Thursday, March 28, 2024
EditorialLingomania! (A-Z)

Lingomania! (A-Z)

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This is a re-post of all ten Lingomania’s in one bootylicious collection! Most terms remain and most descriptions are updated. Inserted new pics over the broken ones too. Please let me know if there’s any missing terms or big mistakes. Thanks!

A-Show/A-Team

Quite an obvious one, but one you don’t hear often. An A-show is an event when the top draws in the company band together to put on the best show. Think of Raw as WWE’s weekly A-Show, and Wrestlemania as their biggest A-Show of the calendar year.

Abort

Vince is famous for this. It’s when an angle/feud/gimmick is cut short with no explanation. Remember impostor Kane? The one who disappeared with no explanation?

Another example, TNA Wrestling cut The Beat Down Clan stable from recorded episodes because they fired Hernandez and didn’t want him on the show. So they were forced to edit all BDC footage and replace it with recaps and other segments. They were heavily involved in the product for months, then suddenly disappeared with little mention. MVP and others left the promotion over the decision.

Agent

A management employee, usually a former wrestler (but doesn’t need to be) who helps the current wrestlers set up matches, plan storylines, and give instructions from the bookers. They often act as the liaison between wrestlers and higher management. WWE call them producers, while other promotions call them (road) agents.

Angle

A fictional storyline. An angle can last a day or several years, depending on how “over” it becomes. Angles are often used to enhance feuds or to make a wrestler look strong in the eyes of the viewer. There’s no limit to how many wrestlers (and non-wrestlers) can be involved.

Apter Mag

Generally refers to wrestling magazines designed to give content which remains true to kayfabe. The most common being PWI (Pro Wrestling Illustrated), which was associated with Bill Apter. This one’s for Harley Race daddy.

Arm Color

Rarely happens, but sometimes when an arm gets “color”, it means the wrestler bladed their arm or were cut open the hard way. Best example of this would be the wrestler Abyss in TNA wrestling, who’s been known to have arm color during some of his Monster’s Ball matches.

Around The Horn/Loop

More of a term used by wrestlers on the road, Around the horn (or loop) refers to a road trip to each town or a series of towns in which a promotion runs events.


Babyface

Often shortened to “face”. The term babyface is one of the oldest and remains very common. The term was coined from the idea of putting the “nicest” looking guy over as champion so the fans could get behind them as they fought the ugly “heels”.

Backyard Wrestling

When a group of untrained wrestlers (usually teenagers) “try it at home” as a hobby. It can also refer to an independent promotion with little drawing power.

Beatdown

Quite a simple one really. When a wrestler is taking a beating from another wrestler, or more commonly a group of wrestlers.

Blading

Also called juicing. Blading is the art of keeping a small blade hidden away in a wrestler’s trunks, wrist tape, or on the referee (who will pass it to the wrestler when it’s time), so when the match reaches a certain point the wrestler can cut themselves as the camera pans away; simulating a nasty blow to the head. Ric Flair is best known for blading.

Blind

When a referee is distracted by a heel, often to the point of annoyance to the viewer as the referee loses all sight (& hearing) while the heel(s) cheat and beatdown the babyface. Earl Hebner is known as the blindest referee in wrestling.

Blind Tag

Often used in tag team matches (or four corners). A wrestler tags his partner .. which the referee sees, but their opponent in the ring doesn’t. The blind tag can give the team a huge advantage, sometimes going as far as winning the match quickly afterwards.

The other form of blind tag is when a referee is distracted by the heels and a tag is made by the babyfaces. The face will enter the match, but is cut off by the referee who claims they are not legal. The referee argues with the face while the heels enter the ring and ambush their partner; much to the disdain of the audience.

Blown Spot

Also known as a missed spot. While some may call it a sequence of botches, a blown spot is a series of mis-timed moves, with both wrestlers selling the moves too much, or too little, resulting in a sloppy sequence.

Blow Off

The final match to end a feud. It can also refer to the last match between two rivals before they leave a promotion. The best example I can think of is Eddie Guerrero vs Dean Malenko’s last ECW match.

Blow Up

When a wrestler is exhausted during a match. This usually happens to heavier wrestlers with more body fat. Not always though, as The Ultimate Warrior often blew up during his matches. Some may say the wrestler is “sucking wind”.

Book/Booker

The screenwriter of a promotion; they book the wrestling card and angles. They decide who goes over and who puts others over. Good bookers are able to entertain the crowd with logical stories paired with exciting matches and feuds. Bad bookers are often criticized for boring cards and controversial angles. You can’t blame wrestlers when they go over, as it’s always the bookers decision. Except back in the WCW days when some wrestlers had the power to book themselves.

Boom Boom Boom

Sometimes called the “meat of the match”. When wrestlers talk through their plans for their upcoming match, the flurry of moves before the finish can sometimes be called this. “We’ll start out with a test of strength, then.. boom boom boom, and the heels run in for the DQ.”

Botch

If you have never seen Botchamania, go to YouTube and watch some; it’s quite addictive. For those who don’t know what a botch is, it’s an embarrassing mistake made by anyone in the business, whether they’re wrestling, commentating, or cutting a promo. A botch can range from an amusing hiccup, to something so bad it can end a career. These days I refer to every mistake on television as a botch.

Bounce

An old term used to describe the move leading to the pinfall.

Broadway

A time limit draw. It’s called this because both wrestlers “go over” in the process. A good example of a broadway was Samoa Joe vs CM Punk in ROH. It’s rare to see a broadway nowadays.

Bump

Every wrestler needs to know how to fall to the mat properly to cushion the impact. This is called bumping, and wrestlers bump in every match. As a result of decades of bumping, wrestlers might pick up severe back injuries and are advised never to bump again.

There’s also a phantom bump, which occurs when a wrestler bumps despite the other wrestler botching the move. Their bad timing makes them look foolish.

Bury/Buried

The term is often misunderstood and overused by disgruntled wrestling fans. The term means a gradual or sudden demotion of a wrestler’s status in a promotion. Wrestlers who were once in the main event will be forced in to squash matches, or wrestlers already working in the mid-card will either be involved in embarrassing skits, or not booked at all for several weeks/months despite being fit enough.

Being buried is not losing one match quickly on television, or even having a losing streak. A wrestler could be losing, but as long as the company keeps the focus on their story, they are still being featured. The losing streak could be a device to gain sympathy for the babyface, or to encourage fans to jeer a whiny heel. A burial is used to punish a wrestler for reasons we don’t usually see or know about.

Burials are most common in WWE, when Vince punishes wrestlers to keep them in check. It’s a message to stay humble and easy to work with, or face the consequences of less airtime .. and more importantly, less money.

Busted Open

Just like in boxing, if a wrestler begins to bleed from the head, whether it be from blading or done the hard way, they have been busted open.

Business

The wrestling industry is often called the wrestling business, or just “the business”. It refers to wrestling around the world, spanning every promotion past and present.


C-Show

A term coined for WWE’s ECW brand til it was replaced by NXT. Meant as an insult as WWECW was nothing like the original ECW and felt more like a cheap copy of Smackdown.

Call/Call A Match

Often the most experienced wrestler will call the following move/moves to their opponent, but it’s not always the case. Also it’s usually the heel who calls it, but again it’s not a surefire method. Calling is done wrong when you can visibly hear them, often giving away the following sequence of moves. Botchamania (online blooper show) often ridicules Cena for “talking too much” during his matches.

Called It!

Added this personally. It’s used when someone predicts a wrestler will appear, or something will happen ahead of time, and it happens a short time later, leading the predictor to say “Called it”. It can be used in the negative sense; showing how predictable the show/product is, or it can be used in the positive sense when the predictor called something which was shocking and/or entertaining. “Oh My God AJ Styles! Called It!”

Another way to use “Called It” is by calling the action in the ring like a commentator would, then the commentator repeats the exact/similar words a few seconds later, leading to a positive “Huh, Called it!”.

Card

A wrestling card is the line-up of wrestling matches for an event. While the card primarily focuses on the matches, the show can deviate from the wrestling and introduce segments between the matches to break it up. A wrestling card is one where the event focuses on the matches, while an entertaining card adds promos, backstage segments, and other distractions to entertain fans who desire a little more.

In the olden days it was the biggest honour to wrestle on the “top of the card”, the phrase used for those who earned the right to wrestle in the main event. In WWE it’s common practice to include several “main events” on big PPVs like Wrestlemania. WWE has been known to have main-event caliber matches to open their shows as well. While being at the “top of the card” is becoming less prominent, it’s still regarded as an achievement to consistently wrestle in the main event.

Carry

An experienced wrestler working extra hard to make the match a success, as their opponent lacks experience or has limitations with movement (due to size or injuries). Often a wrestler will carry a rookie because the promoter wants the rookie to look good and “put them over” with the crowd. Carrying another wrestler is often looked down upon by fans, as they feel the match lacks due to the talent/ability being one-sided.

