Stiff (professional wrestling)
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To be stiff in professional wrestling is to hit an opponent with more force than usual or is necessary so as to make the attacks seem more real to the fans. This could be the result of a shoot, but some wrestlers have worked stiffly throughout their careers even though their intentions are not to legitimately hurt their opponents. Throughout his career Ric Flair has been known to be particularly stiff with his chops, to the extent of leaving red marks and even welts on opponents' chests.
In Japan, especially in the promotions All Japan Pro Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling, and Pro Wrestling NOAH, "stiff working" exists in nearly every match. Dubbed "Strong Style" in NJPW and "King's Road" in AJPW, it is done to show that the wrestlers are fighting hard for their pride and honor, a tradition that originated with the Samurai. However, being stiff in Japan is not restricted to Japanese wrestlers; Stan Hansen once delivered a blow so strong to Vader (also known for his stiff style) that it dislodged Vader's eye from its socket.
Stiffing can also be the act of a wrestler intentionally trying to cause harm to an opponent, often as a punishment or because they feel they have not been selling their offense enough to that point. NOAH's Tsuyoshi Kikuchi is infamous for stiffing younger wrestlers and wrestlers from other promotions during matches, seemingly as a way to tell them he is not to be underestimated despite his mid-division status; Bob Holly is an American wrestler notorious for similar behavior.
Wrestling Divas can also be known for having a stiff working style, most notably WWE RAW Diva Victoria inadvertently broke Candice Michelle's nose after a stiff kick to the face. Other notable stiff women workers include Melina, Jazz, and Jacqueline. It is notable that workers who either have a past of shoot fighting or other contact sports, are usually the stiffest workers in the ring.
