The act of teaching someone inside knowledge of the wrestling business is referred to as "smartening up" someone.[1][2]
snug
To apply real pressure to a hold, either to make it appear more realistic to the audience, or to exact supremacy or revenge over an opponent.[30]Comparestiff.
The termWWEuses to describe both its own product and professional wrestling as a whole. It was first used by the promotion in the 1980s and is intended to acknowledge wrestling's roots in competitive sport and dramatic theater.
A match which consists mainly or entirely of pre-plannedspots,normally with little flow and no logical transitions between moves and with little or no storytelling. Often used as a derisory term for matches which are seen to prioritize high-impact stunts overring psychology.
spotmonkey
Derogatory term used to denote a wrestler who is believed to rely heavily onhighspotsin order to mask a lack of basic wrestling ability.
squared circle
The wrestling ring.
squash
An extremely one-sided match.[1]Sometimes calledTomato-canmatch. Squashes generally feature star wrestlers or wrestlers receiving apushquickly and easily defeatingjobbers,usually to help get agimmickor moveset[definition needed]over.
stable
Stablescan vary in size, from three-man units likeThe Shield(pictured) who feature similar outfits, to large groups with varying membership such asThe Heenan Family.Dean Ambrose(right) played thede factoleader andmouthpieceof the group,[47][48]whileBobby Heenanwas the spokesperson of The Heenan Family.
A team of three or more wrestlers, usuallyheels,who generally share common motives, allies and adversaries within a storyline (or through multiple storylines) and are often presented as having the same or very similargimmicks.Stables sometimes have several members partake in more separate activities, such asOwen Hart and the British Bulldoghaving their own tag team while also being part of the largerHart Foundation.This is also rather common in Japanese promotions, where large stables (such asChaosandBullet Club) will also have various teams and sub-groups within them. A stable differs from afactionin that a stable consists of wrestlers who share a common leader, for example as amanagerorvalet,who directs the wrestlers and speaks for them.
stick
A microphone ( "the stick" ), used to deliver apromo.[49]
stiff
Using excessive force when executing a move, deliberately or accidentally, thus causing the opponent increased legitimate pain.[1][50]
The act of causing physical harm to prospective professional wrestlers, usually by the means ofsubmission holds.In thekayfabeperiod, this served to protect the wrestling business from accusations of "being fake", to instill humility in newer members of the locker room, & helped to weed out those who could not take punishment. A professional wrestling trainer notable for "stretching" his recruits wasStu Hart,in the infamousHart Dungeon.[52]Other wrestlers in various territories who were used to test potential newcomers wereDanny Hodge,Bob Roop,and "Dr. Death"Steve Williams.
strike
1. Any contact made by one wrestler to their opponent (e.g., punches, kicks, chops, etc.).
2. A violation ofWWE's wellness policy, with three strikes in an 18-month period resulting in a wrestler being released from the promotion.
strong style
A Japanese-inspired professional wrestling style that isworked,yet aims to deliver realistic performances, throughstiffmartial arts strikes andworked shoots.[1]
super finisher
A move rarely used by a wrestler, but one that almost always ends a match. Some notable examples includeRandy Orton's Punt Kick andKenta Kobashi's Burning Hammer.Kenny Omega's One Winged Angel is also an example of a very protected finisher with his often tag-team partnerKota Ibushibeing the only person known to have kicked-out of the move.
A sudden change in the direction of a storyline to surprise the fans. Often, it involves one wrestlerturningon an ally in order to join a supposed mutual enemy. Swerves frequently startfeudsbetween the former allies. This also refers to when abookerleads fans to believe that something is going to happen (or someone could appear) at a show, before doing something entirely different.[1]
To indicate aturn.Afaceteases aheelturn if they start exhibiting heel behaviors and a heel indicates a face turn if they start exhibiting face behaviors or fall victim to the misdeeds of a more nefarious heel.
technical wrestling
A style of wrestling focussed more on holds, takedowns, submissions, and grappling.
technician
A wrestler who employs or masters so called technical wrestling style.Bret Hartis a commonly cited example of a great technical wrestler.[53]
TheTitanTron(background) atMoney in the Bankin July 2011
A video screen above the entrance stage area, used for showing entrance videos, backstage segments, promos, and the match-in-progress for audience members seated too far back from the ring. A play on the name ofSony'sJumboTronandTitan Sports,the then-parent company of theWorld Wrestling Federation(WWF), the TitanTron was introduced as part of WWF'sRawset in the mid-1990s. The concept has since been adapted by other major promotions, such asWorld Championship Wrestling,which used the TurnerTron (which was sometimes called NitroVision).
trainer
An individual who trains someone as a professional wrestler, generally a former or current wrestler themselves.
transitional champion
A short-reigning champion who serves to move the title indirectly from one wrestler to a third. They are usually used when the title is to be moved between two faces, to avoid requiring them to wrestle each other (to avoidburyingone, to save the match up for a bigger show, or, more rarely, when the wrestlers refuse to work with each other).
