36 Pro Wrestling Terms You Rarely Hear Anymore

Professional wrestling has always thrived on its own secret language: a vibrant code of insider terms passed down from locker rooms to late-night drives. For generations, this lingo helped wrestlers protect the illusion, navigate the business, and communicate discreetly. But as wrestling evolved from a closely guarded territory to a global, streaming-era spectacle, much of that unique vocabulary has faded from daily use. Here, we revisit 36 pro wrestling terms you rarely hear anymore, unpacking the meaning, history, and wild stories behind the lingo that once ruled the ring!

1. Hooker

Lou Thesz, one of pro wrestlingโ€™s greatest and most well-known hookers, in the ring with Buddy Rogers in their infamous NWA World Heavyweight Title match on January 24, 1963 in Toronto.
Lou Thesz, one of pro wrestlingโ€™s greatest and most well-known hookers, in the ring with Buddy Rogers in their infamous NWA World Heavyweight Title match on January 24, 1963 in Toronto. Photo Credit: WWE.

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First Used: 1920s

Decline: Late 1980s

Definition: A legitimately tough, trained shooter capable of physically forcing an opponent to submit.

In the carnival and territory days, a “hooker” was insurance against double-crosses. Wrestlers like Lou Thesz and Karl Gotch were legendary for their ability to control or hurt opponents if necessary.

As kayfabe declined and match outcomes became strictly scripted entertainment, particularly by the mainstream crossover era of the Hogan-led 1980s, there was less need for legitimate shooters in the locker room. The term โ€“ and the role โ€“ slowly became irrelevant.

Karl Gotch outlined a little more about what "hooker" means to the world of pro wrestling of yesteryear:

"Think of fishing. When you have a fish on the end of a hook, he wiggles and squirms and can’t get free. You’ve hooked him. That’s where the term comes from.

“You hook a guy when you have a submission hold on him and he can’t do anything to wiggle free. But, like in fishing, once you have the guy hooked, you still have to reel him in.

“We always said, ‘Take up the slack.’ Once you take up the slack, you position the fulcrum and apply the leverage. And the big thing about it is, bulls get killed on the floor. Submission is not something you do standing up."

2. Kayfabe

First Used: 1930s

Decline: Early 2000s

Definition: The code of secrecy used to maintain the illusion of professional wrestling as legitimate.

While "kayfabe" is still occasionally referenced, its use has declined as wrestling fans became more aware of the scripted nature of the product.

Nowadays, there isn’t much need to hide the fact that wrestling is a combination of athletics and pre-determined entertainment. With the internet and behind-the-scenes documentaries, fans embrace the reality behind the curtain. The breaking of kayfabe is now routine, turning the term into a nostalgic relic.

Bret Hart, in his book Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling, perfectly sums up what kayfabe means:

"I was so old school. I couldnโ€™t bring myself to explain to anyone not inside the business what was going on.

“The code among pro wrestlers at the time was to kayfabe, which is wrestling jargon for babyfaces and heels not being seen together in public and doing whatever it takes to perpetuate the idea that wrestling is real.

“It was thought that if the fans knew the matches were a work, it would destroy the business, along with the livelihood of everyone in it.”

3. Broadway

First Used: 1950s

Decline: 1990s

Definition: A wrestling match that ends in a time-limit draw.

In the wrestling territory days, "going Broadway" was a tactic to keep both wrestlers strong while building suspense for future matches. A world champion, such as NWA Champion Ric Flair, entering a territory to wrestle a major local star could potentially result in a Broadway to prevent said star from suffering a defeat.

As timed matches fell out of favor and fans demanded more decisive finishes, however, the term lost relevance. Few promotions now book Broadway-style outcomes.

Ric Flair, in his autobiography To Be The Man, discusses the psychology behind the pro wrestling term Broadway more in-depth.

"A lot of my matches would end in a one-hour draw,” Ric Flair wrote. “My opponent would have me trapped in his finishing hold or tied up on the canvas. The referee would raise his hand, slap the mat โ€“ one, two-โ€ฆand the bell would ring just as the refโ€™s hand hit the canvas a third time.

“As the fans erupted, sure that theyโ€™d just witnessed history, the ring announcer would inform them that the sixty-minute-time limit had expired. I did this so much that when I called myself a "sixty-minute man" in my interviews, part of me really was referring to wrestling.

