Lethal Lockdown Match

The Lethal Lockdown match is a signature stipulation of TNA, typically taking place annually at the Lockdown pay-per-view. It is essentially an evolution of the WarGames match from WCW.

Structure and Team Setup

In this stipulation, there is a single ring surrounded by a cage identical to that used in an Steel Cage match, starting from the apron ring and without a roof. The match features two teams of four wrestlers each (though in some instances, teams have included five or, more rarely, three wrestlers). The match begins with one member from each team in the ring, and the entrance system closely mirrors that of the WarGames match. After five minutes, a member of one team enters, followed by a member from the opposing team two minutes later, continuing with alternating entrances every two minutes. The team that gains the advantage is typically determined through matches leading up to the pay-per-view.

Match Dynamics and Conclusion

Once all eight participants are in the ring, there is a two-minute pause before a roof descends upon the cage (although in a recent edition, the roof was omitted due to technical issues). Various weapons are hung from this roof (including chairs, bins, lids, signs, bats, guitars, etc.), and additional weapons such as tables and ladders are usually placed on top. The match can only conclude from this point onward: it ends when a member of the declared winning team scores a pinfall or submission against a member of the opposing team inside the ring. There are no disqualifications or count-outs in this match.

Variations in Cage Design

When TNA utilized a six-sided ring, the top of the cage could be accessed through openings in the roof. With a four-sided ring, however, the top can only be reached by going through a side door, which is kept closed and opened solely for wrestler entrances. In some recent editions, the roof has been entirely removed, with weapons introduced into the ring by the last wrestler to enter.