The Injury X Sign

[I_Like_All_Wrestling]

Most of the people who visit these forums are probably aware that when an wrestler is legitimately injured during a match, the referee crosses his arms above his head in an "X" formation to indicate that there is a real injury and medical help is required. It seems to me that they've been using the X kayfabe recently.

Tonight during RAW we saw the ref throw up the X during the battle royal, most likely for Wade Barrett or Dolph Ziggler. It was actually probably for both, and it did look legitimate, as they both took nasty spills over the rope (especially with Zigglers hitting the announcer table). But let's move on to some other recent instances.

Last night during the Elimination Chamber (which I did not watch, so I can only call out reports) it seems that a ref gave the X when Jericho was "knocked out" of the match. Now it seems that was part of a storyline.

Last week we saw Zach Ryder get tossed off the stage in a wheelchair and saw Cena do the X sign calling for help. I don't know if that was legit or not (honestly, I don't know how Ryder couldn't have gotten hurt).

I'm curious, what do you think about WWE utilizing the X injury sign in storylines, if that is indeed what they are doing. Do you think it's an inside peek for super wrestling fans? Is it intended to lend to the realism? Is it actually legit injuries and I'm reading too much into this? Thoughts...

Moderator's Comment: Everyone, this thread is NOT about last night's injury spot or the ones cited in the original post. The purpose of this thread is for general discussion about the use of the "X" injury signal. Any posts in this thread that solely discussed either last night's or other recently cited injury spots have been and will continue to be be deleted and possibly infracted for being off-topic.

 

[HorsemenNo4]

I don't think the X sign should play any part in the storylines. I understand what they're doing but that sign should only be for emergencies like tonight with Wade. There are other ways of getting attention for a so-called "hurt" wrestler.
For a moment, I thought Jericho was really hurt at Elimination Chamber. I saw the X sign and figured it was real. It wasn't till a few moments later when I saw the camera man, whose built like a wrestler (probably a local star hired for this gig to take the hit) that I figured it was a work.

X for emergencies only. Anything else to sell an injury is fine by me.

 

[TheJbody]

I feel kind of thrown off when it happens. Like you said usually an X symbol means a legit injury. I thought Jericho was really injured last night so they should have thrown the X. I don't know if Ryder was hurt or not but with this whole Ryder thing has gotten so confusing I don't know if it was legit or not.

Watching RAW Barrett and Dolph were really hurt so that was the right time to use the X. I don't know if it was kayfabe or not but Vickie Guerrero looked concerned.

But your right with all these injuries. I thought Jericho was out and the Wrestlemania match between him and Punk would be called off so I'm glad he's okay. But to see Dolph get injured and Barrett have his freaking arm broken makes me depressed and pissed off.

Update: Ziggler is working the dark match right now so he seems to be fine. Wade left with his arm in a sling.

 

[brighamosity]

I haven't had a chance to watch Raw yet, so I won't comment on that. But I personally like it when they use the X kayfabe. Wrestling is usually pretty predictable, so I love it when I have no idea whether something is real or not. Last night when Jericho "got hurt", I was leaning towards a work, but I was not positive, especially with the way CM Punk was reacting. I think WWE has every right to pull any trick they can think of to make the show look real. I'd even be ok with them looking into the camera and sounding sad like Cole and Lawler occassionally do. Granted, that hurts their credibility a little, but if they can fool me and make the show more believable, I am all for it.

 

[Pedigree1]

In no way shape or form should the X sign be used for storyline purposes!! The x sign is to be used for wrestlers who are legitimate. Barrett looks like he is really hurt hope not but it looks like he may miss some time!! Ziggles will be fine he got bounced around last night more than a basketball!! So in answer to the question i dont believe the x sign should be used in storytelling purposes only in legitimate situations.

 

[Elmarko13]

They really need to stop using the X sign in storyline if its a fake injury. It really takes away the importance of it, I mean it can be either way like when Jericho was "knocked" out i thought it was legitimate partially because of good acting but also because they throw up that x sign but other times you ignore it like its nothing because you just think oh the x sign means nothing. they need to have it mean its real or you wont be able to differentiate between times like this when the injury is real unless it really looks bad like this one did or the fake storyline ones.

 

[James]

It is their way of giving something to the Smarks, but I don't like how they are using it when it doesn't need to be used. Usually it is something you never see on camera unless it is a little glimpse.

 

[I_Like_All_Wrestling]

I suppose I should throw in what I think about this.

I do not think Ryder was hurt, although I feel like it's almost impossible that he wasn't with a stunt like that.

I do not think Jericho was hurt. I think we know that as as fact now.

I do think that Barrett was hurt, and maybe Ziggler. That's a shame, because while I wasn't the biggest Barrett fan, I think he's been on a great run lately.