“During my nine NWA title reigns, I canโ€™t count the number of guys who worked sixty-minute draws with me: Tommy Rich,ย Butch Reed, Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, "Bullet" Bob Amstrong, Dick Slater, Harley [Race], The Funks, Wahoo McDaniel, Ricky Steamboat, Austin Idol, Dick Murdoch, Bulldog Bob Brown, Billy Jack Haynes , Dino Bravo, Ricky Morton,ย Dusty Rhodes, Jack Brisco, and The Rockโ€™s dad, Rocky Johnson, under a mask. In 1987, I even wrestled Ricky Morton in eleven one-hour draws in nine days!"

4. House

A view of WWEโ€™s indoor attendance record set for WrestleMania III at the Pontiac Silverdome in Detroit, Michigan.
A view of WWEโ€™s indoor attendance record set for WrestleMania III at the Pontiac Silverdome in Detroit, Michigan. Photo Credit: WWE.

First Used: 1940s

Decline: 2010s

Definition: The total attendance at a wrestling event.

Promoters once obsessed over "drawing a house" to measure success. With the rise of television rights, digital streams, and global networks, gate attendance is no longer the primary revenue driver.

When discussing attendance, while still occasionally used, the term has largely faded from regular vocabulary as executives use the parlance and coded language of mainstream media.

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5. Stooge

First Used: 1980s

Decline: Late 2000s

Definition: A person who reports locker room activity to management or bookers.

Being labeled a "stooge" was one of the worst insults in wrestling, implying betrayal of the wrestler code. Itโ€™s something that was often applied to once-pro wrestlers who had become agents in their retirement and individuals in similar positions of authority.

As modern promotions embraced more structured, corporate environments, the informal "stooge" role lost significance. The term is now mostly referenced in nostalgic or comedic contexts.

Jesse Ventura, speaking on the December 6th, 2024 episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, explains the term "stooge":

"If you come from the business from my era of the territory days, the worst thing you can be accused of being is an office stooge. That’s somebody who rides around with the boys, pretends he’s one of them but all the while he’s listening to the gossip and he’s reporting it back to the promoters, taking care of himself and being quote, ‘an office stooge.’"

6. Mark

First Used: Early 1900s

Decline: 2010s

Definition: Originally, a gullible fan who believed wrestling was real.

In carny speak, a "mark" was a target. Over time, it came to mean any devoted wrestling fan.

As the wrestling community evolved into a more respectful and open dialogue between fans and wrestlers (though some may dispute this conclusion), the term became less appropriate and more derogatory, leading to its decline in use. Itโ€™s one of the few terms sometimes mentioned in modern promos or is frequently thrown around on podcasts.

On an episode of the Talk Is Jericho podcast, William Regal shared his views and dislike of the term "mark."

"Iโ€™ve never ever used the term โ€˜mark.โ€™ I hate that term; I think itโ€™s a nasty, horrible derogatory term to call somebody whoโ€™s willing to give you their time, money and whatever with this job."

7. Juice

First Used: 1970s

Decline: 2010s

Definition: Bloodshed in a wrestling match, usually from intentional blading.

Back when gritty realism was king, "getting juice" added drama and emotion.

In his book Have a Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks, Mick Foley described the practice of blading:

Blading is the art of cutting yourself with a small razor blade to produce blood, or ‘juice,’ to make the match appear more brutal.”

The term itself immediately harkens back to the pro wrestling magazines of the 1970s, where it was essential to see a crimson face on the cover.

With modern concerns in the worldโ€™s biggest pro wrestling company today over safety, image, and TV regulations, blading is rare. The term has faded with the practice, remaining only in old-school circles.

8. Potato

Stan Hansen lands a brutal shot to Big Van Vaderโ€”so stiff it dislodged Vaderโ€™s eye from its socket mid-match. A textbook example of a "potato" in wrestling: a hit thatโ€™s all too real. Photo Credit: WWE

First Used: 1970s

Decline: 2000s

Definition: An accidental (or sometimes intentional) stiff shot during a match.

"Potatoes" were once common in rugged matches, especially among veterans proving toughness. As the industry became more performance-based with a focus on safety and longevity, accidentally hurting someone became frowned upon.