But it’s not always the case, as sometimes even the best wrestlers have off-nights, and their opponent carries the match as a favor to the other; out of respect for them and the fans watching.

Catchphrase

“Can You Smell What The Rock Is Cooking?” If you can give me a “Hell Yeah!” If you don’t care for catchphrases then you can “Rest In Peace!” Because I’m The “Best In the World”, “The Best In The World At What I do”, “The Best There Is, The Best There Was, The Best There Ever Will Be”, and “The Greatest Man That Ever Lived” all rolled in to one. You get the point.

CAW

Introduced when Smackdown games featured Create-A-Wrestler for the first time. The internet gave fans the ability to share their CAWs, and they often asked for CAWs of wrestlers not included in the game so they could create fantasy matches and stables.

Chain Wrestling

Two technical wrestlers at the top of their game (with great chemistry) able of using wrestling holds back-to-back with counters holds to simulate an amateur wrestling contest. Often the chain wrestling ends up on the mat and can lead to several pin-falls, a submission attempt, or a break-up

While chain wrestling is beautiful to wrestling purists, many wrestlers choose to adopt offense which looks painful, more than offense which would gain them leverage in a wrestling contest. The four best examples I can think of would be: Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero vs. Dean Malenko, Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe, and CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan. Should not be confused with the chain match gimmick.

Championship

A championship is a kayfabe accomplishment. The wrestler who holds the championship is decided by the booker in advance. The angles and feuds will center around the championship, and the belt representing the championship will be awarded to the winners. While babyfaces express their desire to defend the championship against any willing opponent, a heel is more likely to use the belt (as an illegal weapon) to defend their championship title through cheating.

World Championships are usually the biggest prize of any promotion, and are awarded to the wrestler who either 1) gets the biggest reaction, 2) sells the most merchandise, 3) looks great on promotional material, and/or 4) works better in the ring than anyone else. There’s no set rule, but the best champions of all time are those who are all-rounders and tick every box. Rarely will a wrestler self-book themselves to be champion, but when it does it can lead to serious heat with fans, sometimes damaging the company’s reputation.

Cheap Pop/Heat

Purposely fishing for a positive/negative reaction by mentioning the audience’s hometown and/or local sports teams. Some wrestlers use cheap pops on purpose as they have the respect of the fans and can get away with it. Have a Nice Day EWN!

Cheap Shot

Usually a heel getting the advantage via low-blow, interference, or using an illegal object behind the wrestler/referee’s back. As long as the wrestler catches the other by surprise, and is underhanded in their assault, it’s considered a cheap shot.

Chemistry

The chemistry of two wrestlers whether they are a tag team or opponents, will determine the quality of their matches. The best opponents will push each others limits and know their thought processes and moveset, leading to competitive matches. The best tag team partners know each other and double team their opponents to gain the advantage.

Chemistry doesn’t only occur in the ring, it extends to all aspects of the business. A commentary team needs good chemistry if they want to call the action and keep it entertaining. Managers need chemistry with their wrestlers, or the manager won’t feel like a good fit.

The writers of the show need chemistry with their talent or there will be a disconnect and the wrestlers may not buy in to what they’re selling. Having chemistry makes it better all-round for everyone; the wrestlers, the commentary, the managers, the backstage staff, and most importantly the fans. Even a wrestling crowd can have “chemistry”.

Circus

An old derogative term for the WWF back in the late 80’s to early 90’s when every wrestler had a silly cartoon gimmick.

Claret

Mostly used in British wrestling, Claret is when a wrestler draws blood. It takes its name from a red wine from Bordeaux, France.

Clean Finish

When a match ends decisively with no outside interference. A clean finish will hurt if a heel beats a face clean (shows how weak the face is), while a face beating a heel clean is often used to end a feud after the heels cheated many times. Fans prefer championships to change hands on a clean finish; even if the winner is heel.

Clean House

A good example is when Brock Lesnar cleaned house a few years ago in the Royal Rumble. The Wyatt Family were firmly in control .. til enter “The Beast”. Shortly after the ring was his.

Clean Wrestling

A babyface vs. babyface contest which begins with a handshake. The match continues as a sporting contest til the finish. So long as both wrestlers remain within the rules the wrestling is clean, and the fans may appreciate it for the competition more than a heated rivalry.

Closet Champion

When a heel champion does everything in their power to avoid matches. When they are forced to defend their title, they may purposely get themselves disqualified to retain. They usually hide behind stables or hired bodyguards, frustrating the babyface and fans alike.

Clubberin’

The term used by Dusty Rhodes on commentary when tag team partners would repeatedly punch their opponents together. “They be clubberin’, Tony!” during a Nasty Boys WCW match.

Clusterf**k

When a battle royal has no direction and it’s just a mass of bodies aimlessly working together. The old Divas Battle Royals spring to mind, before WWE gave a damn.

Color

When discussing how much blood the wrestlers should use, they will refer to it as color. Sometimes a bladejob can go too far and give too much color.

Color Commentator

Color commentators fill the gaps between play-by-play to provide entertainment value. A face color commentator will be light-hearted and joke at the expense of the heels, while heel commentators will discredit their fellow commentators opinions, praise the heels for doing bad (and passing it off as good), and talk down about the faces as often as possible. Bobby Heenan is considered the best color commentator of all time.

Comeback

When a babyface comes back at the heels after a lot of punishment, usually after encouragement from the fans. In John Cena or Roman Reigns’ case, resentment has the same effect.

Copout Finish

When the promotion wants to highlight a feud, but they want to extend the feud to the next PPV so they decide a screwy finish which doesn’t hurt either wrestler’s momentum. Also done sometimes to give a controversial ending, to give a reason to vacate a championship. Either way a copout finish feels like the cheap way out of a booking decision.

Crash TV

A term coined by Vince Russo for his style of television in the Attitude Era. The concept assumes fans have short attention spans, and the only way to keep them gripped is to show controversial content with short matches so they don’t get chance to switch the channel. Gimmick matches were also a prominent feature.

Crimson Mask

When a wrestler’s face is completely covered in blood. Only found outside WWE these days.

Cross-Promotion

When two (or more) wrestling promotions work together on a card. This is done to showcase the best talent from both promotions and gain some publicity.

Cue

A cue can used to signal a spot or sequence of moves during a match. Cues can be given by the wrestlers or the referee, and doesn’t always need to be voiced.

Curtain Jerker

Usually the first match on the card, or a mid-card wrestler who opens the show. While most curtain jerkers are used to ease the fans in, sometimes WWE will open a show with a main event caliber match; like Owens vs. Ambrose at the Royal Rumble.

Cut A Promo

The art of crafting an interview which accurately portrays the characters motivations and goals for their feud and/or match. Promos are used to belittle the opposition for entertainment purposes, or simply to have fun. Either way, a wrestler, (or on-air personality) with the ability to cut an entertaining promo will create moments which will be remembered, and will go a long way in selling what they like to the audience.

Steve Austin criticizes the business for scripting promos and not allowing the talent to speak from the heart. He highlighted the freedoms he had in the 90’s, and how talent today have to remember lines instead.

Cutoff

The moment when a babyface is gaining momentum, but the heel cuts them off with a cheap move. Mind games, eye gouges, interference, low-blows, anything necessary to stop the comeback. Even a dropkick will do it.


Dark Match

Usually refers to matches appearing before or after an event which is not televised. Dark matches feature jobbers, mid-carders, house show talent, local talent, wrestlers in development, or wrestlers looking for a full-time contract. Championships are rarely decided in dark matches. They are not to be confused with Pre-show matches.

Dead Weight

When a wrestler doesn’t do enough to make themselves light during a move; either because they are untrained, or to purposely rib/embarrass their opponent. Inevitably, it’s been known for its share of botches and injuries. When it happens on purpose, the wrestler sabotaging the match is more likely to be punished.

Deathmatch

A Deathmatch is a glorified hardcore fight to end a feud, usually involving barbed wire, chairs, tables, trash cans, thumbtacks, C4 explosives (Funk vs. Cactus Jack), kendo sticks, glass, and any other weapons the wrestlers want to introduce.

Decision

The end of the match when the referee calls the ending and the (booking) decision is enforced. Sometimes the decision can be changed due to injury or controversy. The decision can be made to restart a match immediately, or to be reviewed later.

Dirtsheet

A dirtsheet is a newsletter, magazine or website which focuses on the “backstage news” of professional wrestling. They have been criticized by wrestlers and promotions for spreading false information through bad sources and speculation. They have also been criticized for giving spoilers for pre-taped events and reporting the sightings of big names appearing at future events. The internet has made it easier for dirtsheets to spread spoilers.

