If you're a newer fan to professional wrestling, chances are, you've heard a multitude of terms that simply don't make any sense to you. Wrestlers and wrestling fans alike tend to use what could be misconstrued as some sort of code. However, it's simply a selection of words and/or phrases used to describe an event, situation, match or performer. Simply put, it's just the jargon we, as fans tend to use to better communicate with one another about the sport we love so much.
Over the years, the wording has changed. Some terms have changed dramatically, while others have made minimal, very subtle changes. There have been words added and there have been words that seem to have disappeared altogether, primarily because they've become irrelevant with the times. Nevertheless, at some point or another, you'll probably want to familiarize yourself with these terms. If for no other reason than just to better understand what you're watching. This is an introductory list of terms used in and around the world of professional wrestling.
Push
Push is a term used to describe a situation where a company or promotion is attempting make a wrestler achieve higher success. Essentially, they will give the wrestler more wins, more opportunities to win championships, more spots in main events and so on. A push is considered a type of reward in the industry.
Bury
To bury a wrestler is the complete opposite of a push. Bury is what happens to a performer sometimes as a disciplinary action and other times, it's simply due to the lack of opportunities available for a particular wrestler.
Heel
A heel is simply the bad guy. The heel is the villain in any match or other situation within a storyline. The heel is also typically despised by the fans.
Babyface
The babyface is the good guy. He or she is the loved and adored wrestler in any match or similar situation. The babyface typically wins more than they lose.
House Show
A house show is a live wrestling event which is not being televised. At a house show, you will not see much of the pyro, lights, and special effects. These events are usually all about the actual in-ring action and the price of admission is typically cheaper to attend than a televised event.
Paper
To paper an event is when the company and/or promoters give tickets away, free of charge, in an attempt to fill seats. This is a common practice used by promoters when they are trying to fill a venue for television.
Work
A work is anything in wrestling that is planned or scripted, for the sake of entertainment. It is the opposite of shoot.
Shoot
A shoot is the exact opposite of work. It is when an event deviates from a scripted plan and goes into a self-directed attempt to attack another talent or when a wrestler makes candid, unapproved comments during an interview.
Mark
A mark is a fan who has a hard time differentiating reality from work. It is also a term used to describe a fan who goes to the extremes in support of a talent or a company.
Smark
This term used to describe a fan who thinks he or she has a special insight into the business that other fans don't have. They are considered "know-it-all" Fans.
Gorilla Position
This is the area directly behind the entrance curtain, where the wrestlers await to be called out to the ring. The gorilla position is also where the people producing the show are seated during an event, such as Vince McMahon and Triple H. The Gorilla Position is named after the late great Gorilla Monsoon.
Curtain Jerker
A curtain jerker is the first wrestler to make an entrance at an event. This is often a jobber.
Jobber
A jobber is the person who's sole purpose is to make his opponent appear superior to himself. The jobber typically loses most, if not all of their matches.
Job
A job is simply a loss. It's when a wrestler takes a loss for the sake of helping his or her opponent look better.
Kayfabe
Kayfabe is the presentation of professional wrestling as being entirely legitimate or real. This was a sacred term in earlier days when talent took the integrity of the business more sacred than they do now.
Swerve
A swerve is an unexpected change in a match or a series of events, intended to surprise or catch fans off guard.
Blading
This is when a wrestler hides a device or material in their tights, wrist tape or elsewhere, then use the device to cut themselves for the sake of drawing blood and making a situation look worse than it really is.
Bump
A bump is any instance when a wrestler takes an impact and lands on the mat.
Pop
A pop is the reaction from a crowd when a wrestler makes their entrance.
Heat
Heat is typically the reaction a heel gets when they make an entrance. It is the negative opposite to pop.