Furthermore, how you throw a punch today is not anywhere near as finessed as it once was, nor is it as emphasized. The term has largely exited the mainstream vocabulary.

In issue 6 of Inside The Ropes Magazine, Sgt. Slaughter discussed an anecdote involving the Ultimate Warrior wherein he had to serve up a few stiff shots as a receipt to the rough punches and tags he was being subjected to, explaining a bit more on how the term is used.

"When somebody hurts you, if you continue to get it, we call it a โ€˜potatoโ€™ or something like โ€˜Idaho.โ€™ That means youโ€™re too stiff."

9. Rib

Cody Rhodes once described a rib from Shawn Michaels and Triple H that left him covered in paint and humiliated before their match.
Cody Rhodes once described a rib from Shawn Michaels and Triple H that left him covered in paint and humiliated before their match. Photo Credit: WWE

First Used: 1960s

Decline: Late 2010s

Definition: A prank pulled on another wrestler, usually backstage.

Ribbing was part of locker room culture as a rite of passage and bonding tool. But as locker room dynamics professionalized and HR departments emerged, the tolerance for pranks decreased.

What was once seen as harmless fun is now viewed as unprofessional or even toxic. Itโ€™s rare that ribs are pulled in modern-day mainstream pro wrestling companies.

In an interview with False Comeback, Cody Rhodes described a rib pulled on him at an early point in his career.

"I remember Hunter [Triple H] told me, and we had this banner that hangs over the regular pipe and drape, ‘Come out and rip it down, disrespect DX so people will boo,’ and I said that was great. I didn’t know it was a rib.

“The only thing supporting it was a two-by-four, and it hit me in the back of the head, and I’m covered in this green speckle paint.

“I get in the ring, and Shawn Michaels and Triple H just laughed at me the whole match. I always thought, ‘Oh, it was an accident,’ but no, it was a very intentional rib and I fell for it.”

10. Green

First Used: 1960s

Decline: 2010s

Definition: A term used to describe an inexperienced or unpolished wrestler.

"Green" was once a casual descriptor in locker room culture. As more wrestlers come from formal schools and performance centers, direct references to greenness are now viewed as unkind or outdated. Developmental systems use terms like "rookie" or "prospect" instead, more in line with professional sports organizations rather than carnival-inspired slang.

11. Jobber

First Used: 1970s

Decline: 2010s

Definition: A wrestler booked to consistently lose in order to make others look strong.

The term "jobber" was commonplace in the enhancement match era. Todayโ€™s wrestling culture has shifted to emphasize equality, talent building, and brand integrity, making the label “jobber” feel disrespectful. Now, terms like "enhancement talent" are preferred and is considered far more respectful to the human being who is laying down to elevate another pro wrestler.

Highlighting todayโ€™s sentiments on the term "jobber" is Matt Cardona speaking on an episode of his Major Wrestling Figure podcast:

"I hate the term โ€˜jobber,โ€™ and when somebody uses the term โ€˜jobber.โ€™ I hate it. A โ€˜jobberโ€™ to me, is Duane Gill before he was Gillberg. Thatโ€™s a jobber. If youโ€™re on television, youโ€™re not a jobber. Win, lose, or draw, youโ€™re not a jobber."

12. Hardway

First Used: 1970s

Decline: Late 2000s

Definition: A wrestler bleeding accidentally or through real contact, not via blading.

"Getting color the hardway" was once seen as a badge of honor. However, modern wrestling’s focus on safety and medical protocols has all but erased this practice.

"Hardway" is now a rarity both in execution and in vocabulary, though you will see it occur every now and again, even if the term is never brought up.

During a Talk Is Jericho podcast episode, Chris Jericho discussed the realism in wrestling injuries:

“Sometimes, accidents happen, and you get color the hard way. It’s not ideal, but it shows the unpredictability of our sport.”

13. Jobber to the Stars

The Brooklyn Brawler, portrayed by Steve Lombardi, is perhaps one of the WWEโ€™s greatest โ€˜jobber to the starsโ€™ archetype. Here he is being introduced by Howard Finkel.
The Brooklyn Brawler, portrayed by Steve Lombardi, is perhaps one of the WWEโ€™s greatest โ€˜jobber to the starsโ€™ archetype. Here he is being introduced by Howard Finkel. Photo Credit: WWE.

