Exploring Pro Wrestling Terminology: From Kayfabe to Moves of Doom

Pro wrestling is not just about the high-flying stunts and rugged masculinity displayed on the mat. Behind the scenes, a rich vocabulary of terminology and practices surround the world of professional wrestling. From kayfabe to moves of doom, here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the most fascinating terms used in the world of professional wrestling.

Understanding Kayfabe

The unspoken rule in professional wrestling is kayfabe. This term originates from the French word faible, meaning fake or weak. In contemporary usage, it refers to the actors' portrayal of being genuine characters in the sport. Even off-screen, they maintain the spectacle, and the audience is expected to suspend their disbelief. One kayfabe hijacking example involves Eric Bischoff and Hollywood Hogan at the Tonight Show, which turned out to be one of the stupidest angles in pro wrestling history.

Staging the Drama: Angles and Storylines

Pro wrestling revolves around angles, which are the fictional storylines that drive the show. These storylines keep the audience engaged by providing narratives that explain the wrestlers' motivations and conflicts. For instance, an angle might develop towards a predictable conclusion, but suddenly take a swerve in a surprising direction, like when Triple H interferes in a Universal Championship match, defeating Roman Reigns, and then goes on to defeat Seth Rollins instead, giving Kevin Owens the easy win.

Character Roles: Babyfaces and Heels

Pro wrestling storylines often pit good guys and bad guys against each other. The good guy is typically known as a babyface, while the bad guy is called a heel. These roles help drive the narrative and create tension. When a babyface character performs a climb-up (where he rises up to his feet in the ring after falling), or a heel turns the other way mid-match, it creates excitement and suspense.

Match Interventions and Improvisation

Magic doesn’t happen in the ring by accident. Witness the chaos when a wrestler is involved in a conflict that they aren't part of, or when everything goes wrong. A run-in is a sudden interruption of a match by another wrestler. This adds an element of surprise and keeps the audience on their toes. Similarly, a bump is a powerful move that often results in a wrestler hitting the mat after performing a high-risk move, such as Brock Lesnar’s Shooting Star Press.

The Physics of Moves: Botched and Signatures

Professional wrestling isn't just about spectacle; it also involves the correct execution of moves. When a move goes wrong or fails, it's called a botch, a term that can refer to anything that goes awry on the mat. Moves of doom are repeated series of moves associated with a wrestler that are often predictable and lack the originality of their execution.

Reviving Old Glory: New York Nickname

For aspiring wrestlers aiming to break into the big leagues, there's always the dream of making it in New York, the heart of the wrestling universe. This nickname, wrestling fans affectionately use, refers to the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) headquarters, located in Stamford, Connecticut. It's where up-and-coming wrestlers strive to hone their craft and win the respect of fans and peers alike.

Conclusion

Understanding the language and practices of pro wrestling is a key to appreciating the sport. Whether it's the unspoken kayfabe rules, the dramatic storylines with angles, or the unique roles of heels and babyfaces, pro wrestling is filled with its own distinct culture and terminology. As fans and wrestling enthusiasts, knowing these terms not only makes the matches more accessible but also enhances the overall experience of watching the sport.