Learn the Lingo
Wrestling Glossary
Common terms you'll hear during the show, explained in plain English.
Face (Babyface)The good guy / hero. The wrestler the crowd is supposed to cheer for.
HeelThe bad guy / villain. They cheat, talk trash, and try to make you hate them.
TurnWhen a wrestler switches from face to heel (or vice versa). A "heel turn" is one of the most dramatic moments in wrestling.
FinisherA wrestler's signature finishing move -- the big one that usually ends the match. Examples: RKO, Spear, GTS.
Pin / PinfallThe most common way to win. Hold your opponent's shoulders to the mat while the ref counts 1-2-3.
SubmissionA hold or lock that causes so much pain the opponent "taps out" (taps the mat to give up).
KickoutWhen a wrestler breaks free from a pin before the 3-count. A "kickout at 2" is dramatic and keeps the match going.
PromoA speech or interview. When a wrestler talks on the mic to hype up a match or trash talk their opponent.
KayfabeThe tradition of treating the scripted storylines as "real." When fans and wrestlers stay in character.
PopThe explosive crowd reaction when something exciting happens -- like a surprise entrance or a big move.
HeatNegative crowd reaction (booing). Heels WANT heat -- it means they're doing their job well.
OverWhen a wrestler is super popular with the crowd. "She's really over" = the crowd loves her.
Stable / FactionA group of wrestlers who team up. Examples at WM42: The Bloodline, The Judgment Day.
SpotA planned move or sequence in a match, especially a big dramatic moment.
SellWhen a wrestler acts hurt from a move to make it look realistic. Good selling = great drama.
BumpTaking a fall or hit. "Taking a big bump" means getting slammed hard.
Putting Someone OverLosing to make your opponent look good. Veterans "put over" rising stars to build them up.
Near FallWhen the ref counts 1-2 and everyone GASPS thinking the match is over, but the wrestler kicks out at the last second.
Hot TagIn a tag team match, when the exhausted wrestler finally tags in their fresh partner. The crowd erupts.
Unsanctioned MatchA match with NO rules at all. No disqualifications, no countouts -- chairs, tables, anything goes. WWE says they don't "officially" sanction it because it's too dangerous.
Ladder MatchThe title belt hangs above the ring. The only way to win is to climb a ladder and grab it. No pins, no submissions -- just chaos, high spots, and insane risks.
Fatal 4-WayFour competitors (or teams) compete at the same time. The first one to score a pin or submission wins. No disqualifications, non-stop action.
Tag Team MatchTeams of 2 or 3 wrestlers. Only one person per team is "legal" in the ring at a time -- partners stand on the apron and "tag in" by slapping hands. A Six-Man Tag has 3 per side.