Not to be confused with newsletters, magazines, or websites who focus on reporting kayfabe news while also giving fun facts which cater to fans who enjoy not knowing the insider information.

Disqualification

When a wrestler breaks the rules and is disqualified by the referee, The wrestler loses the match as a result. In most companies a championship cannot change hands by disqualification, so a heel might use it to their advantage when needed.

Not breaking the count of five, using weapons, attacking the referee, interference, or refusing to stop an assault after a match has stopped, may all lead to disqualification.

Diva

An old term referring to a wrestler who’s known to be hard to work with, due to being boisterous and/or entitled backstage. For years it was used by WWE to describe the Women’s division. Divas are female wrestlers who feature in photo shoots, media events, and other televised shows.

Do Business (on the way out)

To do business is a mutual agreement between two wrestlers to put on the best match they can to get the winner over in the best way. It can also refer to a wrestler who has to leave (injury/retirement/jumping ship), so they agree to pass the torch on to their opponent.

Double Down

Near the end of a long match when both wrestlers are on their backs after taking major punishment. The referee will start the 10-count and fans will encourage them to get up and continue.

Double Turn

The rare occurrence when two wrestlers switch roles from face-to-heel (or vice-versa) at the end of a match. The best example would be Bret Hart and Steve Austin at Wrestlemania.

Draw/Drawing Power

To have drawing power means you have the ability to sell. Whether it’s an individual wrestler, or an entire promotion, the drawing power will entice fans to watch the product on television, purchase tickets to live events, and buy merchandise.

Drop/Drop The Belt

Similar to doing business. Dropping the belt is considered a negative experience for the champion as they may have picked up an injury, or failed to live up to expectation. The company asks the champion to vacate, or a match is booked to drop the belt to someone else. Either way it’s a tough decision which has to be made sometimes.

DUD

When a match is so abysmal it hurts. A match not only devoid of wrestling, but also defies logic with unnecessary subject matter. Can also refer to main event matches ending prematurely; Sting vs. Jeff Hardy at Victory Road springs to mind.

Dusty Finish

The Dusty Finish is a controversial ending to a match, usually with the wrong winner being announced. Multiple referees, special guest referees, and those involved create an ending where the decision is debatable. Sometimes a new champion can be crowned, only for the match to be restarted and the second match ending with the original champ retaining.

There’s many ways you can have a Dusty Finish, but I think it’s been done so much it’s seen as a cheap ending to a match. Its purpose is to continue a rivalry past the event and pour fuel on the fire. Some fans may feel ripped off after seeing a main event end in controversy. The Dusty Finish is an acquired taste.

Enforcer

Made famous by “The Enforcer” Arn Anderson. Enforcer refers to a wrestler who acts as a bodyguard for another. Also known as a guest who acts as a “second referee” on the outside of the ring to maintain order. Sometimes they may enter the ring to take control of the match if the original referee is bumped. The position is usually filled by a Hall Of Famer or celebrity.


Extreme

EC-DUB! DC-DUB! DC-DUB! Extreme wasn’t about using weapons and crazy spots .. well, to some degree it was, but the term “Extreme” (coined by mad scientist Paul Heyman) was more of a mindset than a way of wrestling. It was something felt by the fanbase, as the blood, sweat, and tears of the ECW Originals created a cult-like following. Fans love to relive an era when a small independent promotion grew into a household name in a few short years.

The extreme mindset led to many wrestlers passing away too soon. The wrestlers took their work and lifestyle to the extreme. While no one asked them to risk their lives, they did it because they needed to work. Despite this, the legend of ECW is remembered fondly long after its doors closed.

Enmascarado

The Spanish term for a masked wrestler. Legendary El Santo pictured.

External Occipital Protuberance

You have to be over a certain age to understand how funny this term is. Sometimes used by WWF commentator Gorilla Monsoon to describe the back of someone’s head.

Ego / Egomaniac

Well we all know who has the biggest ego. Wait, who does? Hogan? Or Vince? It’s close if ya ask me.


Face / Face Of The Company

Simple one really. Shortened term for babyface, the guys/girls the promotion wants you to cheer. The term’s becoming less popular as fans cheer for who they like instead of who the company gets behind.

It also may refer to the phrase “I am the face of (promotion)“, which is when a heel wrestler states they are/should be the #1 guy and has/should have their face centered on promotional posters. Also used by WWE to refer to the WWE Champion whether they are babyface or heel.

Face-In-Peril

When the heel tag team cuts off the ring and tags in-and-out often to beatdown the face to garner heat. Encourages fans to cheer the “Face-in-Peril” to get the hot tag on his team mate. On this occasion Sami Zayn couldn’t wait.

Faction

A group of wrestlers and non-wrestlers banded together with the same goals in mind. The term is used less nowadays as fans prefer the word “stable”.

Fall / Finish

Losing a fall is the same thing as taking a pin-fall loss or other result which ends a match or round. Some matches may have a special stipulation which states it has more than one fall, such as a Two-Out-Of-Three Falls.

The finish is different from taking a fall. Was it a clean finish? Dirty finish? Dusty finish? DQ? Count Out? Before shows the wrestlers discuss their matches and have to agree on the finish .. otherwise they may end up with an incident like The Montreal Screwjob.

False Comeback / False Finish

False comeback is when the face makes a comeback after spending time on the receiving end, but the heel cuts it off with a smart counter. It’s an attempt to make the later comeback more exciting.

A false finish is a sequence of moves which in normal circumstances would end the match, but because the result is important and the match competitive, the pinned wrestler kicks out. The best matches use false finishes to build to an exciting conclusion. Sometimes too many false finishes can be harmful to the perceived strength of finishing moves.

Fan Cam

A video shot by a fan at non-televised events.

Feeding

When heels repeatedly run into a faces offense it’s known as “feeding the babyface”. Jobbers and enhancement talent can be “fed” to heel monsters in squash matches for the opposite effect.

Feud

One of the most important terms. The best feuds elicit the loudest reactions, and remain lodged in the memories of wrestling fans for years. Most feuds end with one side claiming superiority over the other after beating their opponent(s) in a brutal gimmick match like Hell in a Cell). There’s also on-and-off feuds where two sides reignite their rivalry after many years, or after switching promotion.

Fighting From Underneath

A phrase used to describe a small underdog wrestler fighting a large and formidable opponent.

Fighting Champion / Fighting Spirit

A fighting champion takes on all challengers til they lose the title or are forced to vacate. They are less common in recent times.

Fighting spirit is seen more in Japan. It’s when a wrestler no-sells a large amount of offense and makes a comeback. This is used to show the wrestler’s toughness and fighting spirit to gain the fans respect.

Finisher

Every wrestler has at least one finishing move to end matches. Or if your name is Stone Cold Steve Austin … a finisher can be used any time and anywhere!

Five Moves Of Doom

A sequence of match winning moves which become a trademark of the wrestler’s arsenal. Every wrestler has a sequence of moves which may vary in presentation, but will inevitably happen if they’re booked to win. Some are more predictable than others. Hulk Hogan’s sequence is arguably the most popular (in the 80’s at least), despite the tired reactions later in his career. Bret Hart and John Cena are also associated with the term.

Five-Star Match

The highest praise from fans and critics. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter grades matches with their rating system, and five-star matches are rare. When they do happen it’s usually in Japan, so sit back and enjoy a five-star match between Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura!

Flair Flip & Flop

Flair’s overselling has a place here. Vintage Naitch. Never replicated.

Flat Back Bump

The method used by wrestlers to lower the impact of slams, suplex, clotheslines and other moves. It’s the first thing you learn when training to become a wrestler.

Flub Coverup

When a botched move is covered up by the commentary team by calling it a “variation”. Michael Cole is guilty of coverups and falling asleep on the job.

Fluff

A move or punch which is made to look or sound like it hurt despite missing completely.

Following

Another word for a wrestler’s fanbase. The wrestler may give their following a name, like the Cenation.

Foreign Object

An object used in a match as a weapon when rules are enforced. In matches with no rules there’s no such thing as a foreign object.

Freebird Rule

The rule made famous by The Fabulous Freebirds when a group of three wrestlers could win a tag team championship and decide which two would defend the belts.

Front Office

Sometimes referred to in a negative tone when wrestler’s tell their stories of the “Front Office”. Mostly Heard when wrestlers discuss the lack of communication as contributing factors to their departure, and other stories of being blackballed.

 

Future Endeavored

The term was first used by John Laurinaitis in official letters sent to wrestlers who were to be fired from the company. He used it as part of his GM character on Raw to gain heat. WWE continue to use the term when they publicly announce a wrestler has departed on their website.


Gaga

An overly booked finish to match with many gimmicks involved (run-ins, lights out, ref bumps etc) when one would have sufficed. Wrestlemania 2000 springs to mind.

