In a Contract Match, as the name suggests, what’s at stake is a contract—not one from a current wrestler in the promotion, but a new contract. This match typically features two or more athletes who are not signed to any company (the so-called "free agents"), competing in an independent company or who currently have no contract with the company hosting the match. The winner of this bout secures a contract with the company, thus becoming part of its roster.
It is not uncommon for a Contract Match to be contested under a stipulation that requires the competitor to reach and grab the contract itself, similar to a Ladder Match or a Contract on a Pole Match. However, it can theoretically be fought under any stipulation.
A Contract Match can also occur between a wrestler already under contract with the promotion and an independent wrestler; if the independent wrestler wins, they receive a contract; if not, they do not.
A specific version of the Contract Match was the Gut Check, which took place occasionally (approximately once a month) in TNA. In this format, two independent wrestlers faced off in an exhibition match with nothing at stake. A panel of three judges evaluates one of the independent wrestlers’ performances, deeming them worthy of a contract. If at least two judges are satisfied and in favor, that wrestler received a contract with TNA, regardless of the match outcome. In the previous version of Gut Check, an independent wrestler faced off against a wrestler already on TNA's roster, with the evaluation focusing solely on the independent wrestler.
Contract Match: Info
- Match Category Stipulation
- Variant of Singles Match Multi-Competitor Match (3-Way / 4-Way / 5-Way / 6-Way)
- N. of Competitors 2 - 8