Professional wrestling match types

A bloodied Kane inside a current style WWE cage.

Many types of matches, sometimes called "concept" or "gimmick matches" in the jargon of the business, can be found in the form of performing art that is professional wrestling.

Some of them are major crowd pleasing and occur relatively frequently, while others are developed so as to advance an angle, and thus, such match types are used rarely. Specific match types in professional wrestling are often notable due to either their frequent use, logistics of setup, or a memorable instances of such a match. Often, specialty matches are used as a finale to a popular or infamous storyline.

Because professional wrestling's existence has spanned over decades, and many things in it have been recycled, many gimmick match types are actually variations of previous gimmick matches, match types can be organized in to several loose groups. The following is a list of common or otherwise notable match types.

Variations of singles matches

The standard wrestling match (or 'one fall match') involves two wrestlers attempting to win the match through either pinfall or submission while not getting disqualified, or "counted out" – caught outside of the ring for a referee's count of 10 or 20, depending on the companies' rules.

In matches where championships are being contested, the champion typically retains the title in the event of a disqualification or countout finish, no matter which competitor was disqualified or counted out in what is known as the "champion's advantage". Commentators and bookers generally explain it as saying the challenger "must beat" the champion. Playing into this, some storylines have heel champions attempting to protect their title by intentionally causing such losses.

Some of the most common variations on the singles match restrict the possible means for victory: only pinfalls are permitted in a Pin only or Pinfall match, only submissions in a Submission match, etc. Another variation is a Time Limit match in which a match is contested until a time limit is reached or a wrestler achieves victory - in the event of the former, a separate method (audience reaction, "judges", or even a rematch) is used to determine the winner. Time Limit matches were invented during the vaudeville days of professional wrestling as a way to stop matches that lasted well into hours. A Battle of Respect is often held in tribute to another wrestler, where all means of victory are removed (that is, wrestlers simply wrestle each other for a fixed amount of time, without victory taken into consideration).

The following matches have their own articles due to them being commonplace, and thus information about these matches are in their own articles:

• Barbed wire match
• "I Quit" match
• Iron Man match
• Monster's Ball match
• Two out of three falls match
• Ultimate X match

Blindfold match

Chris Harris and James Storm in a Blindfold match, in the Six Sides of Steel.

A Blindfold match, which is known by a number of nicknames, is any match where one or both wrestlers participates with their vision supposedly obscured – often after one of them has been blinded as part of an angle.<ref>"Inside WWE > Specialty Matches: Blindfold match". WWE. Retrieved on 2007-06-17.</ref> Traditionally this is done with a blindfold, hence the usual name, but matches have also taken place with competitors in different kinds of blackout hoods and masks (not to be confused with standard wrestling masks).<ref>"TNA Lockdown 2007 results". Online World of Wresting. Retrieved on 2007-06-17. "BLINDFOLD GRUDGE MATCH:[...]Both of their masks kept falling off"</ref>

Dragon Match

A match created by Kabuki Dragon. Similar to an inferno match, where the ring ropes are replaced by barbed wire. Participants must climb a ladder to claim a suitcase suspended above the ring.

Empty Arena match

An Empty Arena match is a hardcore match between two or more wrestlers which takes place in an arena void of fans. The only people present are the competitors, referee, and camera person(s). The match is broadcast, or video taped and played later.<ref>"Mid-Week Report". DDT Digest. Retrieved on 2007-06-20.</ref>

Falls Count Anywhere match

A Falls Count Anywhere match is a match where pinfalls or submission can take place in any location, negating the standard rule that they must take place inside the ring and between the ropes. As such, this also eliminates the usual "countout" rule. As the match may take place in various parts of the arena,<ref>Foley, Mick. Have A Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks (p.193)</ref> the "Falls Count Anywhere" provision is almost always accompanied with a "No Disqualification" stipulation to make the match a hardcore match, so as to allow wrestlers the convenience to use any objects they may find wherever they wrestle.<ref>"Ring of Honor: Fifth Year Festival: Finale". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2008-03-05.</ref>

A variation of the rules state that once a pinfall takes place, the pinned wrestler will lose the match if he is unable to return to the ring within a specific amount of time — usually a referee's count of 10 or 30. If the pinned wrestler makes it to the ring in this time, the match continues. Under these rules, all pinfalls must take place outside of the ring, technically making the match no longer falls count anywhere.<ref>Randy Savage vs Crush. (1994-03-20). WrestleMania X [television production]. World Wrestling Federation.</ref> Occasionally, this stipulation is listed as having a specific territory in which falls count, (e.g. the state, county, or general location the match is in).<ref>"2005 Destination X results". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2008-03-05.</ref>

Flag match

The Flag match is essentially the professional wrestling version of capture the flag. For the match two flags are placed on opposite turnbuckles, each representing a specific wrestler or team of wrestlers, and the object of the match is to retrieve the opponent's flag and raise it while defending the flag in the wrestler's corner.<ref name=pwi126>"2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts", Wrestling’s historical cards, Kappa Publishing (2007), pp. 126-127. </ref>

An Anthem match is a variant of a Flag match with the added stipulation that the national anthem of the winning wrestler or team will be played in the arena after the match.<ref name=pwi126/>

Handicap match

A Handicap match is any match where one wrestler or team of wrestlers face off against a team of wrestlers with numerical superiority such as two against one, or three against two.<ref>"WCW Monday Nitro results - September 4, 2000". DDT Digest (2000-09-04). Retrieved on 2007-06-20.</ref> In some two-on-one handicap matches the team with superior numbers act under tag team rules, with one person in the ring at a time.<ref>"Uncensored 1999 results". DDT Digest. Retrieved on 2007-06-20.</ref>

Hangman's Horror match

The Hangman's Horror match, which was (legitimately) created by Raven, has dog collars hung on the ring ropes. In order to win the match, a wrestler has to hang their opponent from one of the collars until they can no longer continue.<ref>"NWA:TNA pay-per-view results - August 18, 2004". Online World of Wrestling (2004-08-18). Retrieved on 2007-06-20. "The object of the match is to hang your victim until he is rendered unconscious.."</ref>

Inferno/Human Torch match

The inferno match is a match in which a participant must burn their opponent. Participants remain in the ring, which is surrounded by fire.

Iron man match

An Iron man match is a match which is set on a time limit like 10, 20 or 30 minutes. You get one point for a three second pinfall. The one at the end with the most points wins.

Lumberjack match

In keeping with the theme, the wrestlers outside the ring may wear flannel shirts during Lumberjack matches. 1-2-3 Kid circa 1995.

A Lumberjack match is a standard match with the exception that the ring is surrounded by a group of wrestlers not directly involved in it.<ref name=mf184>Foley, Mick. Have A Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks (p.184)</ref> These wrestlers, known collectively as lumberjacks – or sometimes lumberjills when they're female – are there to prevent the wrestlers in the match from fleeing the ring.<ref name=mf184/> The groups of lumberjacks are typically split up into groups of faces and heels who occupy opposing sides around the ring. Usually, the "opposing" lumberjacks (that is, face lumberjacks if the wrestler is a heel, and vice versa) swarm the wrestlers if they leave the ring and force them back in it. Occasional interference from the lumberjacks is not uncommon. Early lumberjack matches even featured the lumberjacks wearing stereotypical lumberjack clothing in keeping with the lumberjack theme, though this is generally no longer done.

Variation of this match include the "Canadian" Lumberjack match, in which the lumberjacks are equipped with leather straps, the "Extreme" Lumberjack match, competed under Hardcore Rules, and the TNA's "Fan's Revenge" Lumberjack match, during which fans equipped with straps act as lumberjacks and are encouraged to whip wrestlers.<ref>"TNA iMPACT! results - September 7, 2006". Online World of Wrestling (2006-09-07). Retrieved on 2007-06-22. "Jim Cornette said he would pick out 10, 12 or 18 TNA fans to act as Lumbjacks with a leather strap..[...]Jim Cornette announced that Jeff Jarrett would face Samoa Joe in a "Fans Revenge Lumberjack Match".."</ref>

(Move) match

A [move] match is a match where the first wrestler to perform a specific move is the winner.<ref>"Glory By Honor IV description page". ROHWrestling.com store. Retrieved on 2007-06-28. "Winner Is The First To Hit The Styles/Rave Clash"</ref> The move is usually a signature move of both wrestlers involved, in which case a stipulation can be added that the loser is no longer allowed to use the move – or on the case of large wrestlers a generic move (e.g. bodyslam) that is notoriously hard to perform on both wrestlers. The match usually takes the name of the target move (e.g. Chokeslam challenge, Bodyslam match) or is more genericized to "Finisher match" if both wrestlers are trying to perform their finisher to win.

(x) Rules match

A [x] Rules match is a match contested under specific, often undisclosed, rules where the "x" is replaced by a title usually meant to sound traditional (Marquess of Queensberry) or boastful for one combatant. The angle of many of the matches has one wrestler, usually the heel, challenging another to a match to be contested under some kind of rules without going in to detail, then making up rules in their favor as the match progresses and feeding them to the ring announcer.<ref>"WWF Backlash 2001". Online Onslaught. Retrieved on 2007-06-28.</ref>

Scaffold match

A Scaffold match takes place, in whole or in part, on a piece of scaffolding erected above the ring. The match can end in one of two ways; either with one wrestler pushing another off of the scaffold to the ring below, or with a wrestler retrieving a flag from the opposite side of the scaffold and return it to his own.<ref>Foley, Mick. Have A Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks (p.141)</ref> Scaffold matches have a (legitimate) air of danger about them, as the bump from such a height is hard to protect against and objects such as card tables are placed in the ring to attempt to cushion the fall.

Elevation X, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's variation of the scaffold match, has two scaffolds placed above the ring intersecting to form an "X", with the only way to lose being to fall from the structure.<ref>"ELEVATION X – COMING TO TNA’S MARCH PAY-PER-VIEW". TNAWrestling.com. Retrieved on 2007-06-28.</ref>

Special referee

Any time a usual referee is replaced with someone unusual for a specific reason it is referred to as a Special Referee<ref>"RAW results - October 14, 2002". Online World of Wrestling (2002-10-14). Retrieved on 2007-06-28.</ref> or Special Guest Referee match.<ref>"2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts", Wrestling’s historical cards, Kappa Publishing (2007), pp. 130. </ref> The special referee is often a celebrity, a manager, or another wrestler – with the latter sometimes showing a bias for or against a competitor.<ref>"Guest Referees". WWE.com. Retrieved on 2007-06-28.</ref>

Special Outside Referee

A Special Outside Referee, also known as Special Enforcer or Special Guest Enforcer; is someone charged with the task of keeping interference out of the match<ref>"RAW results - November 3, 2003". Online World Of Wrestling (2003-11-03). Retrieved on 2007-06-28.</ref> or to become the in-ring referee should the original referee be incapacitated.

Strip matches

There are two kinds of matches which are contested where a wrestler doesn't win by pinfall or submission, but only by stripping their opponent of their clothing.<ref>"2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts", Wrestling’s historical cards, Kappa Publishing (2007), pp. 133-134. </ref> Historically, these types of matches were contested between managers or valets, due to their supposed lack of wrestling ability. In the Attitude Era, however, full-time female wrestlers (known as Divas) began engaging in strip matches for the purpose of sexual relief.

Bra and Panties match

A Bra and Panties match is so named because it takes place between two female competitors and the winner is the first one to strip her opponent to nothing but her bra and panties.<ref>"Inside WWE > Specialty Matches > Bra & Panties match". WWE. Retrieved on 2007-06-28.</ref> An evening gown match ends the same way, but instead of the women starting out the match in regular clothing or ring attire they begin in the evening gowns of the title.<ref>"Inside WWE > Specialty Matches > Evening Gown match". WWE. Retrieved on 2007-06-28.</ref><ref name=play>Antonia Simigis. "The Dirty Dozen: Jerry Lawler". Playboy.com. Retrieved on 2008-03-19.</ref> Xtreme Pro Wrestling went further with the idea; having a Buck Naked match, during which one competitor was supposed to be stripped completely.<ref> (2002-09-10). XPW: Freefall [DVD]. Los Angeles, California: Xtreme Entertainment.</ref> These matches are mainly made when two women want to humiliate each other.

Tuxedo match

A Tuxedo match is contested between managers and/or ring announcers with at least one of them being male.<ref>"Against All Odds 2007 results". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2007-11-25.</ref>

Two out of three falls match

A Two out of Three Falls or Best of Three Falls match is a match where not one, but two, decisions have to be won by a wrestler or tag team before the match is officially over. This used to be the standard match for professional wrestling, back in the days when wrestling was mostly legitimate.

A variant, the best of seven series, has a maximum of seven matches instead of three, with the winner being the one to score four wins. a 2 out of 3 falls match on 2 falls but a contestant could win by 1 fall or 2 falls the match could end in a draw or 2 falls.

Non-wrestling singles variations

Some matches do not actually involve wrestling, instead relying on other sports or physical activity to determine a winner and a loser. Common types of matches include arm wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, and sumo.

