Professional wrestling holds: Difference between revisions
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The wrestler grasps the opponents neck with both hands then lifts them up, choking them. This is a transition hold for moves such as the [[Powerbomb#Chokebomb|Chokebomb]] or the [[Professional wrestling attacks#Chokeslam|Two handed chokeslam]]. Also known as a '''Hanging Tree.''' |
The wrestler grasps the opponents neck with both hands then lifts them up, choking them. This is a transition hold for moves such as the [[Powerbomb#Chokebomb|Chokebomb]] or the [[Professional wrestling attacks#Chokeslam|Two handed chokeslam]]. Also known as a '''Hanging Tree.''' |
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Notable users include: [[Glen Jacobs|Kane]] |
Notable users include: [[Glen Jacobs|Kane]] and [[David Bautista|Batista]] |
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=== Body locks === |
=== Body locks === |
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Revision as of 06:16, 29 January 2006
Professional wrestling holds include a number of set moves and pins used by competitors to immobilize their opponents. This article covers the various pins, stretches and transition holds used in the ring. Many of these holds are based on actual, real-world martial arts holds that can injure or kill; therefore, these should never be tried except under qualified supervision.
Pinning combinations
The purpose of a pinning maneuver is to hold the victim's shoulders against the mat for a count of three (See: pin fall). The count is broken if the victim manages to raise one or both of his shoulders off of the mat, usually by kicking out.
Sometimes, a wrestler may hook the opponents tights for extra leverage. Or, if a wrestler is close enough to the ring ropes, he may aid a pin by propping his legs up on the ropes to gain additional leverage and put more of his weight on the victim. This is illegal according to the rules of professional wrestling, since a wrestler is required to break a hold if he or his opponent is touching the ropes or holding the tights, but is frequently attempted by heels when they think that the referee won't catch them. These tactics are very frequently employed by Ric Flair, almost to the point of cliche.
In some positions, a wrestler may bridge, arching his back so that only his feet and the top of his head are touching the ground, to put more of his weight on his pinned opponent or to prop them up.
Back slide
The wrestler stands back-to-back with his opponent and hooks both of the opponent's arms. He then leans forward and drops to his knees, sliding the victim down his back so that their shoulders are against the mat and their chin is against their chest. The attacker holds the victim's arms down with his own arms for the pin.
Cover
Also known as a lateral press, cross press or simply as the basic pin. With his opponent lying face-up on the mat, the wrestler lies face-down across his opponent's chest to hold him down. Sometimes, when both wrestlers are supposed to be exhausted or badly hurt (usually in a long, drawn-out match), a wrestler will cover just with his arm.
Cradle
The wrestler lies across his opponent's chest and hooks a leg with the arm on the opposite side (the left leg with the right arm or the right leg with the left arm). Holding the leg gives the wrestler greater leverage and makes it harder for his opponent to kick out. This was derived from the inside cradle and outside cradle in amateur wrestling, much like the "small package" is an inside cradle with a leg hooked.
Crucifix (pin)
A wrestler hooks the arms of an opponent, one by grapvining his legs around it, and the other using his arms. This leaves the attacking wrestler horizontally placed across the back of the victim, while the victim has his arms spread out like a crucifixion. The attacking wrestler then lowers his bodywieght so that the victim is brought drown to the mat backwards and is forced on to his own shoulders in a pinning position with his legs in the air.
It has been known for wrestlers to violently force their bodyweight downwards to throw the victim into the mat with greater impact, this is called a Crucifix Bomb.
These moves are not to be confused with the Crucifix hold or its bomb counterpart
Delfin Clutch
The wrestler crosses the arms of the opponent across the opponent's chest who is laying on his back, and kneels down on one knee on the arms, pinning the opponent's shoulders down to the mat. The wrestler also grabs the opponent's legs, crosses them, and places them under one of his armpits, bending the opponent to a pinning predicament.
Named by Super Delfin who uses it has his finishing hold.
Gedo clutch
Sometimes referred to as a double leg nelson. The wrestler sits kneeling on the back of an opponent who is laying face down and facing the same way. The wrestler then grabs the opponent's arms and lifts them over his thighs, similar to a camel clutch. Then the wrestler then grabs hold of the opponent's head and pushes it down and forward between his legs, while leaning himself forward onto his stomach, flipping the opponent over onto their shoulders, with the wrestler's legs pinning the opponent down to the mat.
Popularized and named by Gedo. Other notable users include: Chad Collyer.
