49 wrestling terms explained, including fall, nearfall, escape, kayfabe and riding time, each with a short definition.
Wrestling terminology comes in two layers that share a mat and almost nothing else. The amateur layer is the language of scoring: takedowns, escapes, near falls and riding time. The professional layer is the language of the show, and words related to wrestling such as kayfabe, work and shoot belong to it. Words associated with wrestling in either sense are gathered in the wrestling glossary below, so the term you heard has one place to be looked up.
Must-Know Wrestling Terms, Phrases and Slang:
- Bout
- Bridge
- Clinch
- Escape
- Fall
- Grappling
- Hold
- Lock
- Mat
- Pin
- Point
- Reversal
- Takedown
- Technical fall
- Throw
- Tie-up
- Weight class
- Armbar
- Cauliflower ear
- Double leg
- Half nelson
- Headgear
- Match
- Neutral position
- Referee’s position
- Singlet
- Sprawl
- Stalling
- Stand-up
- Suplex
Wrestling Glossary: Every Term A to Z
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Armbar | A hold that straightens and levers the opponent's elbow. Used for control in folkstyle and for submission in other codes. |
| Babyface | In professional wrestling, the character the crowd is meant to cheer. Usually shortened to face. |
| Botch | A move or moment in a professional match that goes visibly wrong. |
| Bout | A single match between two wrestlers. |
| Bridge | Arching onto the head and feet to keep both shoulders off the mat and avoid a pin. |
| Cauliflower ear | The lumpy, thickened ear that follows repeated friction and blows. Common enough to be a mark of the sport. |
| Clinch | Two wrestlers locked together at close range, working for grip and position. |
| Decision | A win on points when no pin occurs. A win by a wide margin is a major decision. |
| Double leg | A takedown in which the wrestler grabs both of the opponent's legs and drives them to the mat. |
| Dual meet | A team competition between two schools or clubs, scored by adding up the results of each weight class. |
| Escape | Getting free from the opponent's control from the bottom position, worth one point. |
| Fall | A pin. Holding both of the opponent's shoulders to the mat for the referee's count ends the match on the spot. |
| Folkstyle | The American scholastic and collegiate code, which rewards control and riding time more than the international styles. |
| Freestyle | One of the two Olympic codes. Attacks on the legs are allowed and the scoring rewards exposure of the back. |
| Gimmick | A professional wrestler's character, including the name, look and manner. |
| Grappling | Contesting for control with holds, throws and takedowns. The general word for what wrestling is. |
| Greco-Roman | The Olympic code in which holds below the waist are forbidden, so everything happens through the upper body. |
| Half nelson | One arm under the opponent's armpit and the hand on the back of their neck, used to turn them onto their back. |
| Headgear | The strapped ear protection worn in scholastic wrestling, mainly against cauliflower ear. |
| Heel | In professional wrestling, the character the crowd is meant to boo. |
| Hold | Any grip used to control, move or pin the opponent. |
| Kayfabe | The convention of presenting professional wrestling's stories and rivalries as real. Breaking kayfabe means stepping out of the fiction. |
| Lock | A hold that wraps and restricts a limb, such as an armlock or a leglock. |
| Mat | The padded surface matches are held on, with marked circles that define the wrestling area and the out of bounds. |
| Match | The full contest between two wrestlers, run over set periods with its own rules for scoring and time. |
| Nearfall | Turning the opponent so their back is briefly exposed to the mat without a pin. Worth points in every code. |
| Neutral position | Both wrestlers standing and facing each other with neither in control. The position every period starts from. |
| Par terre | The ground position used in the international styles, where one wrestler starts down on the mat and the other attacks from above. |
| Pin | Holding the opponent's shoulders to the mat for the referee's count. Also called a fall. |
| Point | The unit of scoring, awarded for takedowns, escapes, reversals and exposure. |
| Promo | An interview or speech in professional wrestling, used to build a match or a feud. |
| Referee's position | The restart in folkstyle where one wrestler is down on hands and knees and the other is on top in control. |
| Reversal | Turning the tables from underneath to take control of the opponent, worth two points. |
| Riding time | In collegiate wrestling, the total time one wrestler holds control on top. Enough of it adds a point at the end. |
| Shoot | Something real in professional wrestling, not part of the scripted story. The opposite of a work. In amateur wrestling, to shoot is to attack the legs. |
| Singlet | The one-piece uniform worn in amateur wrestling. Tight so it offers nothing to grab and the referee can see position. |
| Spot | A planned sequence or highlight moment inside a professional match. |
| Sprawl | The defense to a leg attack: legs kicked back, hips dropped onto the opponent's shoulders. |
| Stalling | Avoiding engagement to run down the clock. The referee warns first, then awards points to the other wrestler. |
| Stand-up | Getting back to the feet from the bottom position, the most common route to an escape. |
| Submission | Ending a match by forcing the opponent to concede to a hold. Part of some grappling codes, not of Olympic wrestling. |
| Suplex | A throw that lifts the opponent and drives them backwards onto the mat, usually with an arch through the back. |
| Takedown | Bringing a standing opponent to the mat and gaining control, the basic scoring move of the sport. |
| Technical fall | A win by reaching a set points margin, which ends the match early. |
| Throw | Using leverage to lift the opponent and put them down, over the hip, back or shoulders. |
| Tie-up | The grip two standing wrestlers take on each other while working for position. The collar and elbow tie-up is the classic. |
| Weight class | The bodyweight category wrestlers compete in, so opponents are of similar size. |
| Work | Anything scripted in professional wrestling, from a match result to a feud. The opposite of a shoot. |
| Wrestlebacks | The consolation bracket of a tournament, where wrestlers who lost can still place. |
#1 Bout
A term used to describe an individual wrestling match between two competitors, typically in a tournament or dual meet setting. It’s the basic unit of competition in the sport of wrestling.
