Wrestling Glossary Terms: From
All-American to WhizzerWrestling is a sport where athletes grapple with each other using different techniques to force their opponent to the mat or pin them. It is a physically demanding sport that requires strength, endurance, and technique.
Wrestling is also a sport with its own set of terminologies, which may be unfamiliar to non-wrestlers. This article will define and explain some of the most common terms used in wrestling.
All-American
In collegiate wrestling, an
All-American refers to a wrestler who finishes in the top eight in their weight class at the NCAA wrestling championships. It is a significant achievement as the NCAA wrestling championships are one of the most prestigious events in college sports.
Angle/Storyline
In professional wrestling, an angle or storyline refers to a scripted plot used to create drama and interest in a match. A storyline may involve a feud between two wrestlers or a hero overcoming obstacles to achieve victory.
Storylines are used to create a connection between the audience and the wrestlers and to make matches more exciting.
Arm
Throw
An arm throw is a wrestling technique where a wrestler uses their opponent’s arm to throw them to the mat. The wrestler will grab their opponent’s arm, twist it, and lock it in place before using their own body weight to throw them to the mat.
Babyface/Face
In professional wrestling, a babyface or face refers to a wrestler who is designated as the good guy or hero. Babyfaces are supposed to be cheered by the audience and are typically seen as the underdogs in a match.
They may be involved in storylines where they overcome adversity to emerge victorious.
Backdoor
In wrestling, a backdoor refers to a maneuver used when a wrestler is on the bottom position. The wrestler will maneuver themselves so that they can face their opponent and escape from the bottom position.
Blind
Blind is a term used in wrestling to describe cheating. A wrestler might take advantage of a referee’s blind spot to use illegal moves or weapons during a match.
In professional wrestling, a heel will often use blinds to gain an advantage over a face.
Blowoff
Blowoff refers to the climax of a storyline or feud in professional wrestling. It is the point where the storyline has reached its conclusion, and the wrestlers involved settle their differences in the ring.
Bottom Position
In wrestling, the bottom position refers to the position where a wrestler is controlled by their opponent. A wrestler in the bottom position may try to escape or reverse the situation to gain an advantage.
Break Opponent
In wrestling, breaking an opponent refers to gaining the edge over them both mentally and physically. A wrestler may attempt to break their opponent’s will by dominating them in a match, causing them to tire or become frustrated.
Breakdown
A breakdown is a technique used to force an opponent to the mat. The wrestler will take their opponent’s legs out from under them, causing them to fall to the mat on their stomach or side.
Bridge
In wrestling, a bridge is a move used to avoid a pin. The wrestler will arch their back so that only their head and feet are touching the mat, making it difficult for their opponent to pin them.
Bump
In wrestling, a bump refers to hitting the mat or ground. Wrestlers may use bumps during a match to make their moves look more impactful or to convey pain.
Buried/Burial
Buried or burial refers to a wrestler whose popularity has fallen due to bad storylines or punishment handed down by officials or other wrestlers. It is a term used in professional wrestling.
Cauliflower Ear
Cauliflower ear is a condition that affects many wrestlers. It is characterized by the deformity of the outer ear caused by repeated trauma to the area.
Clean Finish
A clean finish is a term used in professional wrestling to describe a match where no cheating, disqualification, or interference occurs. The match may be won by a pin or submission.
Control
Control refers to the dominant position in wrestling. A wrestler who has control restricts their opponent’s movements and has the advantage in a match.
Cradle
A cradle is a wrestling move where a wrestler wraps their arms around their opponent’s neck and torso and locks their hands together. The wrestler then applies pressure, restricting their opponent’s movements.
Cut Him/Cut Her
Cut him or cut her is a term used in wrestling to describe the act of escaping from a pin or multiple takedowns. The wrestler will break their opponent’s grip and escape from the situation.
Dirty Finish
A dirty finish is a term used in professional wrestling to describe a match where cheating, disqualification, or interference occurs. The finish may be used to create drama or advance a storyline.
Double-leg
Takedown
A double-leg takedown is a wrestling technique where a wrestler grabs both of their opponent’s legs and pulls them down to the mat.
Escape
An escape is a wrestling move used when a wrestler is in the bottom position. The wrestler will get to their feet and face their opponent, looking to gain an advantage in the match.
Exposure
Exposure refers to a wrestling move where a wrestler turns their opponent’s shoulders towards the mat. The move may be used to set up a pin or to score points.
Finisher
A finisher is a wrestler’s signature move, used to defeat their opponents. The move may be used to end a match or to create drama in a storyline.
Folkstyle/Freestyle/Greco-Roman
Folkstyle, freestyle, and Greco-Roman are three different styles of wrestling. Folkstyle is the style used in high school and collegiate wrestling in the United States.
Freestyle and Greco-Roman are Olympic wrestling styles.
Funk
Funk is a term used to describe unorthodox wrestling techniques that are high risk but high reward.
Funk wrestlers may use moves that are unexpected or hard to counter.
Gassed
Gassed is a term used in wrestling to describe a wrestler who has become tired or depleted of energy. A wrestler who is gassed may lose a match.
Gimmick
A gimmick is a term used in professional wrestling to describe a wrestler’s character traits, dress, behavior, or personality.
Gimmicks are designed to fictionalize or enhance a wrestler’s real-life traits.
Good on Their Feet
Good on their feet is a term used in wrestling to describe wrestlers who are skilled in creating offense and defending themselves. Good wrestlers have good footwork and balance and are strong and athletic.
Got Caught
Got caught is a term used in wrestling to describe a wrestler who has been pinned unexpectedly. A wrestler who is caught may be surprised by their opponent or fail to defend themselves effectively.
Heel
A heel is a term used in professional wrestling to describe a wrestler who is designated as the villain or antagonist.
