Ten-bell salute
In professional wrestling, a ten-bell salute is given to honor a wrestler who has died, especially when the wrestler is a current member of the promotion or a distinguished former member of the promotion. It is the professional wrestling equivalent of a three-volley salute. It is typically given at the beginning of a card, with the current members of the promotion either in the entryway, in the ring, or around the ring. Both the wrestlers and audience observe a moment of silence while the bell is rung. In Japanese wrestling, ten-bell salutes (“ten-count gongs”) are held not only for deceased wrestlers but also for retiring wrestlers to mark the end of their careers. Retirement ten-count gongs are often preceded with a retirement ceremony for the retiree where they are presented with gifts, flowers and career memorabilia from the active roster, high-ranking officials of the promotion and special guests. Honorees World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE WWE (formerly known as the World Wrestling Federation and World Wrestling Entertainment) has included several ten-bell salutes in its television broadcasts and live events. Some of the honorees include: David Von Erich (1984, acute enteritis) André the Giant (1993, heart failure) Brian Pillman (1997, heart failure) Rick Rude