La casita / La magistral
With his opponent on hands and knees, the wrestler stands next to the victim's hip, grabs one arm and applies an armbar. He then steps over the arm with his inside leg so that he is facing away from the victim. The wrestler continues his turning motion and dives forward over the victim, rolling onto his side. The barred arm acts as a lever, flipping the victim over the attacker and onto the back. The attacker hooks a leg as the victim goes over and holds for the pin.
Oklahoma roll
The wrestler stands to the side of his opponent, who is on hands and knees. The attacker hooks one arm around the victim's neck and one between the legs, and rolls over the victim. The attacker lands on his back or side, and the victim is flipped so that his shoulders are pressed against the floor.
Roll-up
The wrestler rolls his opponent back so that the victim's legs are above the head. The attacker wraps his/her arms around the legs and presses down to pin the shoulders.
Sitout pin
The attacking wrestler sits down with the legs of the victim hooked over their shoulders so that the legs and lower body of the victim are elevated while the victim's shoulders and upper back are in contact with the ground. The arms of the victim are sometimes pinned beneath the legs of the attacker. This hold results from numerous throws, including the sitout powerbomb and the spin-out powerbomb.
Small package
The small package is a pinning maneuver where the wrestler applies a front facelock on the opponent, falls down backwards while turning, hooking the opponent's far leg with his legs and the opponent's other leg with his free arm, ending up on top of the opponent, pinning his shoulders against the mat.
The move can be performed from various positions: while both the wrestler and opponent are standing, with the opponent bending over the wrestler who's laying down on his back, with the wrestler grappling an opponent running towards him, with the wrestler running towards the opponent, and so on.
Sunset flip
The wrestler and his opponent face each other, with the attacker on higher ground (such as the top turnbuckle). The attacker dives over the victim, catches him in a waistlock from behind, and rolls into a sitting position as he hits the mat. As the attacker rolls over, he pulls the victim over backwards so that he lands on his back.
Victory roll
The wrestler jumps onto his opponent's shoulders from behind and rolls forward. As the attacker flips over, he hooks his opponent's shoulders with his legs, flipping the victim over onto his shoulders. The attacker hooks both of the victim's legs to hold him in place for the pin.
Rana
The technical term for the pinning position which results from a sunset flip or a hurricanrana. It is executed with the victim laying shoulders down on the mat, almost completely flat on their back, the wrestler who is performing the move places his legs on the victims shoulders or arms and sits behind them and hooks both legs around the thighs to force their weight down to the mat. Another variation which usually results from hurricanranas sees the one performing the move sit on the victims chest and hook the victims legs behind them whilst hooking their arms with their legs.
Prawn hold
Similar to a Rana, except that the one performing the pin is standing, bent over the victim with both legs hooked pressing his weight down. This pin is typically the result of a powerbomb, such as Toshiaki Kawada's.
Jackknife hold
The attacker places his head between the victims legs and grabs hold of them with his arms. He then flips forward planting his feet and bridging his back to add leverage to the pin.
Stretches
An element borrowed from professional wrestling's catch wrestling origins, stretches (or submission holds) are techniques in which a wrestler holds another in a position that puts stress on their body. They are usually employed to weaken an opponent or to force them to submit, either vocally or by tapping out: slapping the mat, floor, or opponent with a free hand three times.
Many of these holds, when applied vigorously, stretch the victim's muscles or twist their joints uncomfortably, hence the name. Chokes, although not in general stress positions like the other stretches, are usually grouped with them as they serve the same tactical purposes.
In public performance, for safety's sake, stretches are usually not performed to the point where the victim must submit or risk injury. Likewise, chokes are usually not applied to the point where they cut off the oxygen supply to the victim's brain. A notable exception is Japanese shoot-style wrestling, in which wrestlers are expected to apply legit submissions to end matches.
While some stretches rely entirely on the acting ability of the victim to sell them as painful or debilitating, many are legitimately effective when fully applied. They should not be attempted without proper training and supervision, as there is significant risk of serious injury.
Head, face, and chin locks
Anaconda vice
The Anaconda vice is done from a position in which the attacker and the opponent are seated on the mat. The attacker sits on the opponent's right side (the attacker's left), and with his right arm, goes around the left side of the victim's head and grabs his right wrist, bending the arm upwards. Then, the attacker maneuvers his left arm through the "hole" created by the opponent's bent right wrist, and locks his hand upon his own right wrist, then pulls the opponent forward, causing pressure on the opponent's arm and neck.
