Pro Wrestling Glossary: Understanding the Terminology of Wrestling

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the terminology used in the world of professional wrestling. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just starting to explore this exciting and dynamic sport, understanding the language of wrestling is key to fully appreciating the action and storylines. In this article, we will break down common terms and phrases used in the wrestling industry, from iconic moves to famous wrestling promotions. Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of pro wrestling and demystify its unique vocabulary.

History of Pro Wrestling

Origins of Pro Wrestling

Pro wrestling has a rich and diverse history that dates back centuries. While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact origins of pro wrestling, it is believed to have evolved from various forms of combat sports and entertainment practices found in ancient civilizations.

One of the earliest recorded instances of wrestling can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece. In these early societies, wrestling was often practiced as a form of physical training and preparation for battle. It served as a way to test and showcase the strength, skill, and agility of warriors.

As time passed, wrestling began to take on more theatrical elements and became a popular form of entertainment in different cultures. In the 19th century, traveling circuses and sideshows started incorporating wrestling matches into their performances, attracting large crowds and gaining popularity.

Evolution of Pro Wrestling

The evolution of pro wrestling can be attributed to several key factors. With the advent of modern technologies and the rise of television in the mid-20th century, pro wrestling found a new platform to reach a wider audience. This led to the development of regional and national wrestling promotions, each with its own unique style and roster of talented wrestlers.

In the 1980s, pro wrestling experienced a significant boom in popularity, primarily due to the emergence of larger-than-life characters and storylines that captivated fans. This era, known as the "Golden Age" of pro wrestling, saw the rise of iconic figures such as Hulk Hogan, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, and The Ultimate Warrior.

With the rise of cable television and the internet, pro wrestling has continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. Promotions like WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) have become global powerhouses, reaching millions of fans worldwide through various media platforms.

Prominent Figures in Pro Wrestling History

Throughout its history, pro wrestling has been shaped by numerous influential figures who have left a lasting impact on the industry. These individuals have not only showcased exceptional in-ring skills but have also contributed to the development and growth of pro wrestling as a whole.

Legends such as "Nature Boy" Ric Flair, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, and The Rock have become household names, transcending the boundaries of the wrestling world and achieving mainstream success in movies, television, and other forms of entertainment.

Other notable figures include Vince McMahon, the visionary behind WWE, who revolutionized the business and transformed it into a global phenomenon. Promoters like Dusty Rhodes, Eric Bischoff, and Paul Heyman have also played pivotal roles in shaping the landscape of pro wrestling through their innovative approaches and business acumen.

In conclusion, the history of pro wrestling is a fascinating journey that spans centuries. From its humble origins as a form of combat sport to its current status as a global entertainment spectacle, pro wrestling has evolved and grown, thanks to the contributions of numerous figures who have left an indelible mark on the industry.

Basic Wrestling Moves

Takedowns and Throws

Takedowns and throws are fundamental moves in wrestling that involve bringing your opponent down to the mat. These moves require technique, strength, and timing to execute effectively. Here are some common takedowns and throws used in wrestling:

Single Leg Takedown: This move involves grabbing one of your opponent’s legs and using leverage to bring them down to the mat. It is one of the most basic and effective takedowns used in wrestling.
Double Leg Takedown: Similar to the single leg takedown, the double leg takedown involves grabbing both of your opponent’s legs and driving forward to take them down. It is particularly useful when your opponent has a wide stance.
Hip Toss: The hip toss is a throw that utilizes your hip and upper body strength to lift your opponent off the ground and throw them over your hip. It requires good timing and coordination to execute properly.
Fireman’s Carry: This move involves lifting your opponent onto your shoulders, similar to a piggyback, and then taking them down to the mat by rotating your body and driving them forward.

Submission Holds

Submission holds are techniques used to immobilize or force your opponent to submit in a wrestling match. These moves apply pressure to joints, muscles, or airways, causing discomfort or pain. Here are some common submission holds in wrestling:

Rear Naked Choke: This submission hold is executed by wrapping your arm around your opponent’s neck from behind and squeezing to restrict their blood flow or air supply. It can force your opponent to tap out or lose consciousness if applied correctly.
Ankle Lock: The ankle lock is a submission hold that involves applying pressure to your opponent’s ankle joint by grabbing their foot and twisting it inwards. It can cause immense pain and potentially lead to a submission or injury.
Kimura Lock: The kimura lock targets the shoulder joint by leveraging your opponent’s arm behind their back and applying pressure. It is a powerful submission hold that can cause severe pain and potentially dislocate the shoulder.
Guillotine Choke: This submission hold focuses on the neck area, where you wrap your arm around your opponent’s neck from the front and apply pressure by squeezing. It restricts the blood flow to the brain, forcing your opponent to tap out.