Gaijin

The Japanese word for foreigner. In wrestling it is used for any non-Japanese wrestlers working in Japan.

Gas / Gassed

Gas was commonly used to refer to steroids. Nowadays being “out of gas” means the wrestler lacks stamina and blows up (panting). Ultimate Warrior was gassed 99% of the time, and we could also say he was on the gas.

Gate

The money earned through ticket sales. Merchandise sales may also be included in “the gate”.

Getting Light

Getting light is when a wrestler helps the other perform a move by pushing off to lighten the load. Best example I can think of is Big Show or Mark Henry pushing themselves up during a chokeslam or suplex.

Getting Over / Go Over

Every wrestler wants to “get over” because it means the fans pay to see them. Faces are over when they are universally loved. Heels are over when they are hated by everyone. Others may get over through split crowd reaction, like Cena or Reigns.

To “go over” is for a wrestler to beat another. This loosely combines with “getting over”, as the victor of the match “goes over” on a credible opponent, then the booker hopes the winner “gets over” with the fans. Two similar sounding terms, but there is a difference.

Gig

A gig is the blade a wrestler uses to cut him/herself. It may be stored in their tights, tape, or the referee may pass it to them when the camera pans away.

Gimmick

The gimmick is the character the wrestler is portraying. Some gimmicks are simple and may change, while others stand the test of time. Some wrestlers portray several gimmicks at the same time (Three faces of Foley), It may also refer to the theme a character brings to the show. Gimmick may also be a weapon, the attire worn to enhance a character, or a special match type.

Gimmicked

A weapon that has been altered to break easily; like a table or chair.

Gimmick Table

A table used by (independent) wrestlers to sell their merchandise and is normally found near the concession stand.

Glorified Jobber

Someone who defeats regular jobbers and may occasionally defeat mid-card talent, but always loses in big matches against the main event talent.

Go Home

Much like “Finish”, except to “Go Home” is the instruction to set the planned finish in motion. A referee may cue the wrestlers to “go home” early if one is injured or the booker feels the match is tanking.

Go-Home Show

The last televised show before a PPV. A good go-home show will entice you to watch the PPV.

Go Through

When a match ends in a time-limit draw. I guess it’s called “go through” because the draw ensures the feud/rivalry continues.

Going Bush

When a wrestler goes from a top promotion to a small independent promotion you could say they are.

Going Into Business For Ones-Self

When a wrestler or non-wrestler goes against the plans set out for a match or segment and improvises at the risk (and sometimes cost) of everyone involved. An unprofessional move in the wrong hands. In some cases it can save a segment by making it a little more “real”.

Gold

Another word for a championship belt. Everyone wants gold daddy!

Gongus Wrongus

When a wrestler continues to beatdown their opponent after a match and the bell is rang repeatedly to signal for assistance from the back.

Good Hand

Steady hand is the same thing. A wrestler who isn’t just fun to work with, but also doesn’t work too stiff or light and can take control of a match without getting lost. Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles are good examples.

Gorilla Position

The staging area just behind the curtain where the wrestlers make their entrances. Named after Gorilla Monsoon.

Goozle

The chokehold a wrestler applies just before the chokeslam. Big Show, Undertaker and Kane are known to goozle longer if the chokeslam isn’t ready.

Grab The Tights

When a wrestler illegally pulls their opponents trunks (or other attire) outside the referee’s view to gain leverage during a pinning predicament.

Green

An inexperienced wrestler who has plenty to learn, and may be a hinderance or potential danger to other wrestlers. Austin may call such a wrestler “greener than goose shit”.

Gusher

When a wrestler blades (or is bladed by someone else) and the cut is deep to the point the blood flow is more than expected.


Ham-And-Egger

A term coined by Bobby Heenan to refer to jobbers. It was taken from the first Rocky film when Rocky told Adrian, “I just fight for ham and eggs.” It refers to the income jobbers had, which back then was pretty low … but not so low they couldn’t afford a simple meal.

Hangman

When a wrestler gets stuck in the ropes and simulates being hung. It’s been known for wrestlers to do the hangman unintentionally, which can be awkward as their opponent and/or referee tries freeing them.

Hardcore

Not the same as “Extreme”. Hardcore may refer to any match which introduces weapons. The hardcore style does not necessarily create a good match, and that can be proven by watching CZW.

Hardway

To bleed any other way except blading. Some wrestlers cut themselves the hardway to avoid being fined in WWE.

Head Drop

When a move is performed wrong and the wrestler lifting drops their opponent down on their head; resulting in concussion or a broken neck. It may also refer to the special bump taken in puroresu where the wrestlers plans a “head drop”, a move which appears like they were dropped, but really they took the impact with their shoulders and upper back. These moves still carry great risk. Hardcore Holly’s said many times the head drop with Lesnar was an accident.

Heat / Heat Magnet / Heat Vacuum

There’s varying forms of heat. To “have heat with someone” means a wrestler has pissed someone off backstage and is in the dog house. This version of heat only refers to backstage politics.

To “get heat” with the crowd depends on whether the wrestler is babyface or heel. A babyface will get heat if they do something good and the fans support them with cheers. The opposite way for heels as they fish for booes to gain heat. If a babyface/heel gets cheers and booes, the heat is mixed and not the desired reaction … but it counts nonetheless.

Next is “Go away heat” AKA “X-Pac heat”. To have go away heat means the fans boo because they are tired of seeing the wrestler whether they’re face or heel; fans may react with a consistent groan of disinterest. Then there’s heat magnet, and heat vacuum. A magnet draws tons of positive/negative reactions, whereas a heat vacuum is a talent who sucks all the excitement away and silences the audience.

Heavy

When a wrestler is hard to lift, or purposely makes themselves hard to lift to sandbag their opponent. May also refer to a large wrestler used as a bodyguard/enforcer for a smaller wrestler.

Heel

The bad guys of the wrestling world. Heels talk down to fans and show little respect for their rivals. They use villainous tactics to win matches, and may form stables to gain a numbers advantages. Others side with management (authority) or hire managers for title opportunities.

They will do anything to win, a trait shown through outside interference, low-blows, cheap shots behind the referee’s back, and other underhanded tactics that may get them disqualified.

A heel may win a title and use the “champion’s advantage” for their benefit by purposely getting disqualified before they lose. They are called “closet champions” and rarely win matches clean with no support.

Hide

When a wrestler has a minor injury a booker may hide them in six-man tags and/or keep them away from major shows.

High Rent District

A term coined by Jim Ross in the Attitude Era to refer to a wrestler standing on the top turnbuckle.

Highspot

A risky top rope move, a combination of dangerous moves, or a stunt performed with added protection. Like Shane McMahon jumping off the cell.

Hold Up

When a wrestler refuses to work a match because they feel the pay is too low. May also refer to a champion refusing to defend the title in another promotion unless certain conditions are met.

Hooker

A hooker is a wrestler with legitimate wrestling holds and fighting background who can end a match (or even a career) by forcing their opponent to lose if they try going into business for themselves. The moves used to end matches in this way are known as “hooks”.

In the old days of wrestling the champions had to be careful because if their opponent decided to go for the pin and the champion lost, the result would stick because kayfabe was strictly adhered too. The champions had to be legit tough guys to make sure matches ended as the booker intended to avoid controversy. One of the best hookers was the legendary Lou Thesz.

Hope Spot

It’s the same thing as the “False Comeback”. The face starts a comeback, but the heel cuts them off and the audience wait for the real comeback with higher anticipation.

Hoss

A large wrestler with limited movement and skills. A match with two hoss wrestlers with many stiff strikes is known as a hossfest.

Hotshot

A rushed feud or one that ends too soon. Includes PPV quality matches given away on TV for ratings. Also refers to sudden turns and angles for the purpose of short-term shock value. Steve Austin left WWE because Vince wanted to hotshot a match between him and Lesnar on an episode of Raw.

Hot Tag

After the heels gain advantage in the tag match, the face-in-peril’s partner reaches out for the tag. The heels isolate the face-in-peril in their half of the ring, raising the crowds anticipation for the tag. After some failed attempts, the faces pick their spot and get the hot tag; making the crowd pop. The face comes in fresh dishing out tons of punishment before running out of steam.

House

The amount of money generated at an event from all sources.

House Show

An untelevised event which may draw fewer fans than a major show. Sometimes angles are practiced, or the wrestlers have fun breaking from TV feuds/storylines to give fans something different.

Hulking Up / Hogan Pop

Hulking up is when a wrestler no-sells their opponents offense after taking tons of punishment, and fights back with superhuman strength and vitality.

A Hogan pop is when an excited crowd cheers for so long the wrestler (and others in the ring) have to acknowledge and stand in awe. Recent examples include Shane McMahon’s return and many Daniel Bryan moments.

