wwe

We all know professional wrestling is staged, or at least what happens in the ring is staged. And barring the completely unpredictable nature of injuries, accidents, etc., the announcers have a general idea of what’s going to happen. But that doesn’t mean they don’t need guidelines. The all-time greats, like Jim Ross, were at their best when they were being themselves. But the WWE is a large, very-profitable organization that likes to make sure everything runs as smoothly as it can, so it has some rules.

Over at r/SquaredCircle, one redditor posted pictures of what he alleges is the guide for on-air talent and announcers in the WWE. The whole document is eight pages long, but here are some of the highlights:

  • “Take the high road – don’t be crude, especially with the Divas.” – Should be known as the Jerry Lawler rule
  • “Sit up straight … dress professionally.”
  • “Please be aware of major international incidents like … the Tsunami, the Mumbai Terrorist incident, and be sensitive … don’t inadvertently insult them and others … by using a move’s name or analogy that could be hurtful.”
  • “[McMahon] does not want us to use the phrase “granddaddy of them all” for Wrestlemania … he feels it makes Wrestlemania feel old.”
  • “Announcers need to understand what makes a match a good match.”
  • Don’t say “the referee didn’t see it” when the referee didn’t see something. “It makes the product feel cheap, like we’re in grade school,” according to Stephanie McMahon.
  • “Don’t call blood.”
  • “Keep comments and observations believable and plausible.”
  • Words to avoid:
    • Belt
    • Strap
    • The business
    • War
    • House Show
    • Backstage
    • Pro wrestling/wrestler
    • Fans (use “you” instead)
    • Hospital (use “medical center”)
    • Sports Entertainment (just use “entertainment”)
  • “Do not use pronouns.”
  • Undertaker is never “Taker,” he is “The Phenom,” “The Dead Man,” etc.
  • “Talk in sound bytes.”
  • “DON’T SCREAM.”
  • “Don’t call a move before it happens.”

2015 WWE: You can’t say “blood.” Attitude-era WWF: Big Boss Man interrupts the funeral of Big Show’s dad and drags his casket behind a car.

[h/t Deadspin]