In the context of professional wrestling, a near-fall occurs when 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. A near-fall is also commonly referred to as a two-count. In practice, most attempted pins are near-falls in order to create drama in an exciting match.

In collegiate wrestling a nearfall is when a wrestler's shoulders are forced past a 90 degree angle perpendicular to the ground, thus exposing his back for two seconds or more. A wrestler who holds his opponent in this position will receive two points for a two count and three points for a count of five seconds.

See also

• Professional wrestling slang