Glossary of Professional Wrestling Terms - N

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Near-fall

An occurence in which a wrestler's shoulders are pinned to the mat for a count of two, but the wrestler manages to escape before the referee's hand hits the mat a third time, which would signify a pinfall. "Two-and-a-half count" or other fractions used to denote even closer "counts", such as "two-and-three-quarters", are often used many times in matches to build excitement. Occasionally related to "False Finish".

No-sell

To show no reaction to an opponent's offensive moves; a way to demonstrate endurance, appear invulnerable to pain, legitimately defy an opponent or to illustrate masochistic tendencies.

No-show

A wrestler not showing up for a match. No-shows can be staged for storyline purposes. Legit no-shows are less frequent, and the offender typically faces disciplinary action.

Number-one contender

The wrestler who is next in line for a championship match.