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Path: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!bloom-beacon.mit.edu!news.mathworks.com!www.nntp.primenet.com!nntp.primenet.com!winternet.com!alpha.sky.net!news From: macika@emunix.emich.edu (Dominic Macika) Newsgroups: rec.sport.pro-wrestling.info,rec.sport.pro-wrestling,rec.answers,news.answers Subject: [rec.sport.pro-wrestling] FAQ (part 01/02) Followup-To: rec.sport.pro-wrestling Date: 20 Nov 1996 02:00:43 GMT Organization: The r.s.p-w FAQ Cabal Lines: 726 Approved: dannyp@sky.net (rec.sport.pro-wrestling.info) Message-ID: <56toob$a6p@alpha.sky.net> Reply-To: macika@emunix.emich.edu NNTP-Posting-Host: ip51.sky.net Summary: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions for rec.sport.pro-wrestling Keywords: FAQ RTFM X-Newsreader: WinVN 0.99.8 (beta 2) Xref: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu rec.sport.pro-wrestling.info:847 rec.sport.pro-wrestling:261962 rec.answers:25674 news.answers:87579 Archive-name: pro-wrestling/faq/part1 URL: http://emunix.emich.edu/~macika/Wrestling/faq.html Editor: macika@emunix.emich.edu (Dominic Macika) Posting-Frequency: every third Friday or so Previous-Editor: jewell@Data-IO.com (Cal Jewell) Previous-Editor: jnelson@iastate.edu (Jeremy Nelson) Original-Editor: a0cb@cc.pdx.edu (Chris Bertholf) Rec.Sport.Pro-Wrestling Frequently Asked Questions Part 1 of 2 Editor: Dominic Macika generated: November 18, 1996 Email: macika@emunix.emich.edu Copyright This document is compilation copyright (c) 1995, 1996 by Dominic Macika and compilation copyright (c) 1993, 1994 by Cal Jewell. It may be freely copied and/or distributed in its entirety as long as this copyright notice is not removed. It may not be sold for profit or incorporated into commercial products without the editor's written permission. [Compilation copyright means that you can freely use individual sections of this document, but any significant collection of sections is subject to the copyright.] Please read this document before posting to rec.sport.pro-wrestling. If you don't want to see this posting anymore, please add the subject line to your kill file. Comments, additions, suggestions, and corrections are encouraged. Send them to macika@emunix.emich.edu Index Part 1: 1. Rec.Sport.Pro-Wrestling 2. Other information sources 3. WWF 4. WCW 5. NWA 6. Other North American promotions 7. Japan 8. Mexico Part 2: 9. Deaths 10. Injuries 11. Where Are They Now? 12. Wrestling Groups and Teams 13. Miscellaneous questions about wrestlers. 14. The Law and Pro Wrestling 15. Miscellaneous Contributors --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Rec.Sport.Pro-Wrestling 1.1. What is r.s.p-w? Rec.Sport.Pro-Wrestling (r.s.p-w or RSPW for short) is a usenet discussion group. The main topic of discussion is pro-wrestling, however, the group is loosely defined by its original charter and often includes related topics, such as other combat sports. For a more in-depth look at what pro-wrestling is, please read the Welcome to Rec.Sport.Pro-Wrestling message, posted periodically on the group. This post discusses what the group is about, and also gives pointers on netiquette. 1.2. My news software does not allow me to post, but I wish to contribute to r.s.p-w. How can I? If you have email access, you can post to r.s.p-w by mailing your article to one of the following addresses: * rec-sport-pro-wrestling@news.demon.co.uk * rec.sport.pro-wrestling@news.demon.co.uk Please note the variances in punctuation between "." and "-" in the email addresses. 1.3. Where can I get a copy of this FAQ? If you know how to FTP, you can get a copy from the following location: site: rtfm.mit.edu location: /pub/usenet-by-group/rec.sport.pro-wrestling/ filename: [rec.sport.pro-wrestling]_FAQ_(part_0?_02) You can also get a current copy of this FAQ by sending e-mail with a subject of "get FAQ" to macika@emunix.emich.edu Note: email requests for the FAQ and regular posting of the FAQ are currently done manually. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Other information sources 2.1. Are there any other newsgroups related to pro-wrestling? Yes. There are two other pro-wrestling newsgroups in the rec. hierarchy. One is rec.sport.pro-wrestling.fantasy, which is for discussion of fantasy wrestling and fantasy wrestling groups. The other is rec.sport.pro-wrestling.info, which is a moderated group for the purpose of posting information only. 2.2. Are there any r.s.p-w FTP sites? Yes. There is one known to the FAQ Editor. If you are not familiar with FTP, or if you are new to the net, ask somebody at YOUR SITE for help. Please, don't pester r.s.p-w with "how do I FTP" posts. Site: auhussell.swan.ac.uk anonymous logins only wrestling information is in the /Wrestling directory admin: j.hussell@swansea.ac.uk If you want to upload anything to the site, please get confirmation first by mailing J.Hussell@swansea.ac.uk 2.3. Are there any WWW sites related to r.s.p-w? Yes. There is one site that is considered the "R.S.P-W Homepage". It is maintained by Mark Long. The URL for the site is: http://www.adscape.com/ wrestling There are many other wrestling related web sites out there, including an ECW site and many sites maintained by individauls. 2.4. What other information is available over the internet? Herb Kunze makes weekly posts to r.s.p-w under the subject heading "Wrestling Tidbits" which reviews top news stories in the wrestling world over the past week. These posts also contain details on upcoming major events in pro-wrestling. The following people keep -- and occasionally post -- the following lists and information. If you would like a copy of one of these lists, it is strongly suggested that you make the request through e-mail rather than posting a request directly to r.s.p-w. * Gary Will (ax760@freenet.carleton.ca) - Listing of deceased wrestlers * Rick Duggan (duggan@cc.gatech.edu) - Wrestling Relations * Byron C. Howes (bch@uncecs.edu) - Glossary of wrestling terms Also, the following lists are posted to the newsgroup by the FAQ editor along with the FAQ: * List of Wrestling Sheets and Newsletters. * List of Wrestling Schools and Training Camps. * List of Wrestling Info Phonelines * List of Real Names of WWF Wrestlers. * List of Real Names of WCW Wrestlers. If you keep track of an "official list" for r.s.p-w, please send e-mail to macika@emunix.emich.edu so I can put you in this list. 2.5. Are any wrestlers or promoters reachable on via the net? Sure. However, due to a desire for privacy, most keep their email addresses private. A few notable exceptions post to r.s.p-w, including promoters Joe Pedicino, Dennis Coraluzzo and Ed Zohn and wrestlers Johnny B Badd and Brian Pillman. We ask that you respect the privacy of those who do have an email address, but don't actively participate in r.s.p-w. 2.6. How can I subscribe to newsletters? There are a number of newsletters and fanzines (commonly referred to as "Sheets") published regularly about pro-wrestling. Topics include results, info, opinion, memorabilia and history, just to name a few. Like all else, some are good, some are not. For what it's worth, The Wrestling Observer has by far the largest circulation of all wrestling newsletters. A large (although not nearly complete) listing of sheets is posted as a separate file semi-regularly by the editor. 2.7. Are there any books available on pro-wrestling? A number of books have been published about pro-wrestling, both by wrestlers and fans of the sport. For more information on a few that have been published by r.s.p-w members, visit The Pro Wrestling Referance Books Web Page or write to or email Gary Will at PO Box 40005 Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2J 4V1 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. WWF 3.1. What is the story behind the forming of the WWF? As NWA champion, Buddy Rogers' bookings were controlled by Toots Mondt, promoter in the Northeast. The other NWA promoters were dissatisfied because Mondt rarely let Rogers defend the belt outside the Northeast. Mondt and Vince McMahon Sr. wanted to keep Rogers and the NWA title, but Rogers didn't want to lose his $25,000 deposit on the belt. So Rogers lost the NWA title to Lou Thesz in Toronto on January 24, 1963. Rogers was not recognized as the first WWWF champion right after losing to Thesz. Instead, Rogers was awarded the WWWF title in mid-April 1963, with the explanation that he has won a (fictitious) tournament in Rio de Janeiro. He lost the title to Bruno Sammartino a month later on May 17, 1963. Rogers would have likely had a longer reign as champion, but, he suffered a heart attack shortly before the match with Bruno. This explains both the brevity of the match (47 seconds) with Bruno and the subsequent disappearance of Rogers from the ring. Some reports have Rogers almost had to be wheeled into the ring, due to his weakened condition. Rogers retired after this match, although he did return to the ring in 1967. 