Our job at vince4president is not only to review and talk about the WWE product of sports entertainment but to educate the wrestling audience. This is the first column in a multi-part series about wrestling lingo and termanology.
A
Abortion, to discontinue a feud or gimmick suddenly, usually without explanation. Usually, this is due to a lack of fan interest, if an angle is poorly executed or fans find the storyline morally objectionable. This is an older term, not generally used today because of its objectionable basis. The modernized version of this term is Scrapped.
André shot, a filming technique used to emphasize or exaggerate the height of a wrestler, either by shooting them with an upwards perspective, filming them interacting with someone of average or below-average height, or having one of the participants stand somewhere elevated. This principle is also utilized by using referees that are shorter than the average adult male, to enhance the heights of the wrestlers involved in the match. It is named after André the Giant, who often stood on objects during studio interviews to exaggerate his already above average height.
Agent or Road agent, management employee, often a former veteran wrestler, who helps wrestlers set up matches and relays instructions from the bookers. Often acts as a liaison between wrestlers and higher-level management. Referred to as "producers" by the WWE.
Alignment, the personality type used by the wrestler. For example if they are a face they are said to be "face aligned". See also heel and tweener.
Angle, a fictional storyline
Apter mag, an old-style professional wrestling magazine that sticks to kayfabe. It usually consists of made-up articles and interviews. The term refers to the magazines at one time connected to journalist Bill Apter, such as Pro Wrestling Illustrated.
Arm Color, a wrestler with a bloody arm. This is usually the result of blading.
Around the Horn, a tour where a wrestler puts on matches in most of the major cities a particular promotion covers.
Around the Loop, see Around the Horn.
Attitude Era, refers to a time period spanning from 1997-2001 when the World Wrestling Federation product shifted from being "family-oriented" entertainment to become "edgier" and more crude, as well as dealing with adult situations (frequently sexual in nature).
B
Babyface (or face or baby), a good guy (compare "tweener" and "heel")
Bait and Switch, When a promoter teases the fans into believing one thing is going to happen and switches to something else resulting in shock and surprise (best-case scenario) or confusion and disappointment (worst-case scenario).
Beat down, when a wrestler or other performer is given a massive beating, usually by a group of wrestlers.
Bizarro World, coined by Jerry "The King" Lawler (a reference to Bizarro; most likely taken from his love of comic books), in which a city's fans chant for the heel, boo the face, or generally react in an unexpected way to the action presented. Lawler uses this nickname for the country of Canada, whose fans tend to cheer for any Canadian wrestler despite their alignment.
Blade, a sharpened object used for "blading". The Blade is usually concealed in tape on the hands, or otherwise somewhere it can be utilized without being obvious.
Blading, the act of cutting ones self or another person open in order to bleed, usually done on the forehead. (compare "juicing")
Blind, when a referee has his back turned while the other side is cheating. Usually done by heels in order to gain the advantage in a match.
Blind Tag, a tag made in a tag team match where the wrestler on the apron, tags his partner unbeknownst to him or without his consent. Most often occurs when the partner in the ring is thrown against the ropes or backed into their own corner.
Blow off, the final match in a feud, usually at a pay-per-view event or on cable TV. While the involved wrestlers often move onto new feuds, sometimes it is the final match in the promotion for one or more of the wrestlers.
Blow Up, when a wrestler completely exhausts all of his energy, either because he has low stamina, or by performing too many exhilarating moves early in the match making him extremely fatigued.
Blown spot, a spot that does not go as planned, also known as a "botched spot".
Booker, the person in charge of setting up matches and writing angles; referred to as the "Creative Team" by WWE.
Booking, what a "booker" does. Booking is also the term a wrestler uses to describe a scheduled match or appearance on a wrestling show.
Botch, a scripted move that failed.
Bowling Shoe Tendencies, coined by Jim Ross, frequently used as a "Viewer Discretion Advised"-type warning to alert the viewer that the following match-up, event, or angle could easily end up being "Bowling Shoe Ugly".
Broadway, when two wrestlers wrestle to a draw in a 20 to 60 minute time limit match.
Bum, an unknown performer, usually new, whose job is losing to more experienced wrestlers.
Bump, when a wrestler, referee, valet/diva or others hit the mat or ground.
Bury, the act of a promoter or booker causing a wrestler to lose popularity by forcing him to lose matches badly (squash) and/or making him participate in unentertaining or degrading storylines (compare "push").
Busted Open, term used to describe a wrestler that is bleeding. (Compare "juicing")
More to Come in the Weeks ahead ....
--BoneDaddy
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1 comment:
I don't like smarks; let them take some slams, back drops and some good forarms and then see how smart they are. On another note ask Abby about sharp objects, Your info source was bad. Best Wishes From, Crazy Don Rock.
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