My preference is for WWE not to use the X in storylines. I suppose it doesn't really make a difference, because the majority of fans won't know what it means anyway, but I think there should be something that separates real from not real in terms of injuries (though maybe there's something else we don't know).

 

[sTyLnK]

It looked like Ziggler fell on Barrets arm or collerbone area. The second it happened the way Wade was reacting you knew it was legit and that's a real shame. I don't wish injury on anyone. Let's hope he bounces back stronger than ever.

 

[DeathJester]

I actually hate the kayfabe use of the X sign. Given that wrestling is always risky business, I like to know that the actual people portraying their characters are really okay. Wade Barrett suffered a legit broken arm so the X we saw tonight is very real. The last two instances of the X (Cena calling for it after the Ryder drop and the refs calling for the Jericho "injury" at EC) are storyline only. WWE can use storyline "injuries" all they want, but the X needs to be reserved for actual emergencies only.

P.S. Cody Rhodes is STUPID for eliminating Santino off the side that Barrett was on. You can see Santino's head slide into Barretts broken arm when he landed on the floor.

[edit] for anyone who didn't get a good look at the broadcast, Wade Barrett twisted his arm when catching Ziggler on the floor. After the fall, you can clearly see that his left arm was broken when he pulled himself away.

 

[vampirek]

I don't see what the problem is, when they do it in storylines people in the back are aware of when it happens. It isn't like a cry wolf situation. Even then, take for example the Ryder incident had something legit happened to him the team that came out would also do the X sign to show it was real as that wouldn't be planned.

As long as everything is organised, I don't see a problem.

 

[Aaronliveshere]

On the PPV, the ref didn't put up the "X" (at least I didn't see it on camera). While Jericho was "knocked out", it was CM Punk talking to the other refs and he crossed his arms in an X. So I believe that Jericho's injury at the PPV was legit.

On just a side note, the battle royal to end RAW was a total train wreck and I don't mean that in a good way. Barrett probably had a broken arm, Dolph got his bell rung pretty good also. It seemed like Kofi might have fallen wrong when knocked off the top rope, landed on the steps, and then he almost crashed right into Vicky. I would HATE to be whoever Vince give the blame too on that match.

 

[seanaholic]

I saw Punk seem to ask refs last night with the X sign. was wondering then. I think that should be for real injury only. internet has changed the game a bit, but if its not the X, and that will be a storyline bits, they need a real new sign soon before someone gets hurt a doesnt get attended to quickly enough

 

[the_migulator]

I may be in the minority here, but I don't mind the 'X' for one simple reason, and it sounds kind of silly - but "Better Safe Than Sorry" kind of applies.

Generally, and I stress generally, the 'X' only comes out after big spots ie; Ryder being pushed off the stage. Any way you slice it that was a tough bump to make, crash mat or not. Why not bring out the medical team? After a big spot or bump it's a good idea for someone to come out and check on the talent.

I hope someone scolded Cody in the back after he eliminated Santino. Jesus, know your surroundings.

Regarding Punk's 'X' last night, I might be making too much of this, but I think that was Punk asking if it was legit, but I could be wrong.

 

[rwest615]

I don't like using the "X" sign if it is not legit. Wade Barrett's "X" was legit. His arm appeared to be broken between his wrist and elbow. It is also possible that he just dislocated his elbow, but whatever he did I do not see any way he doesn't miss some time. I also agree that Cody Rhodes should get some serious heat for eliminating Santino in the area Wade was laying. Santino's head fell onto Wade's arm while the trainer's were looking at it. Poor Wade took the hit twice. I do not agree with the post above that Wade was yelling because he was mad. Accidents and injuries are part of being a professional wrestler. I think the yelling was because he was in obvious pain.

 

[Stormlor]

The X has been used too much in storylines. If a wrestler (Cena) does it than it's not legit and it's based on a storyline. If a ref does it usually it's legit. You don't see this a lot anymore though but some refs used to spin their finger to make it look like an older siren light for legit injuries. I know in the indy scene they still do this.

 

[DeathJester]

I may be in the minority here, but I don't mind the 'X' for one simple reason, and it sounds kind of silly - but "Better Safe Than Sorry" kind of applies.

Bringing out the EMT's after a major spot has been common since Mick Foley was crazy enough to fall off the Cell a decade ago. The issue here is that the "X" is the only thing that lets the audience know whether the actors behind these wrestling characters are okay. If the X gets thrown up, we as an audience give the injured performer the proper respect. We don't want to have to figure out whether its part of the show or not.