3.2. When did the WWWF become the WWF? The best information available suggests that the name change took place in mid 1979. The change was purely a cosmetic one. Ownership and front office personnel remained unaffected. About this same time, the WWF phased out their North American title and replaced it with what is today known as the Intercontinental title. For the sake of clarity, all WWWF and WWF titles mentioned in this document are referred to as WWF titles. 3.3. Who currently owns and runs the WWF? Since the WWF is a privately held company, we have no way of knowing their exact internal structure. However, reports have Linda McMahon (Vince's wife) as President of Titan Sports (the WWF's parent company) while Vince McMahon Jr. remains CEO and Chairman of the Board of Titan Sports. Vince Jr. was given control of the WWF by his father, Vince Sr. Although Vince McMahon Sr. died in May 1984, he had turned over control of the business to his son sometime around late 1982 or early 1983. The most widely believed story is that McMahon Sr. divested his Capitol Wrestling Corporation (under which he promoted the W[W]WF) in late 1982/early 1983. McMahon Sr. then incorporated Titan Sports as the WWF's new parent company and gave half of Titan's stock to his son. Vince Sr. also gave 1/6 stock each to Arnold Skoaland, Phil Zacko (who was the promoter in Philadelphia and surrounding regions) and Robert Marella (aka Gorilla Monsoon). Upon receiving their shares of Titan stock, Skoaland, Zacko, and Marella promptly sold them to McMahon Jr. for $100,000 each, primarily out of their uncertainty of Vince Jr's business skills. In return, Vince Jr. gave Skoaland and Marella guaranteed 10-year jobs with Titan. In May 1994, it was confirmed that Vince McMahon owns 100% of Titan. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. WCW 4.1. When did the NWA become WCW? In November, 1988, Jim Crockett sold Jim Crockett Promotions to WTBS. Crockett promotions had been the promotion most widely associated with the NWA. In order to distance itself from the NWA, which still existed as a paper organization at the time, WTBS began to change the name of its titles and television programs from NWA to WCW. The change took place in late 1990. By January, 1991, the WCW name was fully in place and the NWA name was all but dropped by the organization. 4.2. Who owns and runs WCW? WCW is owned by WTBS and Ted Turner. The position in WTBS most widely considered as being in control of the wrestling promotion is the Executive Vice President in charge of Wrestling Operations. This title is currently held by Eric Bischoff. In recent years Jim Herd, K. Allen Frey and Bill Watts have been in that position. 4.3. When Ric Flair left WCW in 1991, why did he take the title belt with him? Flair owned the NWA Heavyweight title belt that had been in use since 1986. When Flair's contract with WCW ran out on July 1, 1991, they were unable to come to terms on a new contract. Jim Herd wanted to cut Flair's salary and reduce his role in the company. When Flair arrived in the WWF in September, 1991, he billed himself as the "Real World's Champion" and used his NWA belt to back it up. The ownership of the belt and the right to be called the "NWA Heavyweight Champion" was taken to court. Flair and WCW eventually settled the matter out of court in spring 1992. The exact terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but WCW bought the belt for a rumored US$28,000. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. NWA 5.1. What was the NWA and how did it get started? The NWA was and is the National Wrestling Alliance. In 1948, a group of mid-western promoters joined forces as the NWA with the idea of working together instead of working in competition. Orville Brown was named the first NWA champion on July 14, 1948. It should be noted that any attempts to trace the NWA World Heavyweight title back further than this are necessarily fictitious. The organization simply did not exist. Any attempt to trace a contiguous world heavyweight title back further than this is simply a combination of various world champions as recognized by a number of different promoters and commissions. The myth of a NWA title history dating back to 1905 was perpetuated in early NWA programs, which listed just such a title history, in an attempt to build credibility for the title. It should also be noted that this history also omits Orville Brown. The NWA's immediate predecessor as the most widely recognized world title was the National Wrestling Association championship which was held by Lou Thesz at the time of the formation of the NWA. A title unification match was scheduled for November 25, 1949 between Thesz and Brown and it is believed that Brown was scheduled to win that match. However, Brown suffered a career ending injury in a car accident prior to the match. On November 27, 1949, Thesz was awarded the NWA title. 5.2. What is the NWA today? Today, the NWA still exists, but in a very different form. The only relation it bears to the NWA of 1948 to 1985 is on paper. The NWA Board currently consists of Jim Crockett, Dennis Coraluzzo and Steve Rickard, although it has been rumored that Crockett has been served papers expelling him from the organization. Crockett is not currently promoting wrestling. Coraluzzo runs a promotion in New Jersey. Rickard promotes in New Zealand. Also, Howard Brody runs an NWA affiliated group in Florida. On February 24, 1995, Chris Candido lost the NWA title in Erlanger, KY to Dan Severn. After the split with WCW and two tournaments which intended to crown champions, this was the first time the NWA title changed hands in the ring in nearly two years. 5.3. What happened to the NWA? The transformation of the NWA into its current state took place simply because the promoters stopped cooperating. Problems in the NWA can be traced back into the 1970's but the major changes came in 1985. In an attempt to turn into a national promotion, Jim Crockett obtained the WTBS wrestling time slot from the WWF in March, 1985. With this exposure, combined with controlling power over the NWA title, Crockett was able to strong arm the other member promotions into complying with his requests. Many of the other promotions ended up going out of business or being bought up by Crockett. Eventually, however, Crockett too ran into problems and sold his promotion to Ted Turner. The Turner controlled WCW continued, but with the exception of using the NWA name in a co-promotional effort with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, the NWA essentially no longer existed except as a paper organization. In 1992 and 1993, a number of promoters applied for membership in the NWA and some were accepted. Among these promoters was Dennis Coraluzzo, who became an NWA board member and began demanding dates with the NWA champion. In the ensuing legal struggle, WCW resigned its membership, but kept the "NWA" title belt, which it had legal ownership of. Meanwhile, Coraluzzo and the remaining NWA promoters were left without any powerful members and without a champion. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. Other North American Federations 6.1. United States Wrestling Association (USWA) The Memphis area has been a hot area for wrestling for decades. It has operated out of the Mid-South Coliseum since the 1950s, originally under the operations of Nick Gulas and Roy Welch. It became the USWA in August, 1989 when promoter Jerry Jarrett began copromoting the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The area has thrived since the mid-70s on the performance of one man, Jerry Lawler. Regular stars include Lawler, his son Brian Christopher, Bill Dundee and announcer Lance Russell. Fred Deaton posts regular USWA TV show reports. Here is his description of the promotion: "A very unique local promotion with local 'stars' and local 'story lines'. Usually involves a Mega Heel-good guy combo persona garnering the attention, half cheers half boos; a time honored feud that never resolves; gimmick matches; a place for new rising or older stars to change their routine; and a 'local' rising young star moving up." 6.2. Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) ECW began operating in 1992 as Eastern Championship Wrestling. In August, 1994, the name was changed from Eastern to Extreme. It operates in Philadelphia, with spot shows in the surrounding Pennsylvania area. The wrestling operations are currently handled by Tod Gordon (who also finances the promotion) and Paul Heyman (manager Paul E Dangerously) It is currently available on the Sports Channel America syndication package and on AIN satellite. Current top stars are Shane Douglas, 2 Cold Scorpio and more. ECW does not rely on the traditional face/heel structure. Instead, uses high-impact, fast paced action to get its wrestlers over. Regular ECW reports and updates are posted by Tom Misnik (Mr. ECW), MadDogJMF and Dave Scherer. Ed Zohn, an ECW promoter, is also a member of the net. The fans who attend live shows regularly and participate on the net are too numerous to list. Additionaly, ECW maintains it's own WWW site at: http://www.gstand.com/ecw/ 6.3. Other regional groups The number of other regional groups in the US is too numerous and volatile to go into each in depth here. Here is a quick list of some currently running groups. If you would like to see your favorite group listed here, please send email to the editor with the groups name and area of operation, plus any other relavant info on the group. * Championship Wrestling USA (CWUSA) -- Vancouver and Washington * National Wrestling Alliance -- New Jersey * Midwest Championship Wrestling -- Michigan * Great Lakes Wrestling -- Michigan * Global Wrestling Alliance -- Ohio, Michigan, Indiana * Insane Championship Wrestling -- Michigan * Motor City Wrestling -- Michigan * Border City Wrestling -- Windsor * New England Wrestling Alliance -- Rhode Island and Massachusettes * Mid-Eastern Wrestling Federation -- Baltimore * The National Wrestling League -- Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia * International Wrestling Federation -- New England * Pro Wrestling America -- Minnesota * Northern Premiere Wrestling -- Minnestoa * IWA -- Minnesota * UWC -- Minnesota * Ultimate Wrestling Federation -- Minnesota * Ultimate Championship Wrestling/Phoenix Promotions -- Minnesota * United States Championship Wrestling -- Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia * World Wrestling Organization --Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. Japan 7.1. How did pro wrestling get its start in Japan? Pro-wrestling in Japan dates back nearly as far as it does in the US. In 1883, former sumo, Shokichi Hamada, left to tour the US as the first Japanese pro-wrestler. In 1887, Hamada brought 20 American wrestlers to Tokyo for a series of shows. The first show sold-out, but subsequent shows failed to draw any crowds. Several attempts were made to spark an interest in wrestling in Japan, none of which were successful until the 1950's. Rikidozan, who retired from Sumo in 1950, became Japan's first big name male drawing card. He made his debut in 1951. In 1953, he formed the Japan Wrestling Alliance. He continued to wrestle until his death in December, 1963. 7.2. What is AJPW? All-Japan Pro Wrestling is Shohei Baba's group in Japan. Baba, a former pro baseball pitcher, joined the JWA in 1960. In October, 1972, he left the JWA and formed his own group, AJPW. His group continues to promote today, with a television show on Nippon TV. The main titles are the Triple Crown (unified United National, International and PWF Heavyweight titles), the World Tag Team title (unified International and PWF tag team titles), the World Junior Heavyweight title and the Asian Tag Team title. 7.3. What is NJPW? Is it different from IWGP? Kanji Inoki, a japanese emigrant to Brazil, was scouted by Rikidozan in 1960, and brought to Japan to join the JWA. He later changed his name to Antonio Inoki. In 1966, Inoki made his first attempt at breaking away from the JWA and forming his own group, Tokyo Pro-Wrestling. In 1967, Inoki suddenly rejoined the JWA and Tokyo Pro folded. In 1971, Inoki was expelled from the JWA when it as discovered that he was planning a coup to take over the promotion. Inoki subsequently formed his second group, New Japan Pro Wrestling and ran his first card in March, 1972. The group has now grown to be the largest and most popular wrestling group in Japan. It currently has a show on TV Asahi. In 1983, New Japan created the International Wrestling Grand Prix titles, which are now the main titles of the group: the IWGP Heavyweight title, the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title and the IWGP Tag Team titles. 