Strikes and Strikes Combos

Strikes and strike combos are essential elements of wrestling that involve using various techniques to deliver powerful blows to your opponent. These moves can weaken your opponent, create openings, or even knock them out. Here are some common strikes and strike combos used in wrestling:

Punch: A basic strike in wrestling, punches are thrown with a closed fist to strike your opponent’s head, body, or limbs. They can be used to weaken your opponent or create opportunities for other moves.
Elbow Strike: Elbow strikes utilize the hard bone of your elbow to deliver powerful blows to your opponent’s head, body, or limbs. They are effective at close range and can cause significant damage.
Kick: Kicks are strikes delivered with your feet or legs to various parts of your opponent’s body. They can be executed with different techniques such as front kicks, roundhouse kicks, or side kicks, each targeting specific areas.
Strike Combos: Strike combos involve chaining together multiple strikes in quick succession to overwhelm your opponent. These combinations can include a mix of punches, kicks, elbows, and knees, creating a flurry of attacks that can catch your opponent off guard.

Remember, mastering these basic wrestling moves, takedowns, throws, submission holds, and strikes is crucial to becoming a proficient wrestler. Practice, technique, and understanding the terminology of wrestling will help you excel in this exciting sport.

Character Roles in Wrestling

Babyface (Face)

A babyface, also known as a face, is a term used in professional wrestling to describe a character who is portrayed as the hero or protagonist. Babyfaces are typically admired and supported by the audience. They embody positive traits such as honesty, sportsmanship, and fighting for justice. These characters are often seen as the underdogs, valiantly battling against the odds and overcoming obstacles. Babyfaces aim to build a strong connection with the audience, inspiring them to cheer and rally behind them during matches.

Heel

In contrast to the babyfaces, heels are the antagonists or villains of professional wrestling. They are portrayed as the "bad guys" and often engage in unethical or deceitful behavior to gain an advantage over their opponents. Heels embrace their negative persona and go to great lengths to generate heat and provoke the audience’s disdain. They may use dirty tactics, taunt the crowd, or align themselves with other nefarious characters to further enhance their villainous image. Heels aim to elicit boos and jeers from the audience, creating a strong emotional response and adding excitement to the matches.

Tweeners and Anti-Heroes

Not all wrestling characters neatly fit into the babyface or heel categories. Some wrestlers portray tweener characters who exhibit traits from both sides. Tweeners often blur the lines between good and evil, creating a sense of unpredictability. They may switch between heroic and villainous actions depending on the situation, keeping the audience guessing and adding intrigue to their storylines.

Another type of character is the anti-hero, who defies traditional moral standards but still garners support from the audience. Anti-heroes often possess edgy or rebellious qualities that resonate with some fans. They may have a dark past, engage in morally ambiguous actions, or challenge authority figures. Despite their unconventional behavior, anti-heroes are admired for their charisma, uniqueness, and ability to captivate the audience.

In conclusion, professional wrestling utilizes various character roles to create engaging storylines and capture the audience’s attention. Whether it’s the virtuous babyface, the dastardly heel, the unpredictable tweener, or the captivating anti-hero, each character brings a unique flavor to the world of wrestling. The interplay between these roles contributes to the excitement, drama, and entertainment that fans love and cherish.

Match Types and Formats

Singles Match

A singles match is one of the most common types of matches in professional wrestling. It involves two wrestlers facing off against each other in a one-on-one competition. The objective is to pin the opponent’s shoulders to the mat for a count of three or force them to submit.

Singles matches can vary in terms of rules and stipulations. Some matches may have a time limit, which adds an element of urgency and strategy. Other matches may be contested under specific conditions, such as a no-disqualification match where anything goes, or a submission match where the only way to win is by making your opponent submit.

Tag Team Match

Tag team matches feature two teams, each consisting of two wrestlers. The teams take turns competing in the ring, with one member from each team legal at any given time. The legal wrestler can "tag" their partner to switch places and continue the match. The objective is the same as in a singles match, with the team trying to pin or submit their opponents.

Tag team matches often involve unique strategies and dynamics. Wrestlers must work together to coordinate their moves, perform double-team maneuvers, and isolate their opponents. This type of match allows for exciting moments of teamwork and high-flying action.

Battle Royal

A battle royal is a match format that involves multiple wrestlers competing against each other simultaneously. The objective is to eliminate your opponents by throwing them over the top rope and having both of their feet touch the floor. The last wrestler standing in the ring is declared the winner.

Battle royals can have various variations and rules. Some may include specific entry orders, where wrestlers enter the match at certain intervals. Others may have special stipulations, such as a royal rumble match where wrestlers enter one by one every few minutes. Battle royals often create chaotic and unpredictable scenarios as competitors fight to stay in the ring while strategizing to eliminate their opponents.

Common Wrestling Terms

Kayfabe

Kayfabe is a term used in professional wrestling to refer to the portrayal of staged events as real or genuine. It is the act of maintaining the illusion that everything that happens in the wrestling industry is authentic, including the matches, storylines, and character personas. The term originated from the carnival days when wrestlers would protect the secrets of their craft from the general public. In the modern era, kayfabe is crucial for preserving the suspension of disbelief and keeping the audience engaged in the fictional world of professional wrestling.