 

[King of the Words]

I don't like the X being used when not needed. Somethings are best left alone. Someday they may get the story line mixed up and someone who is really hurt may not get the medical attention needed quick enough. I think it is best to leave the X out of story lines. WWE is trying to make it so we don't know when it is real and when it is scripted. I think doing this to the people is the actions of a jerk. With regards to the battle royal, Big Show used way too much force when he threw Dolph out. He didn't just drop him over, he put force behind it which resulted in maybe 2 serious injuries to 2 up and coming stars of WWE. Big Show seemed to have messed up on this one. If I were running the show he wouldn't be getting a match at Mania, at the very least. Actions need consequences.(IMO) He may not have tried it but he still did it. Imagine if he had to of threw Jericho like that and injured him. Vince would of had a heart attack, with one of the big Mania matches ruined. Lets see the fallout to this and see how much WWE thinks of Dolph and Wade.

 

[Headman]

They really need to stop using the X sign in storyline if its a fake injury. It really takes away the importance of it, I mean it can be either way like when Jericho was "knocked" out i thought it was legitimate partially because of good acting but also because they throw up that x sign but other times you ignore it like its nothing because you just think oh the x sign means nothing. they need to have it mean its real or you wont be able to differentiate between times like this when the injury is real unless it really looks bad like this one did or the fake storyline ones.

Take away from the importance? It's not there to entertain you, and if it's used to fool you what difference does it make? As long as the people in the back know when it's a legit "X" or a worked X then it doesn't matter what the fans at home think. Unless you're going to get up off your couch, run down to the arena and fix whatever is wrong with Wade Barrett I don't see any reason why the WWE can't trick you into thinking an injury is legit from time to time.

 

[DeathJester]

As I said before, the "X" is a matter of showing respect for the injured performer. If WWE starts using it for cheap pops and heat then it tells me that they have no regard for the health of their employees.

"As long as we cheer and boo the right people, who cares if someone just suffered a career threatening injury? Its all a part of fooling the audience, right?"

That is not the kind of show you should be presenting to a worldwide audience.

 

[1ToughSOB]

I am glad they use it and that the other wrestler, all so does his part to distract the crowd while the referee uses
the signal to alert medical personal, that a wrestler is down and is injured....like in tonight's 10 man battle royal
when Barrett got hurt, the crowds main attention was still on the match while medical staff attended to Barrett
on the ground

 

[Psyclone]

I would agree that the "X" sign needs to stop being thrown up for kayfabe injuries... It is only thrown out now in kayfabe because we, the "smarks" saw that when it was really an injury the ref threw up the "X" and when it was kayfabe it was not thrown... Kayfabe was important for the business and they felt it was ruining storylines because we would "know" that someone's injury wasn't legit.. This is stupid rationalization as honestly the vast majority of the audience doesn't read the "dirtsheets" every day.. they just want a good story and if someone's injured they'll believe it until proven otherwise... In the case of real injuries throw up the "X" so what if the smarks in the audience know its legit then... If its a kayfabe injury just have the ref's call to the back and do a "come here" motion with there arms... bring out the stretchers and doctors just the same.. The message gets across and only the smarks (the tiny majority of the audience) know that it's not truly legit... Same basic concept (Doctors/stretchers/refs) but with one we know not to belittle the heel as he gets wheeled out (like Wade Barrett tonight... )

 

[Azane]

As long as the staff knows what's happening it's fine, they can ascertain if someone is legitimately injured when they arrive for "medical care".

It's not like they'll assume someone isn't hurt during a kayfabe injury and accidentally break their neck, these people are trained and take precaution.

 

[B3stInth3World]

first thing first, i didnt c last night PPV but from reading the other post and seeing tonight elimination match i feel like it was a caution thing with Jericho last night if u saw punk show the x to the ref in questioning his status. maybe JEricho WAS hurt (like r.truth was) and dey kept him out cuz of the whole concussion thing. i feel like maybe Punk might have suppose to lose to jericho with a WM rematch.

the reason i say this is because the main event for tonight looked too thrown together as if it was suppose to happen. if that was the case i doubt that they would have given kofi, rtruth and santino in previous matches. they could have used some of they other wrestlers for fillers. it all just seem thrown together. and it didnt help with the injury to wade which was legit and i felt bad for him. cuz u can c in his face he felt all his hard work gone to waste.

i hate the idea of the X being used in storyline. it was so stupid for cena to use it, he was too far away to know if it was a legit injury. and really just use it for real emergencies.

 

[jrichardson25]

Depends on the situation. Storyline or not they're still real guys in what can be real dangers. If they throw it up as a precaution and that adds to the story fine. If its completely legit and they need to stop a match, that's for the best.

Do I feel as though for story lines its being used? No. All the recent injuries have looked pretty sick. Jericho for all we know could have gotten KO'd last night... and Ryder could have landed badly... just a matter of the situation really.