Hype

All the promotional efforts made to increase awareness and popularity of wrestlers, wrestling events, angles, and other special events. A good example of hype during an entrance would be Goldberg walking to the ring with security.


Independent Promotion (Indie)

A smaller wrestling company who runs local shows and usually employs freelance talent. Wrestlers who make a name for themselves in the indies are known as “Indy Stars”. Indy wrestlers who internet fans buzz over are sometimes called “Indy Darlings”.

Interbrand

A term used in WWE to reference a match which includes wrestlers from different shows during the brand extension. (Raw/Smackdown).

Interpromotional

When two or more wrestling promotions agree to a match or event involving talent from each roster. The biggest interpromotional alliance at the moment is the exciting partnership of Ring Of Honor and New Japan Pro Wrestling. Impact Wrestling has also shown interpromotion in recent times.

Interference

When someone who is not part of the match gets involved to intentionally, or unintentionally effect the outcome of a match.

Invasion

When wrestlers from a rival promotion attempt to take over their opposition’s show. This is normally done in a kayfabe storyline, although there have been examples of real invasions, like XPW’s pitiful attempt at hijacking an ECW PPV.

IWC (Internet Wrestling Community)

Anyone who logs online to talk about professional wrestling on social media platforms and websites. IWC should be a positive term bringing wrestling fans together; not used in arguments to belittle others opinions. Fans are everywhere whether they choose to go on the internet or not.


Jabroni

Originally used by The Iron Sheik and later popularized by The Rock, the orignal meaning of Jabroni was another word for jobber. The Rock added new meaning to it by referring to anyone he deemed a loser as a jabroni. There’s also a “Jabroni Drive” which includes a “Smackdown Hotel” in one of his songs.

Job / Jobber

To job means a wrestler loses clean to another wrestler and makes them look strong in a short match. Unknown wrestlers who are hired to lose matches regularly are known as jobbers. Some refer to superstars who lose regularly as jobbers too, although it can be argued they should be called enhancement talent.

Joshi

Joshi puroresu is what the Japanese call Women’s Wrestling. Male wrestling is Puroresu, while women’s wrestling adds Joshi before puroresu. Can be called Joshi Puro for short. Asuka, Kairi Sane and Io Shirai are former Joshi stars.

Juice

Usually refers to blood from the forehead. Also another word for being on steroids; like one could say a wrestler’s “on the juice”.


Kayfabe

To give the illusion professional wrestling and it’s storylines are real. Wrestling promotions strictly kept kayfabe before the mid-80s as the way they made it look and sound real were trade secrets. Newspaper articles tried to break kayfabe by pointing out the inconsistencies and labelled wrestling as fake and scripted.

It wasn’t til Vince McMahon’s WWF took control of the wrestling business did the effect of kayfabe come under scrutiny. One of the first major incidents to break kayfabe was the infamous “Curtain Call”, when members of The Kliq hugged it out at the end of a live event despite being on opposing sides.

It may originate from Pig Latin for “fake” (“ake-fay”) or the phrase “be fake” (“e-bay ake-fay”).

Kick-Out

When a pinned wrestler uses their legs to power out and the force lifts their shoulders off the mat.

Kill

To make the decision to diminish or eliminate heat from a wrestler or event. A wrestler may have their momentum killed by jobbing too many times in succession. A house can be killed by too many screwjob finishes or an event running longer than intended. May also refer to ending a match prematurely due to poor crowd response.


Lead Ass

A wrestler who is uncooperative in the ring. He/She will do what they want and ‘lead ass’ their opponent around the ring.

Legit

The word used to mean anything that is “real”. Over the years fans prefer to use ‘shoot’ instead of legit, as the meaning of the word changed to describe a wrestler who has real fighting skills in MMA, boxing, or any combat fighting sport. eg. In a real fight Goldberg would lose to Lesnar cos’ he’s legit.

Lemon

It’s hard not to think of Adam Rose when you think of this. Ironically, it means a wrestler who is not over and is perceived as a failure; so I guess it suits. The lesson here is … don’t be a lemon!

Load

Two meanings here. The first ‘load’ is when a wrestler places a foreign object to a piece of clothing (boot, elbow pad etc) to give the impression the next move will inflict more damage.

The second meaning is when a promoter stacks a card to increase the attractiveness; like Vince McMahon loading the Wrestlemania card each year with part-timers.

Lock Up

A grapple at the start of a match so opponents can ‘feel each other out’ in terms of strength. Lock ups can transition into tests of strength, arm drags, pinning predicaments, or sometimes they’re evenly matched so they break respectfully. Normally used between two wrestlers have not fought before, or not in a long time.

Light / Loose

Being “light” is when a wrestler’s moves look weak and fake. Sometimes being light will help an opponent if they are working through an injury. Either way, working light is considered bad as it takes away from the intensity of the match.

Working “loose” is different. While performing moves the wrestler applies force which is less than average, and it’s considered a positive as the moves are performed, but it’s done with a loose feel making it harder to pick up injuries.

Lights Out

When the venue’s lights are shut off to get wrestler’s in position for a surprise appearance. Sting and The Undertaker have used the lights out method many times to great effect.

Lumberjack / Lumberjill

Wrestlers who fill the ringside area during a lumberjack match. Their sole purpose is to throw the participating wrestlers back in the ring if they fall to the outside, but sometimes heel lumberjacks will attack babyfaces which may lead to lumberjacks fighting each other. The Divas equivalent is Lumberjill.

Lucha Libre

Mexican wrestling which translates to “Free Fighting”. Suitable name as the style of wrestling features mostly high-flying. Mexican wrestlers are called Luchadors, and wrestlers take wearing masks seriously.

Masked wrestlers may keep to kayfabe and never reveal their identity to the public, even in retirement. Masked wrestlers may participate in Luchas de Apuestas, which is a match dedicated to putting wrestler’s masks on the line, while their opponent puts up a wager like their own mask, hair, or career.

When a luchador loses their mask it is seen as the ultimate insult. The luchador may never be able to wear a mask again and see out the rest of their career without it. While some wrestlers wind down after losing Luchas de Apuestas, it doesn’t always spell the end as some luchadors can go on to become even more famous after losing their masks.


Main Event

The most highly anticipated match on the card, and is normally last on the show. It may be for the promotion’s World Championship. Some promotions feature several main events on the same card, such as WWE with Wrestlemania. While promoters might see all main events as equal, some wrestlers see the last match of the card as the real main event, and that’s where they aspire to be.

Manager

Someone who accompanies a wrestler or team to the ring with the aim of managing them to victory. They may talk on the wrestler’s behalf and interfere during matches, although this is not always the case they could simply be there for moral support.

Mark / Marking Out

The original meaning of mark was a wrestling fan who believes wrestling is real and not staged. It was also used to describe a wrestler who puts kayfabe achievements (like a title) over earning more money. Over time the term has been used to describe fans with little, or no knowledge of the backstage stories or industry as whole. Also used to describe a fan who is overly obsessed with a wrestler, promotion, or style of wrestling to the point they will defend it with no regard to logic. eg. How can that TNA mark defend such terrible business decisions??

But while the word was originally used by wrestler’s for fans, the term has become derogatory between fans themselves. Sometimes when fans argue with each other, they might say  “you’re such a mark!” as an insult. Honestly, I prefer if we just called each other wrestling fans. Marking out is when a fan appreciates wrestling for what it is in a big moment.

Marriage

A drawn out feud which plays out for months, sometimes years. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens have been married since their ROH days.

Mercy Kill

When an angle or feud is killed off prematurely because the fans don’t care about it anymore.

Mic Work

The art of speaking into a microphone and eliciting the appropriate responses from the audience. You either have it or you don’t.

Mid-Carder

A mid-carder is a wrestler who works in the middle of the card for secondary championships. An upper mid-carder is someone who can transition between mid-card and main event programs when necessary. Sometimes fans use the term in frustration as their favourites never “get a push”. “Midcard hell” is when a wrestler stays in the mid-card their whole career despite getting over.

Missed Spot

A mis-timed move or series of moves. May also be called a “Blown Spot”, or “mis-selling”. May also refer to a move which appeared really light.

Money Match / Money Promo / Money Mark

A money match is a highly promoted non-title match with the same importance as a main event, and may be the selling point for a PPV. A money promo is a backstage interview or hype video which is so good it can draw fans to a PPV by itself. A money mark is someone who wants to get into the business and uses their money to invest in a wrestling promotion despite not knowing (or caring about) the financial risks.

Monster

An extremely powerful wrestler who seems unbeatable and squashes opponents. While it doesn’t have to be, monsters are usually giant men portraying heels; “Monster Heel” is a common name for them. They are intimidating and/or grotesque. André The Giant is the most successful monster of all time.

