Job (professional wrestling)

As professional wrestling is scripted, inevitably a wrestler will be required to lose to an opponent. When a wrestler is forced to lose a match it is described as doing the job.

While this technically does not matter, it may mark the end of a push, or damage a wrestler's self-esteem; also it may mark the start of a slide down the slippery slope. This is especially the case when the wrestler is beaten very easily, or squashed.

The act of losing is called jobbing, and a frequent loser is referred to as a jobber. It is a mark of disrespect to refer to a wrestler as a jobber, as it implies they are a failure in their career. The term has entered into popular culture, to mean a loser or someone who is worthless, as well as its Italian equivalent, jabroni, a phrase that was made popular by The Rock. Former alternate terms included journeyman (because of jobbers being hired for individual matches and not having contracts with the major promotions), enhancement talent and ham-n-egger.

A slightly higher position is jobber to the stars, which is a wrestler who still defeats pure jobbers but who consistently loses to top-level or up-and-coming stars. This often happens to popular faces towards the end of their careers, including Tony Garea, Tito Santana and Val Venis.

Many top names in wrestling began their careers as jobbers. Mick Foley and Bret Hart started their careers as jobbers in the 80s, later going on to greater success in the 90s after employers began to recognize their talent. Peter Polaco and Terry Richards were jobbers who later became famous in ECW as Justin Credible and Rhino, respectively.

To lose in a uninfluenced fight is to job cleanly. To lose through outside interference is called a screwjob.

Whilst in ECW, Al Snow began referring to jobbing on-screen as part of his gimmick. He subsequently formed a stable called the J.O.B. Squad.

Notable jobbers

WWF/WWE

TNA

NWA/WCW

AWA

ECW

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Notable jobbers

See also