Arm wrestling match

An Arm wrestling match, in the context of professional wrestling, is a worked form of a basic arm wrestling contest.<ref>"SmackDown! results - June 12, 2003". Online World of Wrestling (2003-06-12). Retrieved on 2008-03-05.</ref>

Boxing match

The professional wrestling version of a Boxing match has standard boxing rules applied to it. Wrestlers wear boxing gloves and the match is contested in rounds with fouls given out, though the matches are generally worked and end with one wrestler cheating and using wrestling maneuvers.<ref>"Bash at the Beach 1999 results". DDT Digest. Retrieved on 2008-03-05.</ref>

Pillow fight

A Pillow fight is a match held between women for which pillows and a bed are placed in the ring.<ref name=play/> The pillows may be used as weapons, but other than that standard wrestling rules apply. A variation, the Lingerie Pillow Fight, requires the participants to wear lingerie.<ref name=play/><ref>"RAW results - January 7, 2008". Online World of Wrestling (2008-01-07). Retrieved on 2008-03-05.</ref>

Sumo match

For a Sumo match, the ropes are removed from the ring and standard sumo rules apply. The first person to step outside of the ring or touch the mat with any part of the body but the soles of the feet is the loser.<ref>"WrestleMania 21 results". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2008-03-05.</ref>

Hardcore-based variations

Hardcore wrestling is a subset of professional wrestling where some or all of the traditional rules do not apply. Most often this simply means there are no disqualifications, which itself eliminates countouts, allowing decisions to take place anywhere. In fact, many so-called "hardcore match types" are merely euphemisms for the same sort of "rule-less" match, with the name meant to emphasize certain aspects of hardcore wrestling or to point out one specific difference. The most common euphemism is the Deathmatch, often with some kind of prefix (i.e, "Texas Deathmatch", "Lights Out Deathmatch") used to promote the supposed risk of injury wrestlers may sustain during the match.<ref>Gagnon, Max. "Death Match Dictionary". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2007-06-28.</ref> Other common euphemisms for hardcore matches are Street Fight or Bunkhouse Brawl (both of which suggest wrestlers dressing in normal street clothes), Extreme Rules, No Holds Barred match, and Good Housekeeping match (which emphasized the use of kitchen implements as weapons) and the Bimbo Brawl (which involves women).

Some promotions, such as Extreme Championship Wrestling and Combat Zone Wrestling, have specialized in hardcore matches, with "standard" non-hardcore matches being the exception.

World Championship Wrestling utilized the term Raven's Rules for hardcore matches involving the wrestler Raven. They also created their own specific brand of hardcore match, for which bouts were to begin backstage rather than in the ring.<ref>"Thunder results - June 21, 2000". Slash Wrestling (2000-06-21). Retrieved on 2007-06-28.</ref> This rule became the basis for the video game WCW Backstage Assault.

Clockwork Orange House of Fun match

The Clockwork Orange House of Fun match, also known as Raven's House of Fun, was created by professional wrestler Raven during his time in TNA Wrestling. It's a singles match for which a chain link wall is erected on one side of the ring with chains wrapped from it to various points on the ring itself with weapons hanging from them.<ref name="COHOF">"TNA Wrestling results - March 3, 2005". Online World of Wrestling (2005-03-03). Retrieved on 2008-02-20.</ref> In the first match the only way to win was to put an opponent through two tables,<ref name="COHOF" /> but afterwards it was changed to falls-count-anywhere rules.<ref>"Hard Justice 2005 results". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2008-02-20.</ref>

Fans Bring the Weapons match

In a Fans Bring the Weapons match, all the weapons are provided by the fans prior to the show. Sometimes the weapons will be in the ring before the match starts, although occasionally weapons will be handed to the wrestlers during the action. Weapons can range from simple items such as video recorders, through to more complicated light-tube and barbed wire constructions. These matches are commonly in use by promotions such as IWA Mid-South and Combat Zone Wrestling, especially during their respective deathmatch tournaments.

First Blood match

A First Blood match is a no-disqualification match where in order to win a wrestler has to make his opponent bleed.<ref>"Monday Nitro results - April 24, 2000". DDT Digest (2000-04-24). Retrieved on 2007-06-29. "First Blood Match - First guy to bleed, loses. Pretty simple."</ref>

Hard Ten match

The Hard Ten match was created by Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. It is contested on a points system, where the points are earned for the use of weapons. The first person to earn ten points — and be up by at least two points — wins. Regular strikes with a weapon are worth one point, while putting an opponent through a table is worth five.<ref name="hard10">"TNA: Double J beats Double G". SLAM! Sports. Retrieved on 2007-09-16.</ref>

Last Man Standing match

The Last Man Standing match is a hardcore-style match where the only way to win is by knockout. That is, a wrestler will lose the match if they are unable to answer a ten-count after being downed, similar to the knockout ruling of a boxing match. In order to avoid losing, both the wrestler's knees must be off the ground by the count of 10.<ref name="PS112">Martin, Finn (2003-10-22). "Power Slam Magazine, issue 112", "Boldberg grabs gold" (Unforgiven 2003), SW Publishing, pp. 22-23. </ref> A similar type of match is the Texas Death match, where a wrestler must be pinned or forced to submit before the referee will begin the ten-count.<ref>Foley, Mick. Have A Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks (p.265)</ref><ref>"Sacrifice 2007 results". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2007-06-29.</ref>

Light tube Deathmatch

Wifebeater strikes Nick Mondo with a weed whacker during a 200 Light tube Deathmatch held by CZW.

A Light tube Deathmatch is a match where a wrestler seeks to throw their opponent into a cache of light tubes before winning by pinfall or submission.<ref>Daisuke Sekimoto vs. Madman Pondo. Big Japan 100 Light Tube Death Match (10-22-04) [DVD]. Highspots.</ref>

No Count-Out match

A No Count-Out match is a regular match where both competitors can stay outside of the ring or stay down for longer than the standard 10 or 20 seconds.<ref>"2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts", Wrestling’s historical cards, Kappa Publishing (2007), pp. 113. </ref>

No Disqualification match

A No Disqualification match, also known as a No Holds Barred match,<ref>"Monday Nitro results - December 20, 1999". DDT Digest (1999-12-20). Retrieved on 2008-03-05.</ref> is a match where neither wrestler can be disqualified, allowing for weapons and outside interference. The key differences between a No Disqualification match and a standard hardcore match are that falls must be made in the ring, there is less emphasis on the use of weapons, and often the Count-Out rule is still in effect for No Disqualification matches.<ref>"Slammiversary 2007 results". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2008-03-05.</ref>

No rope barbed wire deathmatch

The regular ring ropes are removed from the ring in a No Rope Barbed wire Deathmatch, and barbed wire is strung up in their place.<ref name="DMs">"Death Match Dictionary". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2008-04-29.</ref> Total Nonstop Action Wrestling calls this match a "Barbed Wire Massacre".

