In school, we learn that every story has characters, setting, and a plot. Every story includes the same elements but presented in a different way. Wrestling is no different. Underneath the moves and spectacle, all wrestling matches are built upon the same DNA. This is the anatomy of a wrestling match.
Let’s take a look at Jimi Mayhem versus Gustev Lichtenstein from the 3PWA. 3PWA is a southern California based wrestling promotion with former WWE superstar, D’Lo Brown as the commissioner.
At the beginning of the match, the babyface (hero) and heel (villain) are established. This can be portrayed by the storyline coming into the match or the actions of the wrestlers in the ring. Typically, you’ll find the babyface pandering for crowd support or the heel talking trash to the audience.
Lichtenstein insults fans about their physique claiming they need to exercise, thus solidifying himself as the heel. This leads to Mayhem gaining crowd support to take down the villainous Lichtenstein.
Every match will start with a “shine.” The shine allows the babyface to perform high impact or flashy moves gaining early momentum in the match. It’s designed to excite the crowd to watch the babyface overcome the heel.
For example, Mayhem performs a series of moves resulting in a spinning body slam that gets a pop from the crowd.
After the shine, in comes the “heat.” This is when the heel will get the advantage on babyface. Beginning with a “cutoff” sequence, the heel will get the better of the babyface leading into the heat of the match.
In the video, Lichtenstein performs a handspring maneuver to take down Mayhem to begin the heat.
During the heat of the match, there will be “hope” spots. In these hope spots, the babyface will fight back seemingly gaining some momentum only to be shut down by the heel. The reason for this is to show the resilience of the babyface, but the heel is still in control.
The term “go home” is used to get to the “finish” of the match. Before the finish can happen, the babyface will get a “comeback” sequence. This is where the babyface will finally gain momentum after taking the heat from the heel.
Mayhem performs a series of corner splashes on Lichtenstein leading to a sidewalk slam for his comeback.
When it’s time for the finish, there will be a series of false finishes such as big moves resulting in two-count pins or wrestlers teasing their finishing moves. This is designed to build the drama at the end of the match. It leaves the audience in suspense on how the match is going to end.
Mayhem teases his finishing move, a big boot to the face, only for Lichtenstein to roll out of harm’s way. For the finish, Lichtenstein tries to use a weapon, but gets stopped by the referee. This allows Mayhem to hit his finisher for the three count.
Similar to how stories have a beginning, middle, and end, the wrestling equivalent is the shine, heat, and comeback. Every match will consist of these three elements. It’s the wrestlers’ job to make it look different enough so that the audience does not notice the formula.
Next time you watch a wrestling match, try to challenge yourself and find these key sections of the match. With that mindset, you’ll start thinking more like a wrestler than a fan.
Mister Greyson 101 