Pro Wrestling Terminology
Most pro wrestling fans will probably be aware of the terminology listed below. This page is for anyone new to wrestling or looking to identify a particular word meaning in our articles and posts.
General Terms
Kayfabe → The portrayal of events in wrestling as “real,” keeping up the illusion of storylines.
Shoot → When something in wrestling is real, unscripted, or breaks character.
Work → The scripted or staged side of wrestling.
Worked Shoot → A promo or segment that blends reality with storyline, making it hard to tell what’s real.
Promo → A wrestler speaking on the mic to hype a feud, event, or themselves.
Match Terms
Pop → A big reaction from the crowd (cheers, chants, noise).
Heat → Negative crowd reaction (boos), usually directed at heels.
Face (Babyface) → The good guy.
Heel → Villain or Bad guy.
Turn → When a wrestler switches from face → heel or heel → face.
Over → When a wrestler connects with the crowd, regardless of being face or heel.
Put Over → When one wrestler helps make another look strong or credible (usually by losing).
Sell → Making moves look painful by reacting convincingly.
No-Sell → When a wrestler ignores or shrugs off a move
Botch → A mistake in a match (missed move, bad timing, etc.).
🏆 Match Types & Finishes
DQ (Disqualification) → A match ends because someone broke the rules.
Count-Out → A wrestler loses for staying outside the ring too long.
Over the Top Rope → Elimination method in battle royals/rumble matches.
Submission Match → Win only by making the opponent tap out or give up.
I Quit Match → The loser must say “I quit” into the mic.
Workrate → A term describing how well a wrestler performs in the ring (technical ability, pacing, storytelling).
Industry & Backstage Terms
Mark → Originally a derogatory term for fans who believed everything was real. Now used for passionate fans.
Smart Mark → A fan who is deeply knowledgeable about the business.
Jobber → A wrestler who consistently loses to make others look strong.
Job → When a wrestler loses his match.
Push → When a wrestler is being elevated up the card with wins and storylines.
Buried → The opposite of a push; when a wrestler is repeatedly made to look weak.
The Rub → When a less established wrestler gets credibility by being associated with or endorsed by a bigger star.
Popcorn Match → A filler match that happens when the crowd is expected to take a break.
Crowd & Reaction Terms
Cheap Pop → Easy way to get a cheer (like mentioning the city you’re in).
Cheap Heat → Easy way to get boos (like insulting the local sports team).