7.4. What other groups are there in Japan? There are numerous other groups in Japan. In 1994 it was reported that there were in excess of 30 wrestling groups operating in Tokyo alone. The other groups include the IWA, W*ING, Kitao Dojo, Michinoku Pro, Rings, and many more. 7.5. What about the Japanese Women's groups? The first women's shows were held in Japan in 1948. The women's groups caught fire in 1954, when Sankei Shinbun Newspaper promoted a show with Mildred Burke, billed as the first WWWA world champion, and six other American wrestlers and four Japanese wrestlers. They ran three consecutive sellouts at the old Sumo Hall. There are currently a number of Japanese Women's groups, including All-Japan Women, LLPW, JWP and Gaea Japan. 7.6. What is Shootwrestling? Shootwrestling is the idea of making wrestling matches seem as legitimate or "real" as possible. It got its start in 1984 in the original UWF group, with such stars as Akira Maeda, Super Tiger (Satoru Sayama, the original Tiger Mask), Yoshiaki Fujiwara and Kazuo Yamazaki. Also in the group were Nobuhiko Takada and Osamu Kido. The original UWF was popular, but for various reasons did not succeed. The second Japanese UWF formed in 1988 with Maeda, Fujiwara and Takada as top stars. In 1992, this group split into UWF-Fujiwara Gumi (later PWF) RINGS and UWFI. Currently, there are a number of "shoot" groups in Japan, such as Pancrase and Rings. UWFI aired some of its shows in the US on PPV under the Shootwrestling name, but the group folded in 1995. 7.7. How do I get to see Japanese wrestling? There is currently no Japanese wrestling available on North American TV, including satellite. However, if you live in North America and want to see it, you still have a number of options available. Many Japanese bookstores and shops in the US sell or rent tapes of Japanese TV shows. Check any similar shops in your area and ask if they carry it. Or, you can buy/trade for someone else who gets it. Another possibility is to find a friend who lives in Japan who is willing to tape it directly off of tv for you. New Japan is available in Europe on Eurosport. The show is called World Superstars of Wrestling. It airs Thursdays, 8pm UK time, with repeats on Friday at 10pm and Saturday at 11am. The shows are nine months to two years out of date. It occasionally pre-empted or moved in favor of other shows. UWFI is shown in the UK on Sky Sport. The show is called Bushido and airs on Saturday at 10pm UK time. The shows are approximately three years behind. It is also occasionally pre-empted. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8. Mexico 8.1. What are the major Mexican groups? There are two major wrestling groups in Mexico: the EMLL - Empresa Mexicana de la Lucha Libre and AAA - Asestencia Asesoria Administracion. EMLL translates loosely to Mexican Wrestling Empire or Mexican Wrestling Company. The EMLL is the oldest existing wrestling promotion, having run its first show on September 21, 1933. AAA is run by Antonio Pena and owned by Mexican television station Televisa. It was formed in 1992. 8.2. What is Lucha Libre? Lucha Libre is a phrase that describes the professional wrestling most commonly found in Mexico and Puerto Rico. Lucha Libre is usually used to describe Mexican wrestling, which incorporates high flying, acrobatic wrestling with a sense of live theater. Lucha Libre in Mexico is often characterized by tests of Machismo. The Mexican wrestlers will often apply what appear to be lame slaps to their opponent's chest and face not in an effort to "hurt" their opponent, but more so as an insult to his manhood. The phrase "Lucha Libre" is an idiom that best translates to English as "the free fight". Derived from Lucha Libre is the word "Luchadores", which refers to the men that wrestle the Lucha Libre style. 