#2 Bridge
A defensive move where a wrestler arches their back and uses their head and feet to support their body, preventing their shoulders from touching the mat. This action is essential for avoiding pins.
#3 Clinch
When two wrestlers are in close proximity and engage by locking arms or grabbing their opponent’s clothing or body. Clinching is a struggle for control and is a crucial part of setting up throws and takedowns.
#4 Escape
A move where a wrestler breaks free from an opponent’s control while on the bottom, gaining a standing position and earning one point. Escapes are fundamental skills for reversing disadvantageous positions.
#5 Fall
Also known as a pin, this occurs when one wrestler holds both of an opponent’s shoulders to the mat for a referee-count, usually two seconds, resulting in an immediate win. Achieving a fall is a primary goal in wrestling as it secures a victory regardless of the current score.
#6 Grappling
It’s the act of physically engaging with an opponent with the aim to gain control, using a variety of holds, throws, and takedowns. Grappling is the essence of wrestling as a sport and encompasses all forms of physical contest between wrestlers.
#7 Hold
In wrestling, a hold refers to any grip or method of grabbing the opponent that is intended to control, manipulate, or pin them. Holds are fundamental to wrestling techniques and can be applied using the arms, legs, or the entire body.
#8 Lock
A lock in wrestling is a type of hold where a wrestler wraps their arms or legs around a part of the opponent’s body in a way that restricts movement, potentially leading to a submission if applied in submission wrestling. Common examples include armlocks and leglocks.
#9 Mat
The surface on which wrestling matches take place, typically made of shock-absorbing material to protect the athletes. The mat is a fundamental part of the sport, defining the boundary and playing field for wrestlers
#10 Pin
Achieved when a wrestler holds their opponent’s shoulders on the mat for a referee’s count, usually securing victory. It is the most definitive way to win in wrestling, showcasing superiority and control.
#11 Point
In wrestling, points are awarded for various maneuvers or positions that demonstrate control, such as takedowns or escapes. The wrestler with the most points at the end of the match, if there’s no pin, wins.
#12 Reversal
A move where a wrestler on the bottom turns the tables to gain control over their opponent, typically scoring points. This maneuver requires skill and timing and can shift the momentum of a match.
#13 Takedown
Occurs when a wrestler brings their opponent from a standing position to the mat, gaining control. It’s a fundamental move that initiates ground wrestling and can score significant points.
#14 Technical fall
This happens when a wrestler achieves a superiority of points over their opponent, ending the match before regular time is up. It’s akin to a mercy rule, underscoring one wrestler’s dominance over the other.
#15 Throw
A throw in wrestling involves using leverage and force to lift and then forcibly bring the opponent to the mat, typically over the wrestler’s hip or back. Throws are dynamic techniques used to gain control and score points through the opponent’s impact with the ground.
#16 Tie-up
A tie-up is an engagement between wrestlers where they clasp each other closely with their arms, often at the upper body, to jockey for position. It’s a fundamental part of wrestling used to gain control and set up other moves.
#17 Weight class
In wrestling, competitors are divided into weight classes to ensure fairness and safety, with each class containing athletes of similar body weight. It prevents mismatches where a heavier opponent might have an undue advantage.
#18 Armbar
An armbar is a grappling hold aimed at hyperextending the opponent’s elbow joint, causing significant pain or forcing a submission. It’s a common move seen both in wrestling and various forms of martial arts.
