Blading

Blading is a practice in professional wrestling in which a performer intentionally causes a minor facial laceration to produce visible bleeding. The act is usually accomplished by applying a small blade—often referred to simply as a blade—hidden in tape, jewelry, or other gear, and then making a controlled incision on the forehead or another area. The resulting blood is displayed on camera to heighten drama and signal injury as part of a match narrative.

History and usage: Blading has historical roots in mid-20th-century wrestling and became a common storytelling device in various promotions around the world. Its prevalence varied by era and organization, with some performers and promotions embracing it as a staple of realism, while others discouraged it for safety reasons.

Safety and ethics: Blading carries significant risk, including infections, nerve or arterial injury, and scarring. Because of these risks, many promotions prohibit blading or require medical clearance after bleeding incidents. In modern wrestling, non-bloody storytelling and makeup or synthetic blood are often used as safer alternatives.

Impact and reception: The practice is controversial; some fans view it as a legitimate element of the spectacle, while others criticize it as unsafe or exploitative. The use of blading has diminished in many major organizations but remains a notable topic in wrestling history.