Mouthpiece

Continuing on from Manager. A mouthpiece is a manager who is chosen to talk on behalf of their client because they are able to articulate and draw the heat. One of the most famous mouthpieces of all time is Paul Heyman, manager of Brock Lesnar.

Muta Scale

The Muta Scale is similar to the Richter scale. Unlike the Richter scale (which goes from 1-10), the Muta scale goes from 0.0 to 1.0. It was created after a match between Hiroshi Hase and The Great Muta, where Muta lost a lot of blood after a bad blade job. The 1992 match has a Muta scale of 1.0, and fans may use the scale to compare it to other bloody matches.


Near-Fall

When a wrestler is close to being pinned. Usually 2 1/2 or 2 3/4s. Near-Falls are used in False finishes to add excitement to the match.

No Contest

When a match is stopped and has no result. This could be because a wrestler picked up a serious injury, or because there was a lot of interference and it’s unclear who should be disqualified.

No-Sell

When a wrestler does not appear hurt when taking their opponent’s moves. This can be associated with monsters to make them appear invulnerable to pain. The Undertaker used no-selling to great effect in the early days of his character. Sometimes no-selling is a bad thing, especially when it’s in a competitive match and a wrestler no-sells a finishing move, as it makes their opponent’s arsenal look weak.

No-Show

When a wrestler does not show up for a match. This is usually in storyline, but sometimes it can happen for real. When it happens for real it is highly unprofessional and the wrestler who no-shows may be ridiculed or face disciplinary action.

Nuclear Heat

A higher level of heat. From a fans POV, it’s when they become overly angry and upset with a promotion, wrestler, or angle. Also may refer to wrestler’s who have upset people backstage and are seen as difficult to work with.

Number-One Contender

When a wrestler is next in line for a title match. Number-One Contender status can be achieved by winning a number-one contenders match, or sometimes by defeating the champion in a non-title match.


Over

When something is popular with the fans it’s known as over. Babyfaces may be over by getting cheered, and heels may be over by getting jeers. Sometimes a wrestler doesn’t get the desired reaction, but is still talked about by many (which means they’re over). Sometimes a wrestler may not be over, but something associated with them is; good example would be Fandango’s entrance theme.

Over-Sell

Instead of selling opponent’s moves correctly and making them look strong, the wrestler sells to the point it looks ridiculous. Some wrestlers are natural sellers and may go too far, which is acceptable in small doses. In the case of Hogan vs. Shawn Michaels at Summerslam, the infamous match is known for HBK’s over-selling, making Hogan look ridiculous in the process.

Outlaw Rule

In a four corners tag team match, teams may tag their opponents into the match. The New Age Outlaws are known to have taken advantage of that and pinned each other to win a match. Because of this the “Outlaw Rule” was introduced which prohibits team mates from pinning each other in tag matches.


Paper

Giving out free tickets to give the illusion of a full house. This is usually done so events with low-ticket sales appear better on television. Impact Wrestling used to do this with the Impact Zone.

Paper Champion

A weak transitional champion. Usually done to bridge the gap between champions without having them face each other. One of the most famous paper champions was The Iron Sheik, who bridged the gap between Bob Backlund and Hulk Hogan.

Parts Unknown

A fictional location with the intention of being vague. It is used to add mystery to a wrestler’s characters. The Ultimate Warrior was from Parts Unknown and Stardust was from a variation called “The 5th Dimension”.

Paying Dues

Veteran wrestlers expect new guys to “pay their dues” by starting out as a jobber and working their way up. They may also expect them to take ribs (pranks that may be harsher than usual) and be a good sport, so they can be accepted by the lockerroom.

When a wrestler gains a high position in the company in a short time, the veterans may resent them and feel they have not earned their position. Fans may feel the same way if a wrestler is pushed too much after their debut, as they feel they have not earned their respect yet.

Payoff

The reward for an angle paying off in the end. This is usually when a babyface finally triumphs over their opponent(s) and wins the title, much to the delight of the fans.

Phantom Bump

When a wrestler or referee takes a bump despite the move being botched or not being present at all. Awkward!

Pinfall

Holding a wrestler down on the mat so the referee can count to three. Both shoulders must be kept on the mat for it to count. Lance Storm criticizes wrestlers who “hook the leg”, because more often than not they’re not holding their opponents shoulders down, which is more believable and adds an element of urgency. The hooking of the leg might look good, but they often won’t lean over and it allows the opponent to raise their shoulder easily.

Pin-falls can occur by laying across the opponent in any way. And in certain submission holds, the wrestler applying has to be careful with their shoulders so the referee does not start the pinfall count against them. In normal matches pin-falls can be stopped by reaching the ropes for a rope break.

Pipe Bomb

A worked shoot promo appears real, but is in fact scripted with the intent of sounding real. The bookers are aware of whats going to be said, and the excitement generated can be used to further storylines. CM Punk named it the Pipe Bomb.

Plant

When a wrestler or actor poses as a fan at ringside. They may get involved with a match, attack someone, or be interviewed to further an angle.

Play-By-Play

The main commentator calling the action in the ring. They move the show forward while reacting to comments made by the color commentator. Their primary job is to call the match, although in WWE this isn’t always the case. The best play-by-play commentators know the names of the wrestling holds and relevant statistics to make the wrestlers sound good.

Politician

A wrestler who is good at making connections with management and the lockerroom. They know what to say, and by doing so may get preferential treatment over other wrestlers who may not play the game.

Pop

A loud cheer, a positive reaction from the crowd. Pops are most common when a wrestler’s music hits.

Popcorn Match

A match no one really cares for. It’s going to suck regardless, so it gives fans incentive to take a toilet break and go to the concession stands. A good way to break up main events.

Possum

Heels can use the tactic of ‘playing possum’ to lure their opponent in for a surprise attack. Rarely used by babyfaces.

Post

To run or to be thrown into the ring post.

Potato

An intentional punch during a match. Sometimes done when the wrestler’s are close to the crowd to make it feel more real. A veteran wrestler may potato a rookie if they feel they are taking liberties.

Powdering (Out)

To roll out of the ring after taking a bump. Normally used by heels to “catch their breath” and frustrate their opponent. Is seen a lot during multi-wrestler matches so they can take turns at squaring off one-on-one in the ring.

Program

A series of matches where rivals square off to enhance their feud. A program may end prematurely if it’s not getting the desired reactions, or it may continue for several months before the company decides to end it.

Promo

When a wrestler is ‘cutting a promo’, they are talking to their rival, promotion, or the audience about their current state. Promos are not limited to one individual, and may also occur in backstage interviews. The best promos are remembered.

Psychology

The story of a match. The best wrestlers know how to tell the story they are portraying in matches. Psychology can be as simple as a wrestler targeting a body part that’s been injured in a previous attack.

Pull Apart

A brawl that’s got so out-of-hand officials and wrestlers are sent to pull them apart.

Puroresu

The word for professional wrestling in Japan. Puroresu is becoming increasingly more popular among English-speaking fans.

Push / Put Over

A push is an on-screen promotion for a wrestler. They fight higher on the card against tougher opponents and reap the benefits. A push is usually given when the wrestler gets loud reactions and sells lots of merchandise. To be put over means to enhance the popularity of the wrestler. Most commonly used to describe a wrestler who loses to another. “He really put that guy over last night!”.


Rasslin’

A term used by non-fans and insiders to refer to professional wrestling in the southern states of America. Non-fans have used it in a derogatory way to stereotype wrestling and its fans. Insiders have used it to refer to promotions who are stuck in the past using the old “southern” way of booking.

When Ted Turner purchased Jim Crockett Promotions in 1988 he allegedly called Vince McMahon to tell him he was now in the “rasslin'” business. McMahon allegedly differentiated his company’s style by responding, “That’s great, Ted. I’m in the entertainment business.”

Receipt

When a wrestler is potato’d (stiff strike) by their competitor, they may respond with their own. This is known as giving a receipt.

Ref Bump

When a referee gets in the way and is unintentionally (or perhaps intentionally) knocked down by a strike or move. This is used to give heels time to use weapons, or for wrestlers/managers to get involved without facing repercussions like disqualification. Rarely seen is a ‘phantom’ ref bump.

Rematch Clause

When a champion is defeated there’s an unwritten rule (especially in WWE) which allows them to challenge the new champion in a rematch. While wrestlers will say it’s in their contract, there is no real rematch clause in their contracts, so it’s simply used to explain why the match is happening again without crowning a number one contender. Sometimes the clause is ignored and goes unmentioned after a champion loses the title.

Repackage

A repackage is more than a face or heel turn, it’s a change of gimmick and/or name change which may include new attire, entrance music, and sometimes a different moveset. A repackage is done when a wrestler’s character is not getting over, or if they jumped ship to another promotion and want to be taken seriously.