First used: 1980s

Decline: 2000s

Definition: A wrestler who consistently loses to top stars but beats newcomers to stay credible.

This is a step up from a regular jobber but not quite a full roster member. This mid-tier enhancement role has been phased out in modern booking, where clear tier systems and record-keeping (like AEWโ€™s win/loss stats) have changed how talent hierarchy is structured.

In an interview on Busted Open Radio, Barry Horowitz addressed the degrading nature of the term “jobber to the stars” and highlighted his role in elevating others:

“I know it’s wrestling jargon, [but] I’ve never liked that name. It’s degrading, it’s dumb, it’s ignoring. Enhancement is the word, or, like Tim Horner once told me, ‘Hey Barry, you and I are star makers.'”

14. Dusty Finish

First used: 1980s

Decline: 2010s

Definition: A match ending with a false finish that is later reversed, often due to referee confusion.

A "Dusty finish" is named after Dusty Rhodes, who used it frequently in booking. Fans eventually grew tired of inconsistent finishes, leading to criticism and reduced use of both the booking style and its name.

In an RF Shoot Video, Dusty Rhodes described his pride in being associated with a term in his name:

"I liked it. I’m proud to be associated with a finish forever, when most bookers aren’t even remembered."

15. Popcorn Match

First used: 1980s

Decline: 2010s

Definition: A less important match placed after a big match to let the crowd recover.

Used as a pacing tool, the term faded as show formats changed and matches were more consistently paced throughout the card.

The rise of short-form content also diminished the need for such lulls. That said, there are still matches used for crowd recovery, but they are not built singularly as throwaway bouts.

16. Outlaw Promotion

First Used: 1960s

Decline: Late 1980s

Definition: Typically, a non-NWA-sanctioned wrestling promotion, often viewed as disreputable or unprofessional.

During the territorial era, the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) blackballed unsanctioned promotions, calling them an “outlaw promotion.” These groups often used renegade talent or mimicked major promotions.

As national companies like WWF (now WWE) broke from the NWA and monopolized the market, the “outlaw” label lost relevance, though it is still sometimes used derogatorily as a criticism.

On an episode of his My World podcast, Jeff Jarrett discussed the origin of the term “outlaw promotion”:

“An outlaw promotion is a promotion that is not affiliated with a major alliance or federation. They often use blackballed wrestlers or ones at the end of their careers. These organizations were often met with scorn and, occasionally, violence!”

17. Barnstorming

First Used: 1920s

Decline: 1950s

Definition: When wrestlers or promoters traveled town-to-town independently, often outside official circuits.

Barnstormers played to small-town crowds, often working out of local gyms or armories. It is not dissimilar to a traveling circus company. With the rise of structured territories and television deals, barnstorming faded as a model. The term now survives only in historical retrospectives.

In an interview with NBC affiliate 11Alive, Eric Bischoff brought up the old-style concept of barnstorming:

"Back in the day, guys would barnstorm from territory to territory, making their names and building their reputations.”

18. Paper the House

First Used: 1950s

Decline: 2000s

Definition: Giving away free tickets to make an event appear sold out.

Promoters would "paper the house" to boost crowd size and energy when ticket sales lagged. As digital ticketing and analytics evolved, it became harder to hide weak numbers, and the term largely disappeared from use. This is not to say that free tickets like this are not given away, but itโ€™s not as publicized or considered as scandalous.

19. Put Over

Randy Orton attempts to apply a barbed wire bat to the head of Cactus Jack (Mick Foley) at WWE Backlash 2004 in a match that saw Orton come out the victor.
Randy Orton attempts to apply a barbed wire bat to the head of Cactus Jack (Mick Foley) at WWE Backlash 2004 in a match that saw Orton come out the victor. Photo Credit: WWE.

First Used: 1940s

Decline: Still used, but less publicly

Definition: To lose to or endorse another wrestler in a way that boosts their credibility.

Putting someone over was once a vital part of the wrestling code. Though still a real concept, today itโ€™s discussed more discreetly, with terms like "elevated" or "highlighted" preferred in public discourse.

In an interview with WrestlingInc.com, Al Snow discussed the concept of putting someone over, using the rise of Steve Austin in the late 1990s as an example.

