30Terms defined

7Sports covered

A–ZPlain English

Pro wrestling

Babyface (face)

A heroic character the audience is meant to cheer.

Heel

A villainous character the audience is meant to boo.

Kayfabe

Presenting scripted wrestling events as real.

Premium live event (PLE)

WWE's term for its major shows, such as WrestleMania.

Money in the Bank

A ladder match whose winner earns a world title match at a time of their choosing.

College wrestling

Folkstyle

The wrestling style used in US high schools and colleges, emphasizing control and riding time.

Riding time

Time a wrestler spends in control on top; an advantage can earn a point in college matches.

Dual meet

A team competition with one bout at each of the ten weight classes.

MMA & boxing

10-point must system

The scoring system in which the round winner receives 10 points and the loser 9 or fewer.

Interim champion

A temporary champion named when the full champion is unable to defend.

Unanimous decision

A win in which all three judges score the fight for the same fighter.

Split decision

A win in which two judges favor one fighter and one judge the other.

Boxing

Undisputed champion

A boxer who holds the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO titles at the same time.

Mandatory challenger

The top-ranked contender a champion must face within a set period.

Vacate

To give up a title, voluntarily or by order of a sanctioning body.

Arm wrestling

Supermatch

A single high-profile matchup decided over several rounds.

Toproll

A technique that attacks the opponent's hand and fingers by rising over the grip.

Hook

A wrist-inward technique built on biceps and wrist power.

Bodybuilding

Sandow

The Mr. Olympia trophy, named after Eugen Sandow.

Classic Physique

An IFBB Pro division with height-based weight caps that rewards a classic, aesthetic look.

Mandatory poses

The set poses each competitor performs for direct comparison.

Strongman

Atlas stones

Heavy round stones lifted onto platforms, usually the final event at World's Strongest Man.

Yoke

A heavy frame carried across the shoulders over a set distance.

Log press

An overhead press using a thick log with neutral handles.

Powerlifting

Total

The sum of a lifter's best squat, bench press and deadlift.

Classic (raw)

Lifting without supportive suits or shirts; belt, knee sleeves and wrist wraps are allowed.

GL Points

The IPF's formula for comparing lifters across bodyweights.

CrossFit

The Open

The online first stage of the CrossFit Games season.

WOD

'Workout of the day'.

Benchmark workout

A fixed workout, such as Fran or Murph, repeated to measure progress.