Heels are typically the opponents of faces and may be involved in storylines where they cheat or interfere to gain an advantage.
Hit
Hit is a term used in wrestling to describe a wrestler who has succeeded in executing a move or an attempt.
Iowa Style
Iowa style is a term used to describe a wrestling style that emphasizes superior conditioning and aggressive attacks. Iowa style wrestlers are known for their ability to outwork their opponents.
Kayfabe
Kayfabe is a term used in professional wrestling to describe the illusion that wrestling is real and not scripted. Fans are meant to believe in the storyline and the wrestlers, creating a sense of excitement and drama.
Leg Shot
A leg shot is a wrestling move where a wrestler quickly thrusts their opponent’s leg to take them down.
Level Change
A level change is a term used in wrestling to describe the movement of a wrestler’s hips. A wrestler may raise or lower their hips to move to a different position or execute a move.
Made Weight
Made weight is a term used in wrestling to describe a wrestler who has been approved to wrestle in a designated weight class. Wrestlers must meet certain weight requirements to participate in wrestling matches.
Neutral Position
The neutral position is the starting position in a wrestling match. Wrestlers will be standing and facing each other but will not be in contact.
Over/Under
Over/under refers to a wrestling technique where a wrestler wraps one arm over their opponent and one arm under their opponent’s arms. The position resembles a dance hold and gives the wrestler control over their opponent.
Pin
A pin is a wrestling move where a wrestler forces their opponent’s shoulders to the mat, usually for a count of three. A pin is the most common way to win a wrestling match.
Reversal
A reversal is a wrestling move where a wrestler moves from the bottom position to the top position, completely reversing the situation. The move usually results in the wrestler gaining control of the match.
Riding Time
Riding time is a term used in college wrestling to describe the amount of time that a wrestler has spent controlling their opponent from the top position. Points are awarded for riding time.
Roll Around
Roll around is a term used to describe a wrestling practice where wrestlers perform drills to improve their moves and techniques. Russian/2-on-1
Russian or 2-on-1 is a wrestling technique where a wrestler grabs their opponent’s arm with both hands, gaining control of their opponent.
Shoot
In professional wrestling, a shoot refers to moves or events that are not scripted.
Shoots may occur when wrestlers become angry or frustrated with each other and start to engage in real fights.
Single-leg
Takedown
A single-leg takedown is a wrestling technique where a wrestler grabs and lifts one of their opponent’s legs, taking them down to the mat.
Singlet
A singlet is a one-piece wrestling uniform worn by wrestlers during matches. The singlet is usually tight-fitting and covers the wrestler’s torso and legs.
Slam
A slam is a wrestling move where a wrestler lifts their opponent and brings them down forcefully to the mat.
Slamming is illegal in amateur wrestling but is popular in professional wrestling.
Slick
Slick is a term used in wrestling to describe wrestlers who are quick, flexible, and athletic.
Slick wrestlers are usually difficult to catch and hard to counter.
Spot
A spot is a scripted move or series of moves used to elicit huge crowd reactions in professional wrestling.
Spots may involve high-risk moves or dramatic storyline elements.
Stalling
Stalling is a term used in wrestling to describe a wrestler who is avoiding action in a match.
Stalling may be a winning tactic, as wrestlers who avoid getting caught or pinned may be awarded the victory.
Takedown
A takedown is a wrestling move where a wrestler takes their opponent to the mat.
Takedowns commonly occur from the neutral position.
Throw
A throw is a wrestling move where a wrestler lifts and brings their opponent down off the mat.
Throws are usually used to gain an advantage in a match or to create drama in a storyline.
Tie-Up
A tie-up is a wrestling move where a wrestler controls their opponent by grabbing their upper body. Tie-ups are used to initiate moves and gain control of a match.
Top Position
The top position in wrestling refers to the position where a wrestler is on top of their opponent, controlling the match. Wrestlers in the top position have the advantage and may use their position to score points or attempt a pin.
Tweener
A tweener is a term used in professional wrestling to describe wrestlers who are neither faces nor heels.
Tweener wrestlers may display both hero and villainous traits, making them unpredictable.
Whizzer/Overhook
A whizzer or overhook is a wrestling move where a wrestler uses a clinch hold to control their opponent. The hold can be used to gain control or initiate moves.
Conclusion
Wrestling is a sport with a unique vocabulary and language, which can be confusing for non-wrestlers. Understanding the terms and concepts used in wrestling is critical to enjoying and appreciating the sport.
This article has defined and explained some of the most common wrestling terms, from
All-American to Whizzer. With this knowledge, readers will be better equipped to follow and enjoy the sport of wrestling.
In this article, we have defined and explained some of the most common wrestling terms, from
All-American to Whizzer. Understanding these terms is crucial for anyone interested in following or enjoying the sport of wrestling, whether it be collegiate, amateur, or professional wrestling.
From techniques like the arm throw and leg shot to concepts such as control and kayfabe, this glossary offers a complete overview of wrestling terminology. Overall, this article serves as a valuable resource for beginners and enthusiasts alike, providing a foundation for understanding and appreciating the sport of wrestling.
FAQs:
Q: What is the difference between folkstyle, freestyle, and Greco-Roman wrestling? A: Folkstyle is what is used in high school and collegiate wrestling in the United States, whereas freestyle and Greco-Roman are Olympic wrestling styles.
Q: What is kayfabe in professional wrestling? A:
Kayfabe is the illusion that wrestling is real and not scripted.
Fans are meant to believe in the storyline and the wrestlers, creating a sense of excitement and drama. Q: How do you win a wrestling match?
A: The most common way to win a wrestling match is by pinning your opponent’s shoulders to the mat for a count of three. Q: What is a finisher in wrestling?
A: A finisher is a wrestler’s signature move, used