"Weโ€™ve all got to make that decision to help him because the more he goes to the top and the more of an attraction he becomes, the more overall the money comes into the arena, and the more money all of us all make together."

20. Chain Wrestling

First Used: 1940s

Decline: 2000s

Definition: A sequence of technical grappling moves linking holds and counters fluidly.

Chain wrestling was once the foundation of matches, showing skill and pacing. While still respected, modern fans often prefer flashy moves and storytelling, causing chain wrestling โ€” and the term โ€” to become niche. Furthermore, this style of highly technical, sometimes submission-centric wrestling is not seen as exciting as more fast-paced movements.

In a pro wrestling tutorial, retired Canadian professional wrestler Tyson Dux explained the concept of chain wrestling.

“Moving from one hold to another is what chain wrestling is all about. Finding a better position is the goal. Look aggressive and don’t let your opponent get comfortable.”

21. Zabada

First Used: 1940s

Decline: 1960s

Definition: A fake foreign wrestling move or gibberish hold invented to impress or confuse the crowd.

Used to spice up a match, a "zabada" was a made-up maneuver with a flashy name, often used by heels pretending to be from "exotic" lands. As audiences became more informed and diverse, gimmicks relying on fake foreign flair disappeared.

22. Hold School

First Used: 1930s

Decline: 1960s

Definition: A tongue-in-cheek phrase used by wrestlers teaching someone a painful shoot hold as a "lesson."

If a wrestler was disrespectful, a vet might take him to "hold school" and stretch him in the ring. This informal justice system faded as training schools replaced the "sink or swim" culture of early locker rooms.

Today, this type of approach to in-ring wrestling would be considered unprofessional and be grounds for dismissal in an organization such as the WWE.

23. Steam

First Used: 1930s

Decline: 1970s

Definition: A wrestlerโ€™s in-ring energy and momentum during a match.

Commenting that someone had "steam" meant they were moving with purpose, and the crowd was responding. As more specific terminology emerged โ€“ like "pacing" or "cardio" โ€“ this old slang disappeared.

24. Fishinโ€™ Line

Chad Gable jumps to tag in his then-partner Jason Jordan in NXT, demonstrating the dynamic of extending the arm and holding the tag rope.
Chad Gable jumps to tag in his then-partner Jason Jordan in NXT, demonstrating the dynamic of extending the arm and holding the tag rope. Photo Credit: WWE.

First Used: 1940s

Decline: 1960s

Definition: When a pro wrestler extends their arm unnaturally, waiting for a tag, making it obvious to the audience.

Heels would mock babyfaces for putting out the "fishinโ€™ line," exposing the work. Coaches and old-timers used it as a critique of over-telegraphing spots. Today, the phrase is largely forgotten in training schools.

25. Ring Shark

First Used: 1930s

Decline: 1970s

Definition: A wrestler known for being dangerous or overly aggressive in the ring, often under the guise of being snug.

Being called a "ring shark" was both a compliment and a warning. It implied you knew your stuff and might stretch someone if needed.

As safety protocols improved, the breed and the term went extinct. There are many workers who still work aggressively or snugly, but not as dangerously as would necessitate using the term โ€˜ring shark.โ€™

26. Gaga

First Used: 1950s

Decline: 1990s

Definition: Comedy or over-the-top antics inserted into a match to entertain or distract.

Used by veterans to describe non-wrestling fluff, "gaga" included dancing, props, or fan interaction. As wrestling leaned more into serious athleticism or cinematic storytelling, gaga spots became rare, and the term faded.

Comedy wrestling still exists in various pro wrestling organizations, but the term "gaga" is rarely heard today and is mainly used as lingo among wrestling vets in the business.

In a 2021 episode of his Drive Thru podcast, Jim Cornette criticized the WWE audience at that time for elements he perceived as overly theatrical or lacking in realism, sometimes referring to said elements as “gaga.”

"For the people, for the fans, it’s all about the gaga. They want the drama, the spectacle, the over-the-top characters.”

27. Exposing The Business

First Used: 1960s

Decline: 1990s

Definition: A phrase describing when a wrestler or promotion accidentally revealed that wrestling was scripted.