Sadistic Madness

Sadistic Madness is a match created by Total Nonstop Action Wrestling in which an opponent must be bleeding before a wrestler can legally pin them.<ref>"NWA: Total Nonstop Action PPV - March 26, 2003". Online World of Wrestling (2003-03-26). Retrieved on 2007-06-17. "SADISTIC MADNESS[...]The rules are that a guy had to bleed before he could be pinned.."</ref> A variation, the Doomsday Chamber of Blood, takes place inside of a barbed wire topped cage.<ref>"News And Video From Thursday's "iMPACT!" Broadcast". TNAWrestling.com (2007-08-09). Retrieved on 2007-08-17. "DOOMSDAY CHAMBER OF BLOOD MATCH ANNOUNCED FOR SUNDAY[...]The bout will be held inside the Six Sides Of Steel cage with barbed wire lining the top – and in order to qualify to pin your opponent you have to make someone bleed!"</ref>

Taipei Deathmatch

A Taipei Deathmatch is a match where the wrestlers' fists are taped and dipped into glue, broken and crushed glass, allowing shards to stick to their fists.<ref name="DMs" /><ref name=taip>Scott E. Williams (2007). Hardcore History: The Extremely Unauthorized Story of ECW. Sports Publishing LLC, 65. ISBN 1596700211. </ref>

Texas Death match

A Texas Death match is a match in which there can be no count outs, disqualifications, or submissions. The goal of the match is to beat your opponent down enough that you can score a pinfall. After a pinfall is acquired, the wrestler that was pinned has a count of ten to reach his feet. If he can not stand before the referee counts to ten then the wrestler that obtained the pinfall is declared the winner.

Unsanctioned match

An Unsanctioned match is any match expected to go so far that beforehand the wrestling organization (kayfabe) claims no responsibility for the participants or their safety.

Stipulation-based variations

As professional wrestling seeks to also tell a story, some matches are made solely for the purposes of advancing the plot. This typically involves the loser of a match being penalized in some way.

Last Chance match

A Last Chance match, also called a Do or Die match, is a championship match where, if the challenger does not win the title, they are barred from challenging for it again as long as the winner holds it.<ref>"Vengeance 2007 results". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2007-07-14.</ref>

Loser Leaves Town match

Loser Leaves Town is a generic term for any match where the loser has to leave the current promotion or brand.<ref>Hulet, Marc. "Jeff Black: Goderich's hometown hero". SLAM! Sports. Retrieved on 2008-03-05.</ref> These matches were most often held during the "territorial days," when wrestlers frequently jumped from company to company. (See Undertaker

Luchas de Apuestas

Luchas de Apuestas (literally translated from Spanish to fight of bets) are matches where both wrestlers wager something specific (the mask or hair) on the outcome. The loser of the match then loses the item, being forced to take off the mask or be shaved bald. It's also possible for a wrestler to put someone else's item on the line, with the same stipulation applying in the event of a loss.<ref name="WMHH">McElvaney, Kevin. "Pro Wrestling Illustrated, July 2007", "WrestleMania 23", Kappa Publishing, pp. 74-101. </ref> These matches have a storied history in Mexico.<ref name="histmask">"History of the Mask". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2007-06-30.</ref> Upon unmasking it's not unheard of for a wrestler's real name and information to be published. As a form of further humiliation, the loser can be forced to physically hand the mask he just lost to the winner.<ref name="histmask" />

Types of wagers

The most popular types of wager are the mask of a masked wrestler or the hair of a non-masked wrestler, most commonly put against each other in Mask vs. Mask (in Spanish: Máscara contra Máscara), Mask vs. Hair (Máscara contra Cabellera), or Hair vs. Hair (Cabellera contra Cabellera) matches. Throughout Mexico, when a masked wrestler loses their mask, they are not allowed to compete under a mask with that same gimmick.<ref name="histmask"/> In addition to masks and hair, championships,<ref>"Superbrawl VIII results". DDT Digest. Retrieved on 2007-06-30. "Chris Jericho defeats Juventud Guerrera with the Liontamer in a mask vs. title match."</ref> or careers<ref>"Bound for Glory 2006 results". TNAWrestling.com. Retrieved on 2007-06-30. "TITLE VS. CAREER
NWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH"</ref> — as a form of retirement match — can be put up as the wager in any combination.

Retirement match

A Retirement match is any match where, should a wrestler lose, they are forced out of the company. The "retirement" stipulation can be applied to just one wrestler<ref>"RAW results - June 7, 2004". Online World of Wrestling (2004-06-07). Retrieved on 2007-04-08. "MATCH: Eugene Dinsmore w/William Regal vs Johnny Nitro (If he loses he is FIRED!).."</ref> or both wrestlers in a match can be wrestling for their careers.<ref>"Mayhem 1999 results". DDT Digest. Retrieved on 2007-06-30. "Match 5: Loser retires – Curt Hennig vs. Buff Bagwell"</ref>

Further still is a more legitimate retirement match, the last match of a (usually "legendary") wrestler's career. In this case it's designed to be a last hurrah, showcasing the wrestlers talent one last time for their fans(See Ric Flair.).<ref>Barry W. Blaustein. Beyond the Mat.</ref>

Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal

Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal, also known as Raw Roulette,<ref>"RAW results - November 24, 2003". Online World of Wrestling (2003-11-24). Retrieved on 2007-07-08.</ref> is not a match type itself, but a way to assign a type to a match that does not yet have one. Before the match either a "wheel of fortune" or roulette wheel featuring a number of match types is spun, with the match landed on being used for the night.<ref>Reynolds, R.D.. WRESTLECRAP: The Very Worst of Pro Wrestling (p. 123-124)</ref>

Locale-based variations

Though most matches take place in and around the ring, some are designed specifically for more exotic locales. The majority of these matches take on the name of their setting, often appending "brawl" to the end, and are generally hardcore by definition. The following is a list of locale-based variations that supplant or replace the standard rules.

Bar Room Brawl

A Bar Room Brawl is a multi-competitor match held in a bar. During the match wrestlers are encouraged to drink while fighting, and the "last man standing" is declared winner. Wrestlers can be eliminated from the match both by the standard pinfall and submission method of victory or by simply becoming too kayfabe drunk to continue the match.<ref>"Vengeance 2003 results". Online Onslaught. Retrieved on 2007-07-01.</ref> A one on one Bar Room Brawl is basically a no disqualification match held in a bar or a bar setup.

Boiler Room Brawl

A Boiler Room Brawl starts in a boiler room, with the winner being the first wrestler to successfully get out.<ref>"Inside WWE > Specialty Matches > Boiler Room Brawl". WWE. Retrieved on 2007-07-01.</ref> World Championship Wrestling utilized a match with similar rules, naming their match and the area it took place in The Block.<ref>"Monday Nitro results - December 13, 1999". DDT Digest (1999=12=13). Retrieved on 2007-07-04.</ref>

The original Boiler Room Brawl ended when a wrestler escaped the boiler room all the way to the ring and retrieved an item from a manager waiting with a referee.<ref name=pwi95>"2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts", Wrestling’s historical cards, Kappa Publishing (2007), pp. 95-96. </ref>

Parking Lot Brawl

Two types of matches take place in parking lots, the Parking Lot Brawl<ref>"Yea-by-year Nitro results (1996)". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2007-07-20. "April 29, 1996"</ref> and the Iron Circle match.<ref>"Fully Loaded 1999 results". Online Onslaught. Retrieved on 2007-07-20.</ref> They're essentially the same thing, two wrestlers fighting in a parking lot, the major difference being the Iron Circle match takes place in the middle of a multitude of cars parked in a circle with their headlights on, while the Parking Lot Brawl tends to be in a sparser location.

