10 Wrestling Messages Hidden In Plain Sight

8. The Referee "X" Gesture

Brock Lesnar Undertaker
WWE

Wrestlers get hurt.

It's the grimmest outcome and saddest possibility of an industry often polished enough to help fans forget the real risks, but a legitimate injury midway through the match snaps everybody involved back to reality. But wrestling, because it's wrestling, has always prioritised preserving the fantasy even in times of a physical emergency.

The giant "X" symbol referees make with their arms is one not really designed to be seen by those watching at home, which is why cameras often avoid it appearing in shot. Or, as was the case during WrestleMania 22's Money In the Bank Ladder Match why there's a chance it's a work if you do see it.

Another one for announcers and officials to get a message to the back in the era before headsets, this was a safety measure put in place that again had the dual purpose of protecting the integrity of the match whilst doing the same for the injured party.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation over 7 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back over 30 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz", Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 50,000,000 total downloads. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett