101 Pro Wrestling Glossary Terms
The 101 words in the professional wrestling glossary
Angle
An event or series of events used to start, continue or end a feud.
An event or series of events used to start, continue or end a feud.
B-Show
An event featuring lesser names when there is a show that night featuring better named wrestlers.
An event featuring lesser names when there is a show that night featuring better named wrestlers.
Babyface
The good guy or hero in a wrestling angle. This is the wrestler the fans are supposed to cheer for.
The good guy or hero in a wrestling angle. This is the wrestler the fans are supposed to cheer for.
Backyard Wrestling
A form of wrestling practiced by untrained individuals where they use whatever they can get their hands on to have a "wrestling" match. This form of wrestling is frowned on by people in the industry.
A form of wrestling practiced by untrained individuals where they use whatever they can get their hands on to have a "wrestling" match. This form of wrestling is frowned on by people in the industry.
Beat Down
When a group of wrestlers beat up one or a severly outnumbered group of wrestlers.
When a group of wrestlers beat up one or a severly outnumbered group of wrestlers.
Blade
1 - The object used by wrestlers to cut themselves.
2 - The method used by wrestlers to get blood in their matches. This is done to add drama to a match.
1 - The object used by wrestlers to cut themselves.
2 - The method used by wrestlers to get blood in their matches. This is done to add drama to a match.
Blowoff
The ending point of a feud.
The ending point of a feud.
Blowup
To become exhausted during a match due to lack of cardiovascular conditioning.
To become exhausted during a match due to lack of cardiovascular conditioning.
Booker
The person who writes (books) the wrestling angles. The booker decides who wins and loses the matches.
The person who writes (books) the wrestling angles. The booker decides who wins and loses the matches.
brand split
The WWE split of their company into 2 brands, Raw & SmackDown!.
The WWE split of their company into 2 brands, Raw & SmackDown!.
Broadway
a match that ends in a time limit draw
a match that ends in a time limit draw
Bump
When a wrestler falls down to sell a move.
When a wrestler falls down to sell a move.
Buyrate
Definition: A rating in the pay-per-view industry which lets people know how many pay-per-view broadcasts were bought.
Definition: A rating in the pay-per-view industry which lets people know how many pay-per-view broadcasts were bought.
Canned Heat
When pre-recorded crowd noise (either cheering or booing) is piped through an arenas sound system to give the illusion that the crowd is responsive than they really are.
When pre-recorded crowd noise (either cheering or booing) is piped through an arenas sound system to give the illusion that the crowd is responsive than they really are.
Card
The individual matches that make up a wrestling event when taken as a group.
The individual matches that make up a wrestling event when taken as a group.
Carry
When a wrestler does the bulk of the work in a match and makes their opponent look good.
When a wrestler does the bulk of the work in a match and makes their opponent look good.
cheap heat
An easy tactic the bad guy uses to rile the crowd.
An easy tactic the bad guy uses to rile the crowd.
Cheap Pop
An easy way for a babyface to win the support of the crowd.
An easy way for a babyface to win the support of the crowd.
Cheapshot
A wrestler gaining an unfair advantage by doing something illegal when his opponent least expects it or can't defend themselves.
A wrestler gaining an unfair advantage by doing something illegal when his opponent least expects it or can't defend themselves.
Clean finish
When a match ends with a decisive victor in a manner that was within all the rules of wrestling.
When a match ends with a decisive victor in a manner that was within all the rules of wrestling.
Countout
When a match ends due to at least one participant being outside the ring for more than the 10 count.
When a match ends due to at least one participant being outside the ring for more than the 10 count.
Dark Match
A match that is not televised even though the TV crews are there and other matches have been broadcast.
A match that is not televised even though the TV crews are there and other matches have been broadcast.
Disqualification
When a match ends because someone has broken the rules of wrestling
When a match ends because someone has broken the rules of wrestling
Draw
1- A match that ends with no winner
2- The ability of a wrestler to get people to watch TV, buy seats at the arena, buy events on Pay-per-view, or otherwise spend money on wrestling.
1- A match that ends with no winner
2- The ability of a wrestler to get people to watch TV, buy seats at the arena, buy events on Pay-per-view, or otherwise spend money on wrestling.
Dusty Finish
An ending to a match that was made popular by Dusty Rhodes.
An ending to a match that was made popular by Dusty Rhodes.
Feud
The matches and angles between wrestlers that don't like each other.
The matches and angles between wrestlers that don't like each other.
Finish
The end of a match
The end of a match
Finishing Move
The move a wrestler uses that typically leads to the finish of a match.
The move a wrestler uses that typically leads to the finish of a match.
Foreign Object
An object used by a wrestler that is not allowed.
An object used by a wrestler that is not allowed.
Gimmick Match
A match with stipulations that differ from the normal rules
A match with stipulations that differ from the normal rules
Gimmick
1 - The persona of a wrestler
2- to tamper with an object to make it easier to use in a match
1 - The persona of a wrestler
2- to tamper with an object to make it easier to use in a match
Green
An inexperienced wrestler
An inexperienced wrestler
Gusher
A really bad cut
A really bad cut
Hardcore
Wretling in a very stiff fashion and usually involving weapons or other props
Wretling in a very stiff fashion and usually involving weapons or other props
Hardway
to suffer a cut without the use of a blade
to suffer a cut without the use of a blade
Heat
1- the reaction a wrestler gets from the crowd (both positive and negative)
2- personal animosity between 2 wrestlers backstage.
1- the reaction a wrestler gets from the crowd (both positive and negative)
2- personal animosity between 2 wrestlers backstage.
Heel
The bad guy or villain in a match
The bad guy or villain in a match
Hot Tag
In a tag team match, this describes the point of the match when a babyface (that has been beaten up for several minutes) tags their partner.
In a tag team match, this describes the point of the match when a babyface (that has been beaten up for several minutes) tags their partner.
House Show
A wrestling event that takes place without being broadcast on TV or PPV
A wrestling event that takes place without being broadcast on TV or PPV
House
The number of people that show up at a live event.
The number of people that show up at a live event.
Hulk Up
When a face starts to no sell their opponent's offense after they have been beaten up. This practice is named after Hulk Hogan.
When a face starts to no sell their opponent's offense after they have been beaten up. This practice is named after Hulk Hogan.
job
To lose a match
To lose a match
Jobber
A wrestler that loses most of their matches
A wrestler that loses most of their matches
juiced
When a wrestler gives the appearance of having used artificial means to gain muscle mass
When a wrestler gives the appearance of having used artificial means to gain muscle mass
kayfabe
An old carny word for "fake".
An old carny word for "fake".
Kickout
To escape a pinfall attempt
To escape a pinfall attempt
Lucha Libre
A wrestling style from Mexico that involves high flying action and masks.
A wrestling style from Mexico that involves high flying action and masks.
Luchador
A Mexican wrestler that fights in the lucha libre style.
A Mexican wrestler that fights in the lucha libre style.
Main Event
The match on the card that is supposed to draw the most fans to the event. The main event is not always the last match of the night.
The match on the card that is supposed to draw the most fans to the event. The main event is not always the last match of the night.
manager
A performer that gives the illusion of being a business associate of the wrestler.
A performer that gives the illusion of being a business associate of the wrestler.
Mark
a person that doesn't know that the match outcomes are pre-determined
a person that doesn't know that the match outcomes are pre-determined
Midcard
1- a match on the card that isn't an opener yet isn't the main event
2 - a wrestler that isn't a jobber and not quite a main eventer is considered a mid-carder.
1- a match on the card that isn't an opener yet isn't the main event
2 - a wrestler that isn't a jobber and not quite a main eventer is considered a mid-carder.
Near Fall
When a wrestler kicks out of a pin attempt right when the ref is about to hit the mat for the third time.
When a wrestler kicks out of a pin attempt right when the ref is about to hit the mat for the third time.
No Selling
When a wrestler just shrugs off the offense of their opponent as if they are impervious to pain
When a wrestler just shrugs off the offense of their opponent as if they are impervious to pain
over
When a wrestler is greeted to a large amount of cheers, they are said to be over.
When a wrestler is greeted to a large amount of cheers, they are said to be over.
oversell
When a wrestlers reactions are too great for the amount of punishment they are receiving.
When a wrestlers reactions are too great for the amount of punishment they are receiving.
Paper
The act of promoters giving away free tickets to a televised event.
The act of promoters giving away free tickets to a televised event.
Pay Per View
The events broadcast on Pay per view channels that typically require the viewer to spend at least $30 to watch the event.
The events broadcast on Pay per view channels that typically require the viewer to spend at least $30 to watch the event.
Pinfall
To win a match by keeping your opponents shoulders to the mat for three seconds.
To win a match by keeping your opponents shoulders to the mat for three seconds.
Pop
Getting a huge reaction from the crowd.
Getting a huge reaction from the crowd.
Promo
The interview or speech made by a wrestler in character
The interview or speech made by a wrestler in character
Promoter
The person behind the event and running the company.
The person behind the event and running the company.
Psychology
The thread that holds the match together.
The thread that holds the match together.
Push
When a wrestler has the promotion moving them up the card.
When a wrestler has the promotion moving them up the card.
Pyro
When a wrestler has the promotion moving them up the card.
When a wrestler has the promotion moving them up the card.
Ratings
The Nielson TV ratings that show how many people view a program
The Nielson TV ratings that show how many people view a program
Ref Bump
When the referee gets knocked out or injured during the match
When the referee gets knocked out or injured during the match
Ring Rust
When a wrestler returns to the ring after an absence and they are not performing in the ring as they were before the absence.
When a wrestler returns to the ring after an absence and they are not performing in the ring as they were before the absence.
Rope Break
When a wrestler touches the ropes, the opponent must let go if whatever move they have applied and if the ref is making the pinfall count, the ref must stop
When a wrestler touches the ropes, the opponent must let go if whatever move they have applied and if the ref is making the pinfall count, the ref must stop
ropes
The steel cable that is stretched between the turnbuclkles.
The steel cable that is stretched between the turnbuclkles.
rub
When a main eventer hangs out with someone lower on the pecking order and tries to get them over just by associating with them
When a main eventer hangs out with someone lower on the pecking order and tries to get them over just by associating with them
Rudo
The heel in lucha libre
The heel in lucha libre
Run In
When a person not in the match runs into the ring and interferes in the match
When a person not in the match runs into the ring and interferes in the match
Screwjob
The opposite of a clean finish. This type of match usually ends with the heel cheating their way to victory.
The opposite of a clean finish. This type of match usually ends with the heel cheating their way to victory.
Selling
The art of making your opponents moves look as though they hurt.
The art of making your opponents moves look as though they hurt.
Shoot
something that deviates from the script
something that deviates from the script
Singlet
A type of outfit worn by some wrestlers.
A type of outfit worn by some wrestlers.
Smark
A fan who thinks they know the inner workings of the business
A fan who thinks they know the inner workings of the business
Spotfest
A match heavy on big spots at the expense of psychology.
A match heavy on big spots at the expense of psychology.
Squash
A very quick match where the loser has almost no offense moves
A very quick match where the loser has almost no offense moves
stable
A group of wrestlers working together for a common cause.
A group of wrestlers working together for a common cause.
Stiff
When a worker hits their opponent hard or takes very hard bumps
When a worker hits their opponent hard or takes very hard bumps
Stretch
When a shooting wrestler takes liberties with their opponent to physically dominate (but not hurt) them to either settle a personal grievence or just as a show superiority
When a shooting wrestler takes liberties with their opponent to physically dominate (but not hurt) them to either settle a personal grievence or just as a show superiority
Submission
Winning a match by making your opponent give up because they are in a very painful wrestling hold.
Winning a match by making your opponent give up because they are in a very painful wrestling hold.
Swerve
When a promotion makes the viewers believe something is going to happen but then does the exact opposite
When a promotion makes the viewers believe something is going to happen but then does the exact opposite
Tag Rope
A piece of string on the turnbuckle that the wrestler outside the ring in a tage team match is supposed to be in contact with in order to make a tag.
A piece of string on the turnbuckle that the wrestler outside the ring in a tage team match is supposed to be in contact with in order to make a tag.
Tag
The hand slap made by tag team partners that allows the person in the ring to leave and the person outside the ring to enter
The hand slap made by tag team partners that allows the person in the ring to leave and the person outside the ring to enter
Tap Out
When a wrestler taps their hand on the mat to signify they want to quit the match.
When a wrestler taps their hand on the mat to signify they want to quit the match.
tecnico
A face luchador
A face luchador
Territory
The area in which a promtion runs their live events and broadcasts their TV programs.
The area in which a promtion runs their live events and broadcasts their TV programs.
Turn
when a face turns heel or vice-versa
when a face turns heel or vice-versa
Tweener
A performer that the fans don't know whether to cheer or boo. They are somewhere between a face and a heel and it depends on who they are fighting.
A performer that the fans don't know whether to cheer or boo. They are somewhere between a face and a heel and it depends on who they are fighting.
Undercard
The matches that begin a wrestling event
The matches that begin a wrestling event
valet
A (usually) attractive woman that escorts a wrestler to the ring
A (usually) attractive woman that escorts a wrestler to the ring
Vignette
A pre-taped segment used to either introduce a character or help get them over
A pre-taped segment used to either introduce a character or help get them over
Work
Something that follows the bookers script.
Something that follows the bookers script.
Worked shoot
a work with some real life elements in it
a work with some real life elements in it
Worker
An industry term for a wrestler
An industry term for a wrestler
Workrate
The performance level a wrestler puts into their matches judged by both a combination of skill and effort.
The performance level a wrestler puts into their matches judged by both a combination of skill and effort.
Wrestlecrap
1- the name of a website dedicated to the worst in pro wrestling
2 - the moments in wrestling that are so bad that they are entertaining in a weird way
1- the name of a website dedicated to the worst in pro wrestling
2 - the moments in wrestling that are so bad that they are entertaining in a weird way