Container-based variations

Some matches have a container stationed in or near the ring, with the object of the match being to trap the opposing wrestler in it. Many of these matches take the name of the container, such as the Casket match and Ambulance match. A similar type of match aims to restrain opposing wrestlers somehow, and the match often takes the name of the restraining device - for example, the Stretcher match or Handcuff match. In a Stretcher match, a wrestler loses the match when he is unable to get up.<ref>Foley, Mick. Have A Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks (p.194)</ref>

These matches are often fought using hardcore rules, or at the very least rules that allow wrestlers to do more without being disqualified. In team matches, an entire team typically has to be placed in the container to lose. In some cases, the restrained wrestler must be taken past a certain point ringside in order for a victory.<ref name="stretch"/>

Common containers used for this match are ambulances,<ref>"Ambulance match". WWE. Retrieved on 2007-07-07.</ref> caskets,<ref>"Casket match". WWE. Retrieved on 2007-07-07.</ref> dumpsters,<ref>"2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts", Wrestling’s historical cards, Kappa Publishing (2007), pp. 100. </ref> hearses (known as a "Last Ride match"),<ref>"2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts", Wrestling’s historical cards, Kappa Publishing (2007), pp. 122. </ref> straitjackets,<ref>"Monday Nitro results - July 31, 2000". DDT Digest (2000-07-31). Retrieved on 2007-07-07. "Match #8: Scott Steiner (w/ Midajah) vs. Kevin Nash in a Straight Jacket Match"</ref> and stretchers.<ref name="stretch">"One Night Stand 2007 results". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2007-07-07. "STRETCHER MATCH:[...]The object of a stretcher match is to incapacitate [sic] your opponent on a stretcher and drag across [sic] a finish line.."</ref> In addition to these is a Buried Alive match, for which a wrestler must bury their opponent — to the referees discretion — in a mound of dirt that has been placed in the arena to secure victory.<ref>"Buried Alive match". WWE. Retrieved on 2007-07-07.</ref>

Weapon-based variations

Though the use of foreign objects is illegal under the standard rules of professional wrestling, some match types have been devised to allow in specific objects under certain conditions. The object in question is usually related to one or both of the wrestlers gimmicks or was in some way instrumental in the angle that led to the match taking place. In either case, the matches generally take the name of the weapon being used ("Singapore Cane match", "Nightstick match"). The following is a list of weapon-based matches where additional rules supplant or replace the standard rules.

Crazy 8 match

The Crazy 8 match, exclusive to Pro Wrestling Unplugged, involves placing a championship belt at the top of a scaffold with the first wrestler to achieve it being declared the winner. Placed in and around the ring for the wrestlers to utilize during the match are one side of a steel cage, two trampolines, and four rope swings.<ref>Pro Wrestling Unplugged. (2007-06-16). Crazy 8 2007 [DVD]. Alternative Media Productions.</ref>

Ladder match

A Ladder match is a match where a specific object (usually a title belt) is placed above the ring — out of the reach of the competitors — with the winner being the first person to climb a ladder and retrieve it. This is often used in WWE with their Money in the Bank matches at WrestleMania. This Match usually consists of 6, 7 or 8 competitors at one time in the ring.<ref>"Inside WWE > Specialty Matches". WWE. Retrieved on 2007-07-10.</ref>

King of the Mountain match

Template:See The King of the Mountain match is described as a "reverse ladder match". Instead of retrieving an object hanging above the ring, the winner is the first person to use a ladder to hang a championship belt above the ring — after having scored a pinfall or submission (pinfalls count anywhere) to earn the right to try. A wrestler who has been pinned or forced to submit must spend two minutes in a penalty box.<ref>"TNA Specialty Matches: King of the Mountain match". TNAWresting.com. Retrieved on 2007-07-10.</ref>

Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match

A tables, ladders and chairs match (often abbreviated as "TLC match"), is an extension of a Ladder match with chairs and tables also being present as legal weapons.<ref>"Inside WWE > Specialty Matches: TLC match". WWE. Retrieved on 2007-07-15.</ref>

(Object) on a Pole match

The [Object] on a Pole match — whose name is usually derived from the object being hung; i.e. "Brass knuckles on a Pole", "Singapore Cane on a Pole" — is the spiritual forebear of the ladder match. In this case an object is placed on a pole that extends from one of the four turnbuckles on the ring with the wrestlers battling to reach it first. Unlike the ladder match, however, reaching the object doesn't usually end the match; it simply allows that wrestler to use it as a weapon.<ref>"Thunder results - January 12, 2000". DDT Digest (2000-01-12). Retrieved on 2007-07-14. "Match #5"</ref> This is not a no-disqualification match; the weapon on the pole is merely an exception to the disqualification rule.

Variations

Multiple variations of the "Pole match" exist. In some cases the match is closer to the ladder match, in that reaching the object does end the match.<ref>Zimmerman, Chris (1999=12=27). "RAW results - December 27, 1999". [slash] wrestling. Retrieved on 2007-07-14. "MANKIND [...] v. LA ROCA in a "pink slip on a pole" match"</ref> In others there will be objects above all of the turnbuckles.<ref>"Genesis 2005 results". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2007-07-14. "HOCKEY STICK STREET FIGHT: 3-Live Krew defeated Team Canada with Kip James as referee.."</ref> Further still, there can be a mixture of the two, with an object placed at (though not above) each turnbuckle, one to end the match, the rest to be used as weapons.<ref>"WCW Nitro results - October 2, 2000". DDT Digest (2000-10-02). Retrieved on 2007-07-14. "Match #8: Jeff Jarrett vs. Booker T. in a San Francisco 49'ers Match for the vacant WCW World Heavyweight Title"</ref>

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling used a "Pole match" as a setup to another match, placing objects at four of their six turnbuckles with the promise that the first wrestler to reach each object would be allowed to use them weeks later at an already scheduled cage match.<ref>"iMPACT! results - November 2, 2006". Online World of Wrestling (2006-11-02). Retrieved on 2007-07-14.</ref>

Another, uncommon, variation is to replace to the pole with another form of elevation, usually when the "object" in question can't safely be hung in the air for an amount of time.<ref>"2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts", Wrestling’s historical cards, Kappa Publishing (2007), pp. 153. </ref>

Strap match

A Strap match, known by many names and done with many slight variations, is any match where the competitors are placed on the opposite ends of a restraint to keep them in close physical proximity. By definition the strap — and anything tied to it — are considered legal and in play weapons. The most common rule for victory is for one wrestler to have to go around the ring, touching all four corners in order and without stopping, although they can also end in pinfalls. Because of the strap's legality, and subsequent use as a choking device, submissions are generally not allowed.<ref>"Inside WWE > Specialty Matches: Strap match". WWE. Retrieved on 2007-07-17.</ref><ref>"New Blood Rising 2000 results". DDT Digest. Retrieved on 2007-07-17. "Match 5: Strap match — Shane Douglas (w/Torrie Wilson) vs. Kidman[...]Kidman pins Douglas."</ref>

Names and variations

The Strap match is one of the most forms of professional wrestling match type, both in name and implements used, with the name used generally coming from the implement used and one or both of the participants gimmicks (i.e. Russian Chain match, Indian Strap match). Common restraints include a belt, bullrope (length of rope with a cow bell in the center), steel chains, one to two foot "leash," or leather strap. In the dog collar variation, the wrestlers are connected at the neck by dog collars.

