What Is Pinfall in WWE?By Coder| September 29, 2023 Wrestling Blogs What Is Pinfall in WWE? In the world of professional wrestling, pinfall is a term used to describe one of the ways a match can end. A pinfall occurs when one wrestler successfully pins their opponent’s shoulders to the mat for a count of three by the referee. This is a crucial element in determining the winner of a match. The Three-Count When a wrestler executes a move that puts their opponent in a vulnerable position, they have an opportunity to go for the pinfall. The referee will then slide into position and begin counting, slapping the mat with their hand for each count. The wrestler attempting the pin must keep their opponent’s shoulders on the mat for three full counts in order to secure the victory. It is important to note that only certain parts of an opponent’s body need to be touching the mat for it to be considered a valid pinfall. Typically, both shoulders need to be down on the mat, but depending on different wrestling promotions or match stipulations, variations may exist. Breaking Up Pinfalls While securing a pinfall is often a wrestler’s ultimate goal, it is also essential for their opponent to prevent this from happening. In order to break up a pinfall attempt, wrestlers will often try to kick out or bridge their body upwards before the referee completes the three-count. Example: A wrestler may kick out with force just before the referee’s hand hits the mat for the third time. A wrestler might also attempt to bridge their body, lifting their shoulders off the mat and breaking contact before reaching three counts. The Significance of Pinfalls Pinfalls are a crucial element in professional wrestling as they represent a decisive victory. When a wrestler successfully pins their opponent, it signifies their dominance and skill in the ring. It also adds an element of excitement and anticipation for the audience, who eagerly watch to see if the three-count is completed. Pinfalls can happen at any point during a match, and they often come after a wrestler has executed their finishing move or performed a series of high-impact maneuvers to weaken their opponent. The crowd’s reaction to a pinfall near-fall (when an opponent kicks out just before the three-count) can be electric, creating memorable moments that fans talk about for years to come. Alternative Endings While pinfalls are the most common way for matches to end, there are alternative ways for a contest to be decided in professional wrestling. Some of these include: Submission: When a wrestler forces their opponent to tap out or verbally submit, conceding victory. Count-out: If one wrestler fails to re-enter the ring before the referee counts to ten, they lose by count-out. Disqualification: If a wrestler violates the rules of the match or uses illegal tactics, they may be disqualified and lose. In conclusion, pinfall is an essential aspect of WWE and professional wrestling as a whole. It represents victory through skill and strategy while creating dramatic moments that keep fans on the edge of their seats. Whether as an exciting conclusion or a near-fall that raises tension, pinfalls play a significant role in shaping the outcome of matches and leaving lasting impressions on both wrestlers and spectators.