Rest Hold

During a match, one of the wrestler’s may apply a loose hold like a head lock on their opponent. This is done to give them a short break, so it’s a good time fto confirm the next series of spots. Too many rest holds in a short time are usually frowned upon by fans.

Rib

A rib is the insider term for a practical joke. As wrestler’s are on the road a lot, they pass the time by playing ribs on each other. Ribs are not restricted to the backstage area, as they can be done subtly during a show.

Owen Hart and The British Bulldog were known as the biggest ribbers in the WWF. Vince McMahon encouraged the practice, although he certainly doesn’t take it well when he’s on the receiving end. (22:40 for the Regal rib)

Ring General

A veteran who can lead experienced wrestlers and rookies through a match. Has the respect and trust of their peers.

Ring Psychology

It’s about getting the audience emotionally invested in the match. Using moves that make sense, timing of the moves, building to an exciting climax, and selling everything through great acting skills is all part of ring psychology.

Ring Rat

Like groupies for wrestlers. Ring rats are usually women who go to events with the intention of having sex with their favourite wrestler(s).

Ring Rust

When a wrestler has been on hiatus for a long time, they may return looking in great shape. However, it may be apparent they have trained for a return, but they are not in “ring shape” which gives better stamina, technique, and timing.

Commentators will make this point when comparing the returning wrestler to their full-time working opponent. They’ll explain that while they have trained hard, ring rust might play a part in the result. There is no replacement for being in ring shape.

Roid Rage

Roid rage is a term originally used by wrestlers to refer to other temperamental wrestlers on steroids. Bret Hart explained it as something that would “make one of the guys flip a car over”, but he’d never rage to the point of harming anyone else.

Rub

A ‘rub’ is when a veteran helps a newer and inexperienced wrestler in getting over. The veteran wrestler will go as far as losing at Wrestlemania to get the new guy/girl over with the fans. It doesn’t always work.

Rudo

A Mexican heel wrestler. Rudo’s are more likely to be unmasked after a long-time feud ends in a mask vs. mask match.

Run-In

When a wrestler or stable runs down to the ring to interfere. Done by a groups of heels to beatdown on a babyface, but can also be a face wrestler looking to save another face from being destroyed.

Rushed Finish

A rushed finish is when a match ends prematurely due to a competitor being legitimately injured, or because the booker decides to end it early for another reason.

Sandbag

When an unskilled or uncooperative wrestler is unable, or unwilling to work with their opponent to perform a move.


Save

When a wrestler is outnumbered in the ring and their stablemates/allies enter to save them from the onslaught.

School

A school teaches students in the art of wrestling. This may include starter schools, or development territories (invite-only) who train talent to adapt to their style of wrestling; like the WWE Performance Center and NXT.

Taking “someone to school” may refer to a wrestler with limited wrestling ability being coaxed into working a competitive match by their skilled veteran opponent; the byproduct giving them experience and a new-found respect from fans.

Scientific Wrestling

A wrestling match focusing on amateur and Greco-Roman wrestling holds. May include chain-wrestling, submissions, strategy focused targeting of body parts, and extended time on the mat. Despite the initial focus, the wrestler’s may be good brawlers who can change the pace and leave the scientific wrestling behind after the feeling out stage.

Screwjob

A screwjob is when a wrestler loses a match unfairly due to outside interference or dodgy refereeing. Usually with the face playing victim, the heel rival may cost them a championship title shot or belt. The act gives the face motive to seek revenge, so it’s used often to start or escalate feuds. Also used to show storyline management abusing their power by preferring someone over another, giving fans reason to boo the authority figures.

Scripted

Another term for worked. Often used to explain predetermined outcomes. May also refer to scripted promos in WWE. In the past wrestler’s were given freedom with the mic, and would say things their own way. A selective few get the luxury in WWE, like The Rock telling the audience he’s going off-script to address fans.

Sell

Selling is a wrestler on the receiving end of a move reacting like it hurt. Good selling makes you wonder if the wrestler is injured after a barrage of strikes. The seller continues showing their pain affecting their ability to perform moves. The seller is consistent and makes their opponent look strong.

Bad selling is everywhere in wrestling today. Over-selling is when a wrestler acts like they were hit by a tank from a simple punch. There’s a problem with wrestling in some matches where little, to no selling at crucial moments make it difficult to believe the sequences of spectacular moves hurt at all.

Send It

Not used much these days. “Send it”, is when a wrestler asks their opponent to hit them with the wrong side of the chair.

Sheep

When diehard fans do anything in the hopes of meeting their heroes online or in-person. May refer to a fan following a company blindly despite questionable practices and poor shows. Heels may also use it to insult the audience.

Shine

When a face gets the upper hand early in the match. Often done when the face is clearly losing to the monster heel, but the company wants to give ’em some “shine” by letting them show off their skills before the heel ends it.

Shoot

When a wrestler goes off-script to address real-life issues and incidents. May be done when a wrestler is upset with another wrestler in real-life, or they’re frustrated with decisions made by management. It’s considered unprofessional as the higher-ups don’t want an out of control talent berating others in front of the fans.

Not to be confused with worked shoot promos like CM Punk’s pipe bomb, AJ Lee’s promo on the Divas, and Paige’s worked promo on Charlotte. While they dip into reality, they were approved beforehand. Worked shoot promos give short-term excitement, til the fans realize it’s a work.

The other type of shoot is when a wrestler sits down for a long interview with a host who asks them questions about their life in and out of the business. Shoot interviews include the real people behind the characters and are usually unlinked to any wrestling promotion. Talk show podcasts like “Stone Cold Podcast” may encourage them to discuss specific subjects, while steering away from anything too controversial.

Shooter

A wrestler with a background in legitimate fighting (catch wrestling in the old days, MMA these days), or otherwise known as a tough guy who won’t take anything untoward in the ring. In the old days veteran wrestlers would “stretch” rookies to put them in their place if they were taking liberties.

Showman

A wrestler who doesn’t need a wrestling match to entertain the crowd. Just give ’em an entrance and a microphone .. sit back and watch the magic unfold.

Signature Move

A move synonymous with a wrestler. They use it as part of their moveset, and it may have a unique name. A signature move may rarely be used to finish a match instead of a finishing move. Most signature moves give the wrestler a late 2-count before they take it home.

Skin The Cat

When a wrestler goes over the top or through the ropes and pulls themselves back in without touching the floor. Sometimes they may use their legs to force their opponent over the top rope to the floor. Signature move of Shawn Michaels.

Skit

A segment of a wrestling show which is not a wrestling match or fight. Like an interview, promo, or comedy sketch.

Smark / Smarten Up

Smark is a combination of the words ‘Smart Mark’. Sometimes used negatively, a smark is fan who has inside knowledge of the business without personal experience. Smarks are more likely to criticize a show than enjoy it like casual fans. Sometimes used by casual fans and wrestler’s to refer to “know-it-alls” who don’t know anything.

To “smarten up” is when a fan gets educated on the business, and becomes more aware of the basics to enjoy it in a new way.

Space Mountain

“You want to take a ride on Space Mountain!?” – The humourous euphemism used by Ric Flair to refer to sex or his penis. WOOOOOO!

Splash

A move usually performed by a large wrestler when they drop their full weight on a smaller opponent. Named after Big Daddy’s signature move, the Daddy Splash. There’s many variations of the splash from the top turnbuckle.

Sports Entertainment

A term coined by WWE and Vince McMahon to refer to WWE programming to appeal to a broader audience. Sports Entertainment differs to professional wrestling as it refers to talent as “superstars”. It encourages scripted storylines and elements from other forms of entertainment like reality TV shows and bands.

Spot / Spotfest / Spot Monkey / Spot Shuffle

A spot is a planned move or series of moves in a match. A high spot is an exciting and potentially dangerous move. A spotfest is a match with spots back-to-back. Spot monkey describes a wrestler who relies on high spots over ring psychology and working the crowd. Spot shuffle is when a group of wrestlers outside the ring shuffle into position to cushion the fall of the incoming flyer. The time spent getting into position is important; the longer they shuffle the worse it looks.

Squared Circle

Another term for a wrestling ring. Commonly used to hype events and wrestler’s talent.

Squash

A one-sided and often short match between two wrestlers. Used in WWE to establish new monsters to the main roster. A squash can revive a wrestler’s career after a losing streak or return from injury. But squash matches are not liked by everyone. On one hand it’s good to set up a talent as a credible force, but if done too long .. it becomes tiresome. The real question is: Do fans like squash matches? I can’t imagine many saying they’d prefer a squash over a competitve match.

Stable

The Four Horseman. D-Generation X. New World Order. No need to list more. A stable is a group of wrestlers with the same goals, adopting their own style and gimmicks. They may recruit new members or kick out the weak links. They will interfere on behalf of their stablemates.