Tables match

Chris Jericho and Shawn Michaels on a table at a 2008 house show in Puerto Rico.

A Tables match is a match in which to win a wrestler must put their opponent through a table — that is, a wrestler must use some offensive maneuver on their opponent that causes them to contact and break the table.<ref>"Inside WWE > Specialty Matches: Tables match". WWE. Retrieved on 2007-07-15.</ref>

It's important to note that, in most cases, in order for a table's breaking to count, an opponent must be directly responsible for it. Accidents, such as a wrestler falling on a standing table and it breaking, a team mate knocking a partner through a table, or a table's leg breaking while a wrestler is on it usually doesn't count so that a match can go to the pre-planned finish. Only on rare occasions will the referee "declare" that such an incident is enough to end a match, usually to some kind of "controversy".

Variations

Tables matches can be contested with tag teams, under both elimination<ref>"iMPACT! - November 16, 2006". Online World of Wrestling (2006-11-16). Retrieved on 2007-07-15.</ref> and one "fall" rules.<ref>"SmackDown! results - January 24, 2002". Online World of Wrestling (2002-01-24). Retrieved on 2007-07-15.</ref> A more "extreme" version, the Flaming Table match requires the tables be set aflame before an opponent is put through it for it to count towards a win.<ref>"highriskprowrestling.com". High Risk Pro Wrestling quote=FLAMING TABLES AT BLAZE OF GLORY [...]To Win you have to put your opponent through a Table that has been set alight.. Retrieved on 2007-07-15.</ref>

Taped Fist match

For a Taped Fist match the wrestlers are allowed to tape and/or wrap their hands to allow them to punch harder without damaging their hands.<ref>"2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts", Wrestling’s historical cards, Kappa Publishing (2007), pp. 136. </ref> A variation of the match exists, the Taipei Death match, in which the taped fists are dipped in super glue, then broken glass.<ref>"Hardcore Heaven 1995". RF Video. Retrieved on 2007-07-15. "Ian Rotten vs. Axl Rotten (Taipei Death match, broken Glass was glued to their fists)"</ref>

Enclosure-based variations

Some matches take place in specific enclosed environments. Although the majority of these enclosures are set up either in or around the ring, some of them are placed apart from it. In all cases, the structure itself is considered "in play" and most enclosure-based matches are decided by pinfall or submission unless specific other stipulations are made beforehand.

Cages

TNA's six sided steel cage, as seen at Lockdown 2007

Cages are one of the oldest form of enclosures used in professional wrestling. According to some historians, the first "cage match" of any kind took place on July 2, 1937 in Atlanta, Georgia.<ref>McAvennie, Mike (2007-07-18). "Spicy Cage’n". WWE. Retrieved on 2007-09-18.</ref> This match took place in a ring surrounded by chicken wire, in order to keep the athletes inside and any potential interference out of the action.<ref>Mejia, Carlos (2007-08-08). "25 Moments That Changed WWE History". WWE. Retrieved on 2007-11-28.</ref> They have evolved a great deal over time, changing from chicken wire<ref>"Cards & Results - 1937". Georgia Wrestling History. Retrieved on 2008-11-20.</ref> to steel bars to chain-link fencing.

A steel cage match is a match fought within a cage formed by placing four sheets of mesh metal around, in, or against the edges of the wrestling ring. The most common way of winning modern cage matches are either pinfall, submission, or by escaping the cage and having both feet touch the arena floor. Total Nonstop Action Wrestling refers to their cage matches as Six Sides of Steel in reference to their six sided ring necessitating a six sided cage.

Cage of Death

The Cage of Death match is a steel cage with various weapons and objects.^{[citation needed]}

Doomsday Cage match

Also called a Tower of Doom, the Doomsday Cage is a three story cage—the middle one split into two rooms—all of which house wrestlers. The object of the match is for a team of wrestlers to fight their way from the top cage to the bottom, where pinfalls and submissions come into play.<ref>"WCW Uncensored 1996". PWWEW. Retrieved on 2008-05-13.</ref><ref> (1996-03-24). WCW Uncensored 1996 [pay-per-view]. Tupelo, Mississippi: World Championship Wrestling.</ref>

Electrified Cage match

For this match the cage is electrified. Usually the only way to win is by escaping the cage, though some companies allow a pinfall to decide victory. The electricity is turned on and off at intervals, allowing the participants a chance at escape or otherwise utilize the cage structure.<ref>"Lockdown 2007 results". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2008-02-20.</ref>

Elimination Chamber match

The Elimination Chamber structure.

The Elimination Chamber is a large, circular steel cage which surrounds the ring entirely, including creating a grated floor area on the apron. Inside the cage, at each turnbuckle, is a clear "pod" where four of the six competitors in the match must wait to be released to join the two who start at the opening bell. As the name implies, wrestlers are eliminated one-by-one until only one remains.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/specialtymatches/eliminationchamber%7Ctitle=Inside WWE > Specialty Matches: Elimination Chamber|accessdate=2007-07-26|publisher=WWE{}</ref> An Extreme Elimination Chamber took place at the 2006 December to Dismember pay-per-view, where a weapon was given to each wrestler waiting in a pod. The metal is black and the chambers are made of 'bulletproof' glass. The chamber is Template:Convert/LoffAoffDbSoff in diameter and is composed of 10 tons of steel and Template:Convert/mi of chain.

Gangsta's Paradise

Gangsta's Paradise is an Extreme Championship Wrestling cage match featuring teams of wrestlers fighting inside the cage with weapons in play.<ref>"Top Ten ECW wrestlers #4: The Gangsta's". RCC Spotlight. Rajah.com. Retrieved on 2008-04-01.</ref>

Hell in a Cell match

Hell in a Cell is a steel cage erected around the ring, with a roof on top and space on the arena floor between the cage and ring. Victory can be achieved by pinfall or submission.<ref>"Inside WWE > Specialty Matches: Hell in a Cell". WWE. Retrieved on 2007-07-30.</ref>

Kennel From Hell match

Kennel from Hell is a match used most notably in WWE using the standard metal bar cage and the Hell in a Cell cage. The first person who exits both cages is considered the winner. The first match using this varation was during a feud between Al Snow and Big Bossman. One additional stipulation for this match was to have "vicious" Doberman Pincers in between the cages, due to the storyline behind the match.

