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 not given a result. This could be because a wrestler picked up a serious injury, or because there was a lot of interference and it remains unclear who should be disqualified.
No-Sell
When a wrestler does not appear hurt when taking their opponent’s moves. This is usually 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 one 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 done 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 is 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 also means they over).
Sometimes a wrestler may not be over, but something associated with them is; best example would be Fandango and his entrance theme.
Over-Sell
Instead of selling opponent’s moves correctly and making them look strong, the wrestler sells so much 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 over-selling his moves, and making him 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.
Paper Champion
A weak transitional champion. This is 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 about it, 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 paid their dues, and 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 overcomes their heels opponent(s) and win the title, much to the delight of the fans.
Phantom Bump
When a wrestler of referee takes a bump despite the move being botched or not being present at all. Very awkward.
Pinfall
Holding a wrestler down on the mat so the referee can count to three for the victory. Both shoulders must be kept on the mat for the pinfall 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. With the hooking of the leg, it looks good, but more than not they won’t lean over and it allows the opponent to raise their shoulder easily.
Pin-falls can occur just by laying across the opponent in some manner. And in certain submission holds, the wrestler applying has to be careful with their shoulders so the referee does not start a pinfall count against them. In normal matches, pin-falls can also be stopped by reaching the ropes for a rope break.
Pipe Bomb
A worked shoot promo. It is a promo which appears real, but is in fact scripted with the intent of sounding real. The bookers are aware of what would be said, and the excitement generated would be used to further future storylines. CM Punk named it the Pipe Bomb.
Plant
When a wrestler or actor poses as a fan at ringside. They will get involved with a match, attack someone, or be interviewed to further an angle.
Play-By-Play
The main commentator who calls the action. They keep the show moving 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 get along with management too well.
Pop
A loud cheer, a positive reaction from the crowd. Pops are most common when a wrestler’s music hits.
Popcorn Match
A match that no one really cares for. It’s a match which is 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 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 put an end to 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 for decades.
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.
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; although bookers may push someone due to their look.
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! He sold that match good too”. When a wrestler is put over by their opponents a lot, it may be considered a push (unless they are champion already).
And that’s all for today. I can feel Lingomania’s end on the horizon. I will confirm there will be five more volumes of The Best Of British, and the next will be up in the next couple of days. Thanks for reading.