8.3. What's with all the masks in Mexico? The masks worn by the Luchadores are inspired by ancient Aztec traditions of masked warriors. The mask is considered the most precious thing a Luchador has. When a wrestler loses his mask, he has suffered the ultimate dishonor, the ultimate humiliation. Very few wrestlers will make it through their entire career without losing their mask. Only the true legends get to retire with their anonymity intact. El Santo (The Saint) is perhaps the most famous case of a Luchador retiring without ever being unmasked. When he died in 1984, El Santo was buried with his mask on. 8.4. I don't know Spanish, what does [some_word] mean? Obviously, there isn't room to define every word you'll hear if you watch a Lucha match. However, here are a few words which should help you figure out a little of what's going on: aficianados (ah-fee-see-ah-nah-dohs): fans. caida (ky-e-da, ky rhymes with tie): fall. Or, as it's known in the U.S., a pin fall. Primera caida = first fall. Segunda caida = second fall. Tercera caida = third fall. castigo (cass-tee-go): punishment. Depending on the announcer, this may be repeated three times, very fast. cuadrilatero (sp?) (kwa-dri-la-te-roh) the wrestling ring, as in the quadrilateral that is the squared circle. enorme (e-nor-may): terrific. espaldas planas (ess-pahl-dahss plahn-ahs): literally, shoulders down. A pin. hurricarana (hurri-ka-rahna): a Frankensteiner when performed by a descendant of Hurricane Ramirez. Otherwise the move is known as a rana. By the way, Scott Steiner did not invent the move, it is generally believed to have originated in Mexico. malandrin (mawl-ahn-dreen): evil. pareja (pah-ray-ha): pair, as in tag team. pareja incredible (pah-ray-ha een-cred-eed-lay): a mixed tag team of a heel and a face. plancha (plahn-cha, plahn rhymes with lawn): a flying crossbody, generally delivered from the top rope. rudo (rue-dough): a heel (bad guy). Depending on the announcer, this may be repeated three times, very fast. senton (sen-ton, sen rhymes with when, ton rhymes with loan): a splash, only the back hits instead of the chest. Sometimes delivered from the top rope. tecnico (tek-knee-ko): a face (good guy). tope (toe-pay): literally "butt" or "stopper". In its wrestling sense, normally used to describe a headfirst dive into a standing opponent. trios (tree-ohs): three-man tag team, as in a trio of wrestlers. 8.5. What's with all the midgets in Lucha Libre? Midgets are very popular in Lucha Libre. Exactly why is unknown, but they usually work harder and have more high spots than their American counterparts. Also, it's very common to see midgets adopt the gimmicks, wrestling style, face/heel status, and costume as their larger counterparts. Further, midgets also adopt the name of their larger counterpart and transform it to the diminutive; for example the "big guy" is Mascara Sagrada and his midget counterpart is Mascarita Sagrada. 8.6. Lucha Libre confuses me, what are the rules? Well, there are many rules, differing with the type of match that is being wrestled (singles, tag, 6-man tag, special stipulations), but here are the basic rules for most Lucha Libre matches: * most matches are trios matches, which are known in the U.S. as 6-man tag matches * in trios matches, there are usually 2 referees. Generally, one is a heel referee and one is a face referee * most matches are 2 out of 3 falls * one member of each team is designated as the captain * when a wrestler is knocked out of the ring, one of his team members can enter the ring without tagging * a fall in a trios match is won when the captain submits or is pinned, or when the other two members of the team submit or are pinned. This frequently leads to falls ending when three wrestlers are pinned simultaneously. This might not make much sense to some non-Lucha fans but that's the way they wrestle Lucha style and they've been doing it this way for decades. Lucha fans don't even think twice about it. 8.7. How do I get to see lucha libre wresting? If you cable company carries the Spanish language station Galavision, then you get it now. At last report, a combined AAA/EMLL show aired Saturday nights at 6pm (EST). If you live in the southern portion of the United States, then you may be able to pick up the Mexican satellite transmissions. Also, one Los Angeles local spanish language station carries lucha libre. In Canada, the Telelatino network carries lucha libre from 3:45pm to 5:30pm EST on Saturdays. -- Dominic Macika http://emunix.emich.edu/~macika R.S.P-W FAQ: http://emunix.emich.edu/~macika/Wrestling/faq.htmL