This was a cardinal sin in the kayfabe era. With the rise of the internet and shoot interviews, the idea of "exposing the business" became irrelevant, making the term more historical than practical.

That said, many old-school pro wrestlers still use the term and believe in it. It is sometimes also applied to work in the ring that is seen as overly scripted, lacking realism, or not very good.

In his book, Gary Hart spoke of the sanctity of kayfabe and protecting the business:

"I came into the business at a time when kayfabe was the Holy Grail, and for over thirty years, I would not talk about the business to anyone that wasnโ€™t a part of it.”

Hart continued, “Over the past few years, Iโ€™ve softened and can now openly talk about how wrestling is manipulated โ€“ but it was a long process that I had to go through.

“[I was involved in a business] that had to be protected. In those days, wrestlers had to kayfabe everything. It was beaten into our brains: Donโ€™t talk to anyone about anything.”

28. Holding The Pencil

Dutch Mantel, one of wrestlingโ€™s most prolific bookers of the past 40 years, with stints in the World Wrestling Council, International Wrestling Association, Total Non-Stop Action (TNA), and Championship Wrestling from Florida.
Dutch Mantel, one of wrestlingโ€™s most prolific bookers of the past 40 years, with stints in the World Wrestling Council, International Wrestling Association, Total Non-Stop Action (TNA), and Championship Wrestling from Florida. Photo Credit: WWE.

First Used: 1950s

Decline: 1980s

Definition: A booker or the person who wrote the matches and storylines for a territory.

In the territory days, saying someone "held the pencil" meant they had the power to make or break a wrestlerโ€™s career. The term slowly vanished as creative teams replaced individual bookers, and modern fans adopted terms like "head writer."

29. Stack The Finish

First Used: 1960s

Decline: 1990s

Definition: Booking multiple false finishes in quick succession before the actual ending of a match.

A stacked finish was a way to build drama and keep the crowd guessing. It fell out of favor with old-timers who saw it as cheap heat, and by the modern era, the phrase gave way to "false finishes" or "near falls."

On an episode of Talk Is Jericho, Chris Jericho discussed the importance of pacing and structure in a match, warning that overloading the finish can dilute audience engagement:

“You want to build to a crescendo, not just throw everything out there. If you stack too much at the end, it becomes noise, and the audience doesnโ€™t know what to react to.”

30. Working The Office

First Used: 1940s

Decline: 1980s

Definition: Manipulating promoters or bookers behind the scenes to gain favorable booking.

This political maneuvering was part of the game, especially in competitive territories. The phrase faded as kayfabe broke and the business became more transparent.

Speaking to Inside The Ropes in 2022, Rob Van Dam opened up about his unexpected exposure to WWE’s political environment upon joining the company.

“In 2001, I went to WWE and I got thrown into a world of politics that I wasnโ€™t prepared for. Like I couldnโ€™t believe how political it was. People fighting over who brought me there so they could get more credit with the office, and promising me the world… I had to not give a ****.”

He continued, “It was either really, really care, which truly is how you get ahead… but as far as that stuff goes, with my values and my priorities, I just said thatโ€™s not the part that really matters.”

31. Payoff Envelope

First Used: 1940s

Decline: 1990s

Definition: The literal envelope of cash given to wrestlers after a match.

Wrestlers would say, "How was your envelope?" to talk about pay. With the shift to direct deposits and contracts, the practice and phrase itself became a relic of the past. The entire structure of paying talent has also shifted from predominantly per-match fees to downside guarantees and more formal corporate contracts.

32. Babyface

Bob Backlund is arguably one of WWEโ€™s purest babyface world champions, holding the title from February 1978 until December 1983.
Bob Backlund is arguably one of WWEโ€™s purest babyface world champions, holding the title from February 1978 until December 1983. Photo Credit: WWE.

First Used: 1940s

Decline: 2020s

Definition: The hero or good guy in a wrestling storyline.

"Babyface" was a key part of wrestling’s moral structure, opposing the heel. But with the rise of anti-heroes, blurred moral lines, and smart fans rejecting traditional roles, the babyface concept and the term have become more fluid and less central.

Jim Ross on his JRโ€™s BBQ Blog reflected on the changing dynamics of character roles in wrestling, noting that the traditional clear-cut distinctions between babyfaces and heels are becoming less prevalent.