On occasion they may try to “take over” the promotion and own every championship. Other groups form to fight the dominant villanous stable, which causes Stable Warfare. The war ends when either one stable stands tall, or none do.

Stalling

When a heel wrestler purposely stalls to wrestle his opponent. The face tries to engage but the heel avoids and powders out to circle the ring and “stretch”. The face eventually gets agitated and runs after the heel .. who runs away, enters the ring, and gets the upper hand on the face as they re-enter the ring.

Stiff

Using excessive force while executing a move on purpose or by accident. Stiff punches may cause injury to an opponent. Or in John Cena’s case, a knee strike.

Stooge

A stooge is hired help for heel wrestlers. They do the ‘dirty work’ for them, such as putting their bodies on the line during run-ins, or accepting matches on their bosses behalf.

Strap

Strap is another word for a title belt. There’s also the Strap Match, which includes a long belt for whipping each other’s backs, or a strap tieing opponents arms together so there’s no escape. And then there’s the Yapapi Strap match brother!

Stretching

Stretching is the lost practice of wrestler’s from the kayfabe era who applied legitimate holds on their opponents to protect the business. It was also done to toughen up younger wrestlers, and assert their authority on an opponent they considered going into business for themselves (stealing the win). Stu Hart was known to stretch his students to toughen them up in the Hart Dungeon.

Strike

A punch, chop, kick, or any other physical hit to the body without grabbing an opponent. Weapon strikes to the head is a practice highly discouraged in WWE and other promotions.

Stroke

To have stroke means you have backstage influence. For example, you could persuade management to give a deserving talent a match on TV or appear in a skit. Or to take the month off without giving much notice.

Strong Style

A form of Japanese wrestling which is worked hard, appears realistic, competitive, and may include stiff mixed martial arts strikes. Wrestlers need toughness and spirit to work strong style. One wrestler who has perfected the style is the “King Of Strong Style” Shinsuke Nakamura.

Superhuman Comeback

Hulk Hogan, John Cena, Roman Reigns. Three wrestlers who have been negatively compared to Superman. The reason behind this is due to the nature of the “Superhuman Comeback”.

The only guy who ever made it work on a grand scale was Hulk Hogan in the 80’s, but it soon grew tiresome in the 90’s before he turned heel and joined the New World Order. Then the Superhuman Comeback worked for him somewhat, as it only gave him more heat with the WCW faithful.

Superstar

The term used by WWE to refer to their wrestlers. Used by TNA for a few years before reverting back to calling them professional wrestlers. NXT is on the fence on calling their talent wrestlers or sports entertainers.

Spike

A move which targets the head, neck, and shoulders. Piledrivers and other moves which drop wrestlers on their heads are risky and have caused neck injuries in the past. Sometimes a commentator may describe the recipient as getting “spiked on their head”. Piledrivers and other dangerous moves should only be performed by wrestlers.


Tag Team

A group of wrestlers working together to have success as a team. A standard tag team includes two wrestlers, as tag team titles are more commonly defended in 2 vs. 2 contests. On the rare occasion a tag team may have more than two members, and in this instance they will challenge and defend tag team titles under the ‘Freebird Rule’.

Talent

A term used for on-air talent, such as wrestlers, managers, announcers, commentators, authority figures, and other personalities.

 

Tap Out

Wrestlers tap the mat repeatedly to show they quit the match due to the pain from the submission hold.  Fans may ridicule a heel wrestler after tapping out by chanting “You Tapped Out!”.

Tease

When a face teases a heel turn, or a heel teases a face turn. Older wrestlers may tease retirement. Any moment which gives the viewer a teaser of possible eventualities.

Technical

A wrestler with an abundance of skill and ability in the ring. Technical wrestlers are known to brawl, suplex, mat wrestle, chain wrestle, do flips, execute crisp counters, and apply submission holds. They have great stamina and use strategies to weaken their opponents. They prefer to win matches via pinfall or submission over count-out or disqualification; although some technical heels may prefer the latter.

Técnico

A Mexican babyface wrestler. They are like real-life super heroes to kids.

Territory

A wrestling promotion designated to a region of a country. The term stems from the NWA days when they set up and collaborated with regional promotions around the United States in the early days of the business. The promotions never worked in other territories as they signed an agreement with the NWA not to go into direct competition. The NWA lost power after the WWF put several regionals out of business. The term is becoming archaic as fans prefer to call smaller, regional promotions ‘the independents’.

Tights

Another word for ring attire. While not all wrestlers will wear the traditional tights associated with amateur wrestling, when a heel wrestler pulls at their opponents attire to gain leverage during a pin-fall it’s known as ‘pulling the tights’, even if the wrestler isn’t wearing tights.

Titantron

A combination of Sony’s JumboTron and former WWF parent company Titan Sports. Vince McMahon noticed other sports using big screens, so he took the concept and made it the focus for wrestler’s entrances, backstage interviews, vignettes, and other segments.

When a big name debuts or a superstar returns from injury, the fans wait eagerly for the titantron to play the entrance music and set the stage for the deafening pop. It may sound odd, but other promotions cannot use a titantron to the extent WWE can as it costs a lot of money to maintain. WWE innovated the concept and they keep trying to outdo themselves every year at Wrestlemania.

Transition

A move to link moves together. A move which links one spot to another spot. Anything which gets the wrestlers from A to B.

Transitional Champion

A wrestler who becomes champion for a short time so the title can move on to a credible title holder. Could say half the WWF Hardcore Champions were transitional.

Turn

A switch in a wrestler’s character from good to bad, or bad to good. It might be a sudden hard turn, or a gradual soft turn. It could also be a double turn during an epic contest such as Bret Hart and Steve Austin at Wrestlemania. Sometimes they might turn without notice, or stay face/heel their entire career. Or in Big Show’s case, a wrestler may turn more times than I’ve had Sunday dinners!

Tweener

A tweener is a wrestler who isn’t quite face or heel. They act like a heel, yet they are cheered for breaking the rules. The wrestler doesn’t care what the audience thinks, but they don’t play to the crowd in a positive or negative way. In the end, it’s up to the fans to decide whether they love, like, or hate them.


Unified

When two or more title belts join together as one championship. The most recent example would be the unification of the WWE Championship and the World Heavyweight Championship.

Vacant

When a championship belt has no champion to hold it. A title belt can be declared vacant due to the champion becoming injured or a match ending in controversy. The vacant title may be won in a rematch or decided in a tournament finals.

Valet

Usually a woman who escorts her man or team to ringside. They are not classed as managers, but they can still be used to distract or frustrate the crowd. They have been known to interfere in matches as well.

Vanilla Midget

A term coined by Kevin Nash. When he was WCW booker he used it to refer to “small and boring” wrestlers like Eddie Guerrero, Dean Malenko and others. The remarks were met with a ton of criticism considering two of his best friends (Shawn Michaels and Sean Waltman) are as small as them. He was burying talents the fans tuned in to see.

Vignette

Any video footage used to hype a character, storyline, or upcoming event. Its sole purpose is to help get something over. WWE are the masters of vignettes, as they can make the worst built feuds or debuts seem almost interesting with the right vignette.

Visual Fall

A pin the crowd sees, but the referee doesn’t due to being distracted or bumped. The pinning wrestler will count the fall themselves as the crowd continues to count past 3. It’s used to add drama by making the crowd feel he/she would have won had the referee been in the position.


Worked Shoot

A worked interview disguised as a shoot. The interview may have elements of truth, such as backstage politics and being held back by management. It creates buzz and gets the fans behind the frustrated talent. Whether it succeeds is up to the company and what they do in the future. It can rejuvenate a career, at least in the short-term. Or sometimes it does nothing at all.

Work / To Work Someone

There’s three forms of the term ‘work’. 1) A wrestler works the crowd with taunts and ring psychology. Everything that is planned (kayfabe) is a work. 2) When a wrestler targets a body part. 3) Another way of saying the fans were duped.

Worker / Work Rate

Worker is another term for a wrestler. Work rate is self-explanatory, the level of in-ring performances judged by skill, effort, and frequency of moves.

Wrestler’s Court

I did a series on this subject. Five hearings filled with hilarious and sometimes cruel stories posted in the links below.

IntroductionHearing #1Hearing #2 Hearing #3 Hearing #4 Hearing #5

Wrestler Heaven

A term which reminds us how many legends passed away before their time.

X-Pac Heat

Same as nuclear heat. When a wrestler gets consistent negative heat from the fans. Named after X-Pacs second run in WWE.

X Sign

A sign we don’t enjoy seeing. A referee will cross their arms and hold them in the air to show the X sign when a wrestler is injured and needs medical attention. As fans grew smart to what the sign means, it has been used to sideline talent with a fake injury or as part of a storyline. Justin Credible explains the importance of referees.

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