In the world of WWE, every match is a spectacle; here, the moments leading up to the action are equally crucial.
Behind the curtain, superstars engage in unique rituals to prepare mentally and physically. These pre-match routines, often steeped in tradition and personal significance, set the stage for the performances fans eagerly anticipate…
1. Tuning the Mind and Body
Music is more than just entertainment—it’s a tool many WWE superstars use to focus their minds and energize their bodies.
It sets the tone for what’s about to happen in the ring. Superstars often have personalized playlists that motivate them, calm their nerves, or help them channel their character’s energy.
For Big E, music is a vital part of his pre-match routine. He shared in interviews that he listens to songs that reflect the emotions he wants to bring into his match. Whether it’s upbeat tracks to fuel his vibrant persona or calmer tunes for focus, music helps him get in the zone.
Mick Foley, on the other hand, had a quirkier approach to music. Before some of his hardcore matches, he would listen to “Feed the Birds” from Mary Poppins.
This calming song provided a strange but compelling balance to the chaos he was about to face in the ring.
2. Preparing the Body for Impact
The physical toll of a WWE match is undeniable, and superstars take their warm-ups seriously to ensure their bodies can handle the demands. These routines aren’t just about avoiding injury — they’re about priming muscles for peak performance.
Cesaro’s pre-match routine includes various push-up variations, some with added weight. It’s not just about doing push-ups. It’s about making them challenging because the ring is no joke.
Tyson Kidd had a ritual of performing 100 Hindu squats before every match. This high-repetition exercise helped him maintain the agility and stamina required for his fast-paced, technical wrestling style.
Physical preparation like this is not just a habit—it’s an unspoken rule in the locker room. Skipping a warm-up is as good as asking for trouble.
3. Imagining Victory Before It Actually Happens
WWE is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Visualization is a common practice among superstars, helping them mentally rehearse their matches and anticipate different scenarios. This preparation ensures they walk into the ring with confidence and clarity.
Big E has openly talked about how he visualizes success before every match. He imagines how the match will flow, the moments he’ll shine, and even the victory celebration. Seeing the win in one’s head helps them believe it’s already theirs – ain’t it?
*This mental practice isn’t just about boosting confidence—it’s about reducing anxiety. Superstars walk out with a sense of control by imagining themselves succeeding even in the unpredictable world of professional wrestling.
4. A Touch of Luck
Every WWE superstar has their quirks, but for some, these quirks are non-negotiable rituals. Superstitions are deeply ingrained in many wrestlers’ routines – they serve as a source of comfort or confidence.
John Cena’s Tic Tac ritual is one of the more famous examples. Before every match, Cena would eat an entire box of orange Tic Tacs. It became such a habit that he joked about being addicted, eventually cutting back after realizing he was consuming multiple boxes daily. Still, the ritual symbolized a moment of calm before the chaos.
Goldberg, known for his fiery persona, had an extreme pre-match ritual. He would headbutt a locker or door to pump himself up before making his entrance. While this practice added to his intimidating aura, it sometimes caused unintended injuries, like concussions. Despite the risks, Goldberg stuck to this ritual because it was part of what made him feel ready.
These rituals may seem odd, but in the pressure-cooker environment of WWE, superstitions often provide the psychological edge superstars need.
5. Team Rituals: Unity Before Action
For tag teams and factions, preparation is about building unity and trust. Pre-match rituals among teammates ensure everyone is on the same page and ready to perform as a cohesive unit.
The Bella Twins had a heartfelt pre-match ritual that reflected their close bond. Before stepping into the ring, they would look each other in the eye, share a kiss on the cheek, and offer encouraging words. This simple act wasn’t just about comfort—it reinforced their connection as sisters and teammates.
Factions like The Shield had their rituals, often centered around their iconic entrance. The process of preparing for their crowd-immersive walk through the arena was a bonding exercise that built anticipation and focus. For them, entering as a united front was as important as the match itself.
These team-oriented rituals set the tone for how the group performs in high-stakes situations.
A Shared Tradition…
Beyond individual routines, the overall locker room atmosphere plays a significant role in pre-match preparation. The camaraderie, the shared jokes, and the collective focus create an environment where everyone feels supported.
It’s a mix of nerves and excitement. You look around, and everyone’s in their zone—it’s contagious!
The locker room is also where lighter moments happen to ease tension. Practical jokes, encouraging pats on the back, or even playful ribbing are all part of the pre-match ritual. These moments remind superstars that they’re part of something bigger than themselves—a team of performers united by a shared love for wrestling.
In a Nutshell
What happens before the curtain rises is just as fascinating as what happens under the spotlight. WWE superstars don’t just rely on talent and training—they lean on rituals that prepare them physically, mentally, and emotionally for the challenges ahead.
From listening to music to calm their nerves, performing grueling warm-ups to sharpen their bodies, visualizing success to build confidence, clinging to personal superstitions for a sense of control, and participating in team rituals — these habits are essential parts of their journey.
The next time you watch a WWE match, think about the unseen effort behind every move and every moment!