Punjabi Prison match

The Punjabi Prison structure.

The Punjabi Prison match, named for the Punjab region of India consists of two large bamboo cages. The first — four sided and 16 feet (4.8 m) tall — surrounds the ring, while the second—20 feet (6 m) tall with eight sides — surrounds the first.

The inner cage has a four foot (1.2 m) by four foot door on each of its sides, with a referee standing by to open them at a wrestler's request. Each door may only be opened once and is only allowed to remain open for sixty seconds, after which it is padlocked. Should all four doors end up locked before the wrestlers escapes, they are forced to climb out over the top, where the bamboo is fashioned into spikes. Between the two cages are sometimes placed two tables, upon which are weapons (both "medieval" and "bamboo" variations of standard wrestling weapons). Once a wrestler has escaped the first cage, they must climb over and out of the second cage, with the first wrestler having both of their feet touch the arena floor being declared the winner.<ref>"Inside WWE > Specialty Matches: Punjabi Prison match". WWE. Retrieved on 2007-08-03.</ref>

Thundercage

World Championship Wrestling's Thundercage, like the Thunderdome in the film Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, is a large domed structure of steel bars engulfing the ring. Although it does not have a top, the sides curve in to prevent escape.

Mexico's AAA promotion tweaked the concept with Domo De La Muerte, which uses a similar cage but only allows victory by escaping through a hole at the top center. This variation is also used in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, where it is called the Steel Asylum.

The Thunderdome is a variation on the Thundercage, with the area near the top of the cage electrified. The only way for a wrestler to win the Thunderdome match is to have their opponents' "terminator," usually a manager who stands outside of the ring, throw in the towel to stop the match. In another variation of this match, each pinned competitor in the match is handcuffed to the cage.<ref name=mf133>Foley, Mick. Have A Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks (p.133)</ref> The last man left in the match is given a key to unlock his teammates to attack the other team, who are still handcuffed.<ref name=mf133/>.

Triple Cage match

A Triple Cage match involves three cages stacked on top of each other, with each cage decreasing in size from the bottom up.

Two variations exist, in one competitors begin in the ring inside the lowest cage and must make their way to the roof of the third cage where an object is suspended, with the winner being the first competitor to obtain the object.<ref>"Slamboree 2000". WCW. 2000-05-07. </ref> The other, dubbed the Tower of Doom match had two teams of five make their way down from the uppermost cage to the bottom, with victory achieved when all five members of a team escaped a door there. The cages were cut off from each other, with doors controlled from outside by referees, who only opened them for two-minute intervals.<ref>"The 1998 Great American Bash". NWA. 1988-07-10. </ref>

Chamber Of Horrors Match

The chamber of horrors match was in WCW's Halloween Havoc 1991 where the only way to win was by placing one member of the opposing team in a chair that lowered during the match in a smaller cage and then pull a lever thus 'kayfabe' electrocuting your opponent. This match had two four-member teams, and was held once. Many wrestling historians have considered this one of the worst gimmick matches ever held.

Lion's Den match

The Lion's Den match aimed to mimic the look and feel of mixed martial arts matches. A sloping, angular, steel cage was set up, with rules stating that the only way to achieve victory was through knock out or submission.<ref> (1998-10-27). SummerSlam 1998 (Pay-Per-View) [VHS/DVD]. New York, New York: WWE Home Video.</ref>

Tag team match variations

Generally, almost all singles match types can be adapted for use in tag-team competition, with minor variations. However, there are certain match types which are designed with tag teams in mind - these can be found in the tag team article.

Multi-competitor match variations

Wrestling matches may involve multiple competitors in a free-for-all setting. Because of the number of people involved, these matches are booked on rare occasions and with great care as to ensure that no competitor is left out of the action. Multi-competitor matches are often broken down to those that do involve eliminations (ie. where the number of competitors in the match is slowly reduced over time), and those that do not. For the former, when a wrestler is eliminated, they are then sent to the back (with any reappearance being considered a run-in and thus grounds for disqualification).

Championship elimination matches, of course, necessitate the elimination of the champion before a new champion is crowned. When wrestlers enter the match at different times, the champion may reserve the right to enter last (or at a position of their choosing) - and it is often the champion who is among the last two remaining. In non-elimination matches, however, the champion need not be involved for the title to change hands, in order to discourage the challengers to team up against the champion. A common flow to the championship non-elimination match has the champion systematically beaten up before the challengers bicker amongst themselves to see who will pin the champion, which leads to the challengers attacking each other - to the point that the challengers are unaware of the fact that the champion has recovered.

There may also be the case where a wrestler is disqualified or counted out in a non-elimination match - in many cases the match continues without the wrestler in question, or else the entire match becomes void. Because of the complex nature of dealing with disqualifications and countouts, many promotions implicitly have a no-countout or no-disqualification clause in multi-competitor matches simply to dodge the issue.

Eliminations in tag team matches are handled differently - two prevalent cases are that the losing individual must leave the ring area and the team continues without that member, or the team must retire as a group.

Basic non-elimination matches

The most common example of a non-elimination match is the Three Way match (Triple Threat is trademarked by WWE), where three wrestlers battle it out under standard rules. In many promotions, however, there are typically no distinctions between the two terms. The Four-Way match is similar (the Fatal Four Way match is trademarked by WWE), but involves four wrestlers. Popular American independent promotion, USA Xtreme Wrestling (USA Pro Wrestling) hosted a match involving 8 competitors known as the 8 Ball Challenge. These types of matches can be used in certain situations to take a title off a wrestler, without "weakening" him in the process.

The Triangle match combines elements of tag team wrestling with multi-competitor wrestling. In this match contested by three competitors, one of the competitors must remain outside the ring, to await a tag from either of the other two combatants. Thus, while being tagged out may afford time to recuperate, one cannot win unless they are tagged back in. The Six-Pack Challenge is similar, but involves 6 wrestlers, with 4 men outside the ring at a given time. The Triangle match can be expanded to accompany more wrestlers (i.e. the Four Corners match is a match where four wrestlers are involved).

Six-Man Mayhem is a unique multi-competitor match used mainly in Ring of Honor. It involves six wrestlers, with two actively in the ring, and four others outside standing at the turnbuckles. Instead of tagging in and out to become legal, the outside wrestlers enter the ring using "Mexican" rules—entering the ring as soon as another leaves. World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has used this match, calling it a Six-Pack Challenge.

WWE also uses a match in which there are no eliminations called the Championship Scramble. In this match a WWE championship is defended in which two participants start in the ring. Every 5 minutes, a new challenger enters the ring until every wrestler is in the ring. The match is contested under a time limit; during that time limit, participants can score a pinfall or submission and will make them the champion until another pinfall or submission occurs. The champion does not have to be pinned in order to lose his championship. Reigns during this match are not official and after the time limit is over, the wrestler who gained the final scoring condition will be the official champion.<ref>http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/matches/7891244/preview/</ref> A similar match was contested at WrestleMania 2000 for the Hardcore title, but featured 13 wrestlers (all of whom started at the same time), and pins in this match did count as official reigns.