Gimmick

In the world of professional wrestling, a gimmick refers to the character or persona adopted by a wrestler. It encompasses their appearance, personality, behavior, and overall style inside and outside the ring. Gimmicks can range from heroic and patriotic characters to villainous and over-the-top personas. A successful gimmick resonates with the audience, helping them connect with the wrestler and enhancing their popularity. Gimmicks can evolve over time, allowing wrestlers to reinvent themselves and keep their character fresh.

Face Turn and Heel Turn

Face turn and heel turn are terms used to describe the transition of a wrestler’s character from being a fan favorite (face) to becoming a villain (heel), or vice versa. A face is a wrestler who is portrayed as a hero or a good guy, while a heel is a wrestler who plays the role of a villain or a bad guy. Face turns typically occur when a wrestler’s popularity and connection with the audience lead to a change in their character’s alignment. On the other hand, heel turns happen when a wrestler’s actions or storyline progression turn them into a despised or hated character. These turns often result in shifts in fan support, creating new storylines and rivalries within the wrestling landscape.

Understanding these common wrestling terms can greatly enhance your appreciation and enjoyment of professional wrestling. Whether it’s immersing yourself in the world of kayfabe or analyzing the nuances of different gimmicks and character turns, having a grasp of these terminologies allows you to delve deeper into the captivating realm of this unique form of entertainment.

Promotions and Organizations

WWE

The WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) is the largest and most well-known professional wrestling promotion in the world. Founded in 1952 as Capitol Wrestling Corporation, it has since grown into a global phenomenon. WWE showcases a mix of athletic performances, scripted storylines, and larger-than-life characters.

With its headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, WWE has a vast roster of both male and female wrestlers who compete in various divisions such as Raw, SmackDown, and NXT. The promotion organizes regular pay-per-view events, including WrestleMania, which is considered its flagship show.

WWE’s reach extends beyond wrestling matches, as they produce a wide range of content including reality shows, documentaries, and merchandise. Their global fanbase eagerly follows the ongoing rivalries, drama, and championships within the WWE universe.

AEW

AEW (All Elite Wrestling) is a relatively new professional wrestling promotion that emerged in 2019 as a potential rival to WWE. Founded by businessman Tony Khan and popular wrestlers like Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks, AEW aims to provide an alternative style of wrestling.

Based in Jacksonville, Florida, AEW focuses on presenting a more athletic and competitive product, often emphasizing the in-ring action and long-term storytelling. The promotion has gained a reputation for showcasing independent talents and giving them a platform to shine on a mainstream level.

AEW organizes weekly shows such as "Dynamite" and "Dark," which air on various television networks. They also host pay-per-view events like "Double or Nothing" and "All Out," which have generated significant buzz within the wrestling community. AEW’s unique approach and commitment to fan engagement have quickly earned them a dedicated and passionate following.

NJPW

NJPW (New Japan Pro-Wrestling) is a prominent professional wrestling promotion based in Japan. Established in 1972, it has become a major force in the world of wrestling, known for its strong style and hard-hitting matches. NJPW showcases a blend of Japanese tradition, athleticism, and storytelling.

The promotion features several championship titles, including the prestigious IWGP Heavyweight Championship and the IWGP Intercontinental Championship. Their annual event, Wrestle Kingdom, held at the Tokyo Dome, is considered one of the biggest wrestling shows globally.

NJPW operates on a unique system known as "excursions," where young wrestlers are sent to international promotions to gain experience and return as more polished performers. This approach has helped NJPW establish collaborations with various wrestling organizations worldwide, enhancing their global reach and reputation.

Wrestling fans appreciate NJPW for its emphasis on pure wrestling skills, technical prowess, and long-term storytelling arcs. The promotion’s strong international presence has allowed them to attract top talents from different parts of the world, further diversifying their roster.

Whether it’s WWE’s grand spectacles, AEW’s alternative approach, or NJPW’s hard-hitting action, the world of professional wrestling offers a variety of promotions and organizations catering to different fan preferences. Each promotion brings its unique flavor and style, ensuring that wrestling enthusiasts have a diverse range of options to enjoy.

In conclusion, understanding the terminology of pro wrestling is crucial for fans, wrestlers, and anyone involved in the industry. With this glossary, readers can now have a comprehensive understanding of the various terms used in the world of wrestling. From the basic moves to the complex storylines, this article has provided an in-depth look at the terminology that makes pro wrestling unique. By familiarizing oneself with these terms, fans can enhance their viewing experience, while wrestlers can communicate effectively with their peers and fans. Whether you are a seasoned wrestling fan or a newcomer to the sport, this glossary is a valuable resource that will help you navigate the exciting world of pro wrestling.