Singles Match | Stipulation Rules, List of Matches & Stats

The Singles Match is the classic and most fundamental type of wrestling match, where two athletes face off one-on-one in the ring. The match ends with the first fall.

Ways to Win

A Singles Match can be won in several ways:

Pinfall: Securing a three-count while the opponent’s shoulders are on the mat.
Submission: Forcing the opponent to tap out inside the ring.
Count-Out: If an opponent is outside the ring and fails to return by the count of 10.
Disqualification (DQ): If the opponent breaks the rules and is disqualified by the referee.

Additionally, the match can end without a winner in the following scenarios:

No Contest: Due to events such as a double count-out, double DQ, or other special circumstances.
Draw: If the match has a time limit and neither wrestler secures a fall before time expires.
Technical Knockout (KO): If one of the wrestlers is physically unable to continue the match.

Disqualification Rules

A wrestler can be disqualified for violating various rules, such as:

Using a foreign object.
Continuing a submission hold for more than a count of 5 while the opponent is holding the ropes (known as a ropebreak).
Interference by a third person attacking the opponent.
Low blows or illegal strikes.
Prolonged use of closed fists or other prohibited techniques like gouging the eyes.

Reversed Decision

If after the match, the winner continues to illegally attack the defeated opponent, the referee has the authority to reverse the decision, awarding the victory to the wrestler who had originally lost.

Pure Wrestling Rules match

A Pure Wrestling Rules match (used in ROH) is a special variant of the Single match with strengthened rules, used as the official rules for the ROH Pure Championship. Under these rules, each wrestler is allowed only three rope breaks; once they are all used, the wrestler cannot use the ropes to escape pins or submissions. Closed fists are illegal, and the first offense results in a warning; a second offense results in disqualification. The wrestlers must shake hands before and after the match (according to ROH's Code of Honor).