Basic elimination matches

Most matches involving a larger number of competitors are typically elimination matches. These matches may begin with a normal start, where all of the competitors are in the ring at the same time when the match begins, or may have a staggered start, in which wrestlers enter at timed intervals.

The most common example of an elimination match is the Three-Way Dance, where the first fall eliminates one wrestler, reducing the match to a standard one-fall match. The Three-Way Dance (when not used as a synonym of the Triple Threat match) is a specialty of Extreme Championship Wrestling. A Four-Way Dance is similar except it involves four wrestlers and some promotions use a tag format for the match instead of having all the wrestlers in the ring at the same time. The Fatal Four-Way Elimination match is often used in place of the Four-Way Dance.

Battle royal

A match in which wrestlers are eliminated upon being thrown over the top rope (or in the case of Diva's through or under the ropes) and out of the ring, with both feet touching the floor of the venue.

Final Wars Brawl

This match has two wrestlers in a steel cage for thirty minutes with other wrestlers entering at a timed interval to help out one of the opponents.

Football Classic match

Two cages are placed at ringside, inside each of which is locked a manager with a weapon. The key for each cage is fastened to a football. Two teams of wrestlers must try and gain possession of the football and take it over to their manager's cage, use the key to unlock the cage, then use the manager's weapon to attack the other team. To get the ball to the cage, the wrestlers must pass it between themeselves and attack any opposing wrestlers who have possession of the ball. In his autobiography; Mick Foley describes the match as "A fun, fan-inclusive cross between keep away, monkey in the middle, and kill the guy with the ball."

Gauntlet match

A Gauntlet match is, in a sense, a quick series of one-fall one-on-one matches. Here, two wrestlers begin the match, and are replaced whenever one is eliminated (by normal means), with the last person standing being named the winner. A Gauntlet match may also be played out in multiple "parts" as part of a storyline (where a face wrestler must face a series of a heel wrestler's underlings before facing the heel himself, for instance) - this was common in World Championship Wrestling in the early 1990s, where it was referred to as a Slobber Knocker. A participant involved in a Gauntlet match may be said to be "running the gauntlet", although in most cases this designation is reserved for those who are involved for most of the match.

The Gauntlet may also be referred to as a Turmoil match, a likely backformation from Tag Team Turmoil, which is used to denote a Gauntlet involving tag teams. In singles gauntlet matches in World Championship Wrestling, pins were counted without the need of the single man being on top of the gauntlet member. Recently in WWE, the match has commonly been referred to as a Cruiserweight Open whenever involving cruiserweights.

Relay match

The match has two (or more) teams of between 3 or 12 members to a team and before the match there will be a coin toss to see which team switches out first. Every 3 or 5 minutes the teams will switch. The first team to get a pinfall wins. It is sometimes contested under hardcore rules.

WarGames

Sometimes suffixed with the tagline "The Match Beyond", the War Games match features two rings surrounded by an enclosed steel cage (with a roof) with two teams (or sometimes three) facing one another. One man from each team starts out with another from either team at random entering the cage via a timed interval. The winning team must get a member of another team to submit after all members of each team are in the cage. This match was made famous by NWA's annual Great American Bash and later WCW's WrestleWar before becoming a tradition at their annual Fall Brawl pay-per-view event from 1993-1998.

In ECW, this was known as an Ultimate Jeopardy match.

Lethal Lockdown

Similar to the WarGames match utilized in WCW, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's Lethal Lockdown consists of a single ring enclosed by a steel cage with two teams facing off with each other. The staggered entry system is identical, but weapons are permitted and are even provided. When all competitors have entered the ring, a roof is lowered onto the top of the cage, with various weapons hanging from it. Victory can be attained by pinfall or submission. This match has become a staple of TNA's Lockdown pay per view every April.

Xscape Match

The Xscape match is featured annually at the Lockdown all-steel-cage pay-per-view in April. This variation of the Lockdown Match has 4-6 competitors and is a two stage process. The first stage is a standard pin/submission elimination contest, with eliminated wrestlers leaving the cage through the door until there are only two wrestlers left. The last two competitors then face off; the only way to win at this stage is to climb out of the cage all the way to the floor.

Series variations

Sometimes, a match is considered as a series of smaller matches, which may take place concurrently, consecutively, or even in different shows. The most common form of a series match is extending the one-fall concept to a series of falls, the most common being the best two out of three. These types of series matches are often booked to the final match to emphasize the equality of the wrestlers involved, however, longer series may be shortened due to storyline or other factors. Series matches may involve the same match throughout, or may use different matches for some or all of the series. A series match may or may not involve the same wrestlers throughout (such as when a main competitor is forced to use a substitute in the event of an injury partway through).

Beat the Clock match

Beat the Clock match is the name given to each match in a series of matches between different wrestlers to see which wrestler can win their match in the shortest amount of time, generally with some kind of prize or contendership being bestowed to the overall winner. Each wrestler involved competes in one match, and it is generally assumed that these wrestlers do not face each other. A loss removes a wrestler from consideration, and in the case of a match exceeding the current "target time" will on occasion end as a time-limit draw.<ref>"RAW results - December 26, 2005". Online World of Wresting. Retrieved on 2008-03-05.</ref>

Elimination Chase

The Elimination Chase, first used in World Wrestling Entertainment's ECW brand in 2007, is a series of multi-competitor, one fall matches, with the loser of the fall being eliminated from future matches until one competitor remains.<ref>Tello, Craig. "The chase is on". WWE. Retrieved on 2007-10-03. "Ultimately, the [...] ECW General Manager mandated a three-week competition between all four Superstars that would [...] determine who would face champion CM Punk [...]. The loser of each week’s Elimination Chase match would be cut from the running until there was only one man left standing."</ref>

Three Strikes, You're Out!

The Three Strikes, You're Out! match (often shortened to Three Strikes), is one where wrestlers must achieve three victories of a specific nature in a specific order before the other. The name of the match is taken from baseball, referring to the notion that losing three times would entail losing the match. Because of the format, wrestlers may be attempting to fulfill different victory conditions. Like generic series matches, these are often booked so as to have both wrestlers have two "strikes" against them, with the final victory condition being a particularly brutal manner (for example, Last Man Standing).

In WWE, these types of matches are known as Three Stages of Hell, although the third match may not be needed in the case of a sweep victory, although this has rarely been the case. Some variations make each stipulation timed, making every stipulation available.

Notes

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References

• Foley, Mick (2000). Have a Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks. HarperCollins. ISBN 0061031011. 
• Reynolds, R. D. (2003). WRESTLECRAP: The Very Worst of Pro Wrestling. ECW Press. ISBN 1550225847. 
• PWI Staff (2007). "Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts", "Wrestling’s historical cards", Kappa Publishing. 

External links

• WWE.com - Specialty Matches