turn
A switch in alignment of a wrestler's character. Turns involve a wrestler going fromfacetoheelor vice versa.[1]There are two types of turns, the hard turn (which occurs quickly and acts as a surprise device) and the soft turn (a gradual shift in character). Transitioning from a face into a heel is called a 'heel turn' and the opposite is called a 'face turn'.
tweener
A morally ambiguous wrestler who is neither afacenorheel(an in-betweener),[1]also sometimes describes a heel who is usually cheered or a face who is usually jeered, especially when two faces or two heels face each other. (See also:antihero)
Dirty White Boyand hisvaletMystic, 1988
A person, usually female, who accompanies a performer to the ring.[54]Usually serves to titillate or agitate the crowd, or tointerferein the match.[54]
vanilla midget
A derogatory term created byKevin Nashto describe wrestlers who are good ring-workers, but believed to be too small and boring to ever succeed on a large stage.
vignette
Any piece of video footage featuring characters or events which is shown to the audience for the purposes of entertainment or edification. Usually meant to introduce a debuting character, to get a wrestleroverbefore their TV wrestling debut or to signify an impending return.
visual fall
Apinfallthat the referee does not see, but the crowd does. It is usually followed by a latekick-outwhen the referee eventually sees the pinfall and starts counting. It is used to heighten the drama of a match by showing that the pinning wrestler had done enough to win by pinfall.
1. (noun): Anything planned to happen,[3]or a "rationalized lie".[1]The opposite ofshoot.
2. (verb): To methodically attack a single body part over the course of a match or an entireangle,setting up an appropriatefinisher.
3. (verb): To deceive or manipulate an audience in order to elicit a desired response.
worked shoot
The phenomenon of a wrestler seemingly going "off script", often revealing elements of out-of-universe reality, but actually doing so as a fully planned part of the show. A notable example of a worked shoot isCM Punk'spipebombpromoon the June 27, 2011, episode ofMonday Night Raw.[55]
worker
Another term for professional wrestler. Often used in the context of describing in-ring skill level (e.g., "He is a good/bad worker" ).
workrate
The in-ring performance level a wrestler puts into their matches, judged by a combination of skill and effort. A wrestler considered talented in the ring has a "high workrate".
wrestler's court
A term used often to describekangaroo courtsheld backstage with a congregation of wrestlers; this is often used to settle backstage disputes and transgressions between performers and (sometimes) staff such as writers. In WWE,The Undertakeris known as being the "judge, jury, and executioner" andJBLthe "prosecuting attorney" of wrestler's court during their full-time tenures in the company. Punishments for those found "guilty" often included the purchase of the night's alcohol or rental cars.[56]
write off
Alsowrite off television.
To book an angle and/or match so as to explain in kayfabe a wrestler's upcoming (and usually inconvenient) absence, usually in the form of being "injured".
A high-flying, high-risk, fast-paced style of professional wrestling which was originated inTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling(TNA). Rather than emphasizing the fact that most wrestlers who perform this style are under 220 lb (100 kg) by calling it acruiserweightdivision, they decided to emphasize the high-risk nature of the moves that these wrestlers perform, removing all restraints placed on its wrestlers, and allowing them to perform almost stunt-like wrestling moves.
X signal
A signal used by referees during a match to indicate that a wrestler is unable to continue and may need medical attention. The referee will cross their arms and, if necessary, point to the injured wrestler. Since many fans are aware of the significance of the signal, and with referees often now having direct communication with producers backstage, it is now sometimes used inkayfabefashion, tosella storyline injury.
X-Pac heat
When fans jeer at a wrestler because they dislike the wrestler personally as opposed to the character he or she plays in the ring. Named afterSean Waltman,known as X-Pac, who was believed to have "overstayed his welcome" by some fans, and so was jeered regardless of whether he was afaceorheelcharacter.Comparego away heat.
A rookie, particularly in Japanese professional wrestling. The term "young lion" is used for the trainees from theNew Japan Pro-Wrestlingdojo; although they usually perform at NJPW shows, typically on the lower card, they are also assigned other tasks such as security around the ring.
^"Bill Watts shoot interview page 2".KayfabeMemories.RetrievedAugust 20,2021.Lawler & Jarrett came over to Mid-South, watched some of the TV, and noted that there were no "blowjobs". Watts through they meant literally, but indeed they were referring to pretty boy teams to draw in the Backstreet Boy demographic.
^Barrasso, Justin (November 3, 2020)."Ring of Honor's Jonathan Gresham Revitalizes Technical Wrestling With Return of Pure Championship".Sports Illustrated.RetrievedAugust 21,2021.'Ring of Honor, it's all about sport. That's the genre,pure wrestling.That is what makes us unique, and I kept telling the office that we needed this market of our own. A lot of fans feel the same. They want their wrestling to be pure,technical wrestling,so let's fill that void.'[Italics added].