“The days of being a 100% babyface or 100% villain in pro wrestling are likely over and if not over certainly nearing an end and at best is on life support.”

33. Heel

First Used: 1930s

Decline: 2020s

Definition: A villain or antagonist in professional wrestling.

Heels once generated intense “heat” from crowds, especially in regional markets. However, modern audiences often cheer charismatic villains, making the heel-face dynamic less predictable. Today, the term still exists but isnโ€™t as strictly applied as in the past.

Ted DiBiase shared the dynamics of heel characters, noting that while the “tough-guy” heel may eventually turn face due to fan admiration, the role requires a nuanced approach.

“Thereโ€™s the โ€˜tough-guyโ€™ bad guy and the tough-guy heel will always eventually become a good guy because people love tough guys. But if youโ€™re [like me] aโ€ฆwhat I call aโ€ฆ(laughs) well, thereโ€™s no other word for it, a โ€˜chicken ****โ€™ heelโ€ฆ In other words, when I go out there, I show the people that I can wrestle, I show them that I can go, I show them Iโ€™ve got the skill, and yet, I take the shortcuts. And not only do I take the shortcuts โ€“ Iโ€™m a coward.

“I talk real big, and then when somebody gets in my face, I kind of back off and send [bodyguard] Virgil in to do the work for me. Thatโ€™s the best kind of heel. Because people never, ever get tired of seeing somebody kick that guyโ€™s butt."

34. Go Home

First Used: 1960s

Decline: 2010s

Definition: A backstage cue or signal to end a match or segment.

A referee or producer might communicate “go home” if time was running out or something went wrong. With modern matches carefully timed and directed, this verbal cue is now rarer and often replaced with hand signals or earpiece instructions.

35. Work

Brock Lesnar delivers a German suplex to John Cena at SummerSlam 2014. Brock Lesnar's style blends elements of work and shoot.
Brock Lesnar delivers a German suplex to John Cena at SummerSlam 2014. Brock Lesnar’s style blends elements of work and shoot. Photo Credit: WWE.

First Used: 1920s

Decline: 2000s

Definition: A scripted, cooperative performance or match where both parties follow a plan.

"Work" contrasted with "shoot" and was central to the entire business. In the late 19th and early 20th century, protecting the secret that wrestling was a work was essential. Today, with fans fully aware of wrestling’s scripted nature, the term is mostly insider lingo or used in wrestling schools.

There is extensive discussion among wrestlers on philosophies relating to whatโ€™s a work and a shoot.

In an interview on the Pat McAfee Show in February 2025, Hulk Hogan underscored that despite the entertainment aspect (“work”), the physical toll and financial realities make wrestling a “shoot.”

“Everything is a shoot, are you kidding me? This business is not a work, this is a shoot. If this was a work… you and I are wrestling, and I get paid $2 million and you get $600 grand, is that a work? It’s the money and the miles. Who cares who wins? It’s entertainment, it’s predetermined. It’s a shoot.”

36. Strap

First Used: 1950s

Decline: 2000s

Definition: A slang term for a championship belt.

Back in the day, being awarded "the strap" was an informal way of saying a wrestler became champion. Today, announcers and media teams use more polished language like "title" or "championship," and the term "strap" has faded from public use, though it still pops up backstage.

Pro Wrestling Terms: The Evolutionย of Wrestling’s Secret Language

From Hookers to Houses to Dusty Finishes: These 36 pro wrestling terms shaped wrestling's evolving secret language.
From Hookers to Houses to Dusty Finishes: These 36 pro wrestling terms shaped wrestling’s evolving secret language. Photo Credit: WWE.

As professional wrestling continues to evolve, so does the language that defines it. These once-common pro wrestling terms reflect a bygone era of locker room codes, behind-the-scenes power plays, and regional promotions.

While some may resurface as nostalgic Easter eggs for long-time fans, most have been replaced by mainstream sports-based business language and fan-friendly transparency.

Whether youโ€™re a longtime fan or new to the ring, knowing these classic pro wrestling terms connects you to generations of wrestlers and fans who helped shape the business.

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Jason LeBlanc is a writer, passionate pro wrestling fan, and marketing expert. A 30+ year wrestling historian and editor, his freelance work has appeared in newspapers and publications across his home country of Canada and all over the world.