#19 Cauliflower Ear
A deformity of the ear caused by repeated trauma or blunt force, common among wrestlers due to the intense friction and impact experienced during matches. It results in a bumpy or lumpy appearance of the ear.
#20 Double leg
The double leg takedown is a fundamental wrestling move where a competitor grabs both of the opponent’s legs and forces them to the ground. It is often used to gain control and score points.
#21 Half nelson
The half nelson is a wrestling maneuver that involves passing one arm under the opponent’s armpit and locking the hand at the back of their neck, enabling control and an opportunity to flip them onto their back.
#22 Headgear
Protective equipment that wrestlers wear during matches to prevent injuries, particularly to the ears and head. Headgear is mandatory in many competitions to avoid conditions like cauliflower ear.
#23 Match
A wrestling match is the contest between two wrestlers. It consists of periods or rounds, where wrestlers attempt to score points through various moves or achieve a pin, leading to victory. Matches are governed by a set of rules that define scoring, allowable techniques, and time limits.
#24 Neutral Position
In wrestling, the neutral position is when both competitors start standing and facing each other, each looking for an opening to secure a takedown. It’s a fundamental starting stance associated with fair competition and strategic manoeuvring.
#25 Referee’s Position
This is a position used at the beginning of some periods or after a stalemate where one wrestler starts on the mat on all fours, while the other starts on top, in control. It’s intended to give wrestlers a defined start and can lead to escapes or reversals.
#26 Singlet
The singlet is the standard uniform for amateur wrestlers, a one-piece, tight-fitting garment that allows referees to see each athlete’s body clearly for scoring while limiting the opponent’s ability to grab onto loose clothing.
#27 Sprawl
A defensive maneuver designed to thwart an opponent’s takedown attempt, a sprawl involves spreading the legs back and using the hips to apply pressure on the opponent’s upper body. Wrestlers use this to prevent being brought to the mat.
#28 Stalling
In wrestling, stalling is a passive or avoidance tactic where a competitor avoids active engagement, leading to warnings and eventual penalties by the referee. It’s considered poor sportsmanship and detrimental to the match’s action.
#29 Stand-up
In wrestling, a stand-up is a move used by a wrestler starting from the ground (typically in the down position) to return to a standing position and escape or counter the opponent’s control. It’s a basic but crucial technique for regaining mobility and initiative.
#30 Suplex
A suplex is a type of throw that involves lifting the opponent off the ground and then driving them back-first onto the mat. Suplexes can be executed from various angles and positions, often involving a bridge using the back and legs to maximize impact. They are dramatic, high-impact moves common in many styles of wrestling.
FAQ
What is the term for the starting position in wrestling?
The neutral position: both wrestlers on their feet, facing each other, neither in control. Every period starts there. In folkstyle, restarts after a stoppage can instead use the referee’s position, with one wrestler down on hands and knees and the other on top.
What is a fall in wrestling?
A fall is a pin. One wrestler holds both of the opponent’s shoulders to the mat long enough for the referee’s count, and the match ends immediately no matter what the score was.
What is another word for wrestling?
Grappling. It covers the same idea of contesting control through holds, throws and takedowns, and it takes in related codes such as judo and submission grappling as well.
What are wrestlers called?
Wrestlers, or grapplers. In professional wrestling the performers are usually called talent, or superstars in company language, and each one has a gimmick, meaning a character.
What does def mean in wrestling results?
It is short for defeated, as in one name def. another on a results sheet. Dec. next to a result means the win came by decision, meaning on points rather than by a pin.
What is it called when two wrestlers lock arms while standing?
A tie-up, also called a clinch. The classic version is the collar and elbow tie-up, one hand behind the neck and one on the elbow, from which most standing attacks begin.
They fall into two sets. The competitive vocabulary covers scoring and position (takedown, escape, reversal, nearfall, par terre, riding time). The professional vocabulary covers the show (kayfabe, work, shoot, heel, babyface, promo, spot). The wrestling glossary above lists both.
What are some Wrestling terms for beginners?
“Bout,” “Clinch,” and “Takedown” are some wrestling terms beginners should start with. They represent the basic elements of a wrestling match, grappling strategies, and offensive moves.
What are some funny Wrestling terms?
“Cauliflower ear” and “Half nelson” are some funny wrestling terms. They add a touch of humor by referring to a common wrestler’s ear deformation and a type of control hold that resembles a loving gesture.
What is a famous Wrestling phrase?
“Let’s get ready to rumble!” is a famous wrestling phrase. This iconic call to action signals the beginning of a wrestling match and has been popularized by announcers to elevate excitement.
