Every wrestler has their unique pre-match ritual, some secret and others not so much. These rituals are a mix of sentimental gestures, superstitions, and preparations to get them into the right mindset for their performances. Here are some of the most fascinating rituals from wrestling superstars.

Subtle Signs of Love

WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi always touched his nose upon making his entrance in WWE. This gesture was a signal to his wife and kids watching at home, showing them he was thinking of them and loved them. This subtle yet meaningful act can be spotted in numerous matches from the WWE catalog once you know what to look for.

Intensity to the Extreme

Goldberg’s pre-match ritual is one of the most intense and questionable. Known for his electrifying entrances, Goldberg would headbutt the locker room door to get into character. While this did amp up his intensity, it often resulted in Goldberg hurting himself before even stepping into the ring.

Calm Before the Storm

John Moxley, known for his high-intensity and violent matches, prefers a calmer approach before heading to the ring. To relax, Moxley listens to Hank Williams and tells jokes. According to Moxley, this pre-match period is the calmest time of his day, saving his energy for the ring.

Music for the Soul

Like Moxley, Mick Foley uses music to prepare for his matches. Foley, who often endured brutal matches, enjoyed listening to Tori Amos, with his favorite song being “Winter,” a soothing piano ballad. Foley even shared a funny story about how Kane once caught him listening to Amos and awkwardly left the locker room.

Superstitions and Support

Sasha Banks revealed in WWE’s “Day Of” series for the 2020 Hell in a Cell pay-per-view that she wears the T-shirt of her opponent before matches. This time, she wore Bayley merchandise, adding a personal touch to their intense rivalry.

Energy Boosters

Booker T’s pre-match ritual involved drinking two Red Bulls to get laser-focused. This was a crucial part of his preparation, helping him channel his energy and readiness for the match.

Physical Preparation

For Tyson Kidd, pre-match relaxation was never an option. He would perform 100 Hindu squats, push-ups, and resistance band exercises to warm up, especially after his knee injury, ensuring his blood was pumping before stepping into the ring.

Sisterly Support

The Bella Twins had a unique pre-match ritual involving a cheek kiss and a playful slap on each other’s backside. Brie Bella shared that Nikki Bella knew how to calm her nerves and keep her focused, showing their strong sisterly bond.

Nervous Superstitions

John Cena’s unusual pre-match ritual involved Tic Tacs. He revealed on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” that he would consume up to three boxes before a broadcast to combat last-minute anxiety, a habit that added up to a staggering amount of sugar intake.

Sweet Motivation

Cody Rhodes, known for his elite performances, has a peculiar ritual of biting down on a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. He believes it makes his veins pop out, helping him look more jacked in the ring, though it’s debatable if it truly has this effect.

Hidden Messages

The Big Show’s entrance often included grabbing his wrist, which many thought was a simple taunt. In reality, it was a secret message to his wife, saying “I love you” while she watched at home.

These rituals, whether for superstition, focus, or showing love, are an integral part of the wrestlers’ preparations, adding another layer of intrigue to their already fascinating personas. Let us know which pre-match ritual you found most interesting in the comments below! Stay tuned for more wrestling content.