The hold was innovated by New Japan Pro Wrestling star Hiroyoshi Tenzan after a training excursion to Calgary to train with Tokyo Joe, and is used frequently in the United States by CM Punk.
In a varation called the Anaconda Cross the opponent's other arm is also trapped as it is wrapped over the opponent chest, and pinned under the wrestlers's arms. This variation was also innovated by Hiroyoshi Tenzan.
Camel clutch
The wrestler sits on the back of his opponent, who is face down on the mat, and reaches under his opponent's arms to apply a chinlock. The wrestler then leans back and pulls the opponent's head and arms back (and as a result, pulling the torso back as well). In its early years, this was thought of as a potentially match ending submission but these days it enjoys only limited use and effectiveness.
It was innovated by Salvador Gory Guerrero, who gave the move to his tag team partner, El Santo, who then popularised its use. It was first known as the La de a Caballo ('on horseback'). Lebanese-American wrestler The Sheik and Iranian wrestler The Iron Sheik used it as a finisher, giving it the name "camel clutch". Later, Scott Steiner would use the camel clutch as a finisher starting in the nWo era of WCW; WCW announcers called it the Steiner Recliner. It was also used by former WWE performer Muhammad Hassan.
Side camel clutch
The opponent lays down on the mat face down. The attacker lays on the opponent's back sideways with his torso pressing the opponent's lower back, and his legs on the mat for leverage. The attacker then reaches forward and locks his hands around the opponent's face and pulls back, causing the opponent's neck and upper body to bend backwards.
This move is essentially a Crossface in which the opponent's arm isn't locked.
Notable users include: Christopher Daniels
Chinlock
The victim is on the ground, and the wrestler is up. The wrestler sits the victim up and places his/her knee in the opponent's back. He/she grasps the opponent's chin and wrenches the chin either to the side, or straight back. This is an actual effective technique, that if not done carefully could strain, or even snap the tendons in the opponents neck. Also called a rear chin-lock.
A version of this hold, coined as a Reverse chinlock with a bridge by Jim Ross in an edition of WWE RAW, where the attacker kneeling before the opponent grasps the victim's neck into a reverse chinlock, before flipping forward to plant his feet and bridge his back adding additional pressure to the victim's neck and upper back. Notable users include Jazz and most recently Victoria.
Clawhold
Also known as The Iron Claw, the clawhold was a finishing hold of Teutonic heels, Fritz Von Erich and Baron Von Rasche. The claw was a squeezing of the temples by the thumb and pinky, while the palm compressed the face. Usually the ref would declare the victim incapacitated and call the match. A ruthless user of the hold, such as Blackjack Mulligan, could draw blood either by breaking the nose or inducing a hemorrhage.
Other notable users include: Blackjack Lanza, Barry Windham, Kevin Von Erich and Kerry Von Erich.
Cobra clutch
Also known as a cross-arm lock or cross-arm choke. The attacker stands behind the victim and uses one arm to place the victim in a half nelson. The attacker then uses their left / right arm to pull the victim's right / left arm across the victim's neck, thereby using the opponent's own arm to choke them. This can be set up as a bomb technique as well; after setting the clutch, sitting down and dropping the opponent on the back, using their hands as handles. This was the finishing technique of the wrestling legend Sgt. Slaughter. It is also known as the Million Dollar Dream and was the finisher of The Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase and his then protege "The Ringmaster" Steve Austin. Currently, WWE RAW superstar Rene Dupree uses this hold as a finisher.
Crossface
The wrestler locks one of his opponent's arms in between his legs, locks his hands around the victim's chin (or lower face), and pulls back, stretching the victim's neck and shoulder. The opponent is originally found belly first on the ground with the wrestler on top and to the side of the opponent. The move was invented by Dean Malenko.
Notable users include: Chris Benoit (Crippler Crossface), Yuji Nagata (Nagata Lock II),Jado (Crossface of Jado), and Samoa Joe.
Spinning head scissors crossface
Wrestler applies spinning head scissors to opponent as he wraps around opponent's body brings arm down and locks it between his own legs before applying crossface.
Notable user: Jimmy Rave (From Dusk Till Dawn)
Chickenwing over the shoulder crossface
Instead of locking the opponents arm between his legs, the attacker places it over his near shoulder, and then applies the crossface.
Notable users include: Alex Shelley (Border City Stretch), Moshik Cohen (West Bank Stretch)
Not to be confused with Crossface Chickenwing.
Front chancery
The wrestler faces his opponent, and both are in same position (prone or standing). The attacker then places his forearm under opponent's chin and armpit on top of it. The attacker may also underhook his opponent's arm with his free arm.
Front sleeper
The wrestler places the opponent in a front chancery and rolls backwards, pulling the opponent over him an onto their back, with the wrestler ending up laying on the opponent. The wrestler then squeezes the opponent's torso with his legs, similar to a body scissors and arches his back backwards, pulling the opponent's head forward, and thus appling pressure on the neck.
Front facelock
The wrestler faces his opponent, who is bent forward. The attacker tucks the victim's head in his armpit and wraps his arm around the head so that the forearm is pressed against the face. The wrestler then grabs the arm with his free hand to lock in the hold and compress the victim's face.
From behind his opponent, the wrestler slips both arms underneath the victim's armpits and locks his hands behind his neck, pushing the victim's head forward against his chest. It can be combined into either a suplex (throwing the opponent backwards) or a slam (lifting the opponent on the nelson and then releasing).
A full nelson can also be done as a combination of a half nelson maneuver with one of the attacker's hands and arms holding one of the victim's arms and the other arm being held by the attacker's legs (an arm scissors) to complete the nelson. Genichiro Tenryu calls this maneuver the "Anti-WAR Special". It is also used by current WWE RAW superstar "The Masterpiece" Chris Masters as a finisher, calling it "The Master Lock", where he applies extra pressure by swinging the opponent side to side.
Sugar hold
The attacker sits on the back of a face-down victim and slips both arms underneath the victim's armpits and locks his hands behind his neck, pushing the victim's head forward against his chest.
Notable users include: Steven Richards, Stu Hart
Standing behind his opponent, the wrestler wraps one arm under the opponent's armpit (on the same side) and places the hand behind the victim's head. The attacker then pulls back with that side of his body while pushing forward with the hand, bending the victim's shoulder back and pressing the chin against the chest.
Inverted facelock
The wrestler stands behind his opponent and bends him backwards. The wrestler tucks the opponent's head face-up under his armpit, and wraps his arm around the head so that his forearm is pressed against the back of the opponent's neck. The wrestler then pulls the opponent's head backwards and up, wrenching the opponent's neck.
Bite of the Dragon
The wrestler stands behind the opponent with the ring ropes between them. He grabs an Inverted facelock on the opponent and wraps his legs around the opponent's body, into a bodyscissors. As the move uses the ring ropes it's illegal under most match rules, and the perpetrator has to release the hold before the referee reaches a five count or be disqualified.
Named by Low Ki, who uses it as one of his signature moves.
Inverted facelock camel clutch
The wrestler stands behind his opponent and applies an Inverted facelock. He then forces the opponent down to the mat face down, sits on his back, and pulls backwards, stretching the opponent's neck and upper body backwards.
Notable users include: Low Ki (Dragon Clutch)
Stretch Plum
The wrestler applies an Inverted facelock to a seated opponent and places his far leg between the opponent's legs and pushes his near leg's knee against the opponent's back. The wrestler then pulls the opponent's head backwards with their arms and the opponent's far leg outwards with their leg. This move is also known as "Eastern Stretch".
Notable users include: Plum Mariko (for whom it was named), Toshiaki Kawada
Mandible claw
The wrestler darts their middle and ring fingers into soft tissue under the victim's tongue with their thumb under the chin, squeezing the mandible between them. This hold was first used in the 1960s by Sam Sheppard, who briefly wrestled following his acquittal in a celebrated trial on charges of murdering his pregnant wife. However, the hold is far more identified with Mankind, who often put a sock (which he called "Mr. Socko") or brown glove covering the two fingers used on his hand before using the move. It is different from the traditional clawhold. Because the mandible claw is a nerve hold, it is not possible for the victim to "bite [the opponent's] God-damn fingers off", as Bill Watts once asked Foley.
Three-quarters face lock
The attacker stands in front of the victim while both persons are facing the same direction, with some space in between the two.
Then, the attacker moves slightly to the left while still being in front of the victim. Then, the attacker uses the right hand to reach back and grab the victim from behind the head, thus pulling the victim's head above the attacker's shoulder.
The two-handed version sees the attacker use both hands, and can be referred to as the three-quarter chancery, side head chancery or, most often, the Cravate. This hold is a staple of technical European style professional wrestling, and at present is frequently employed by Brit Nigel McGuiness and has also found popularity with European-influenced American wrestlers such as Chris Hero.
The three-quarter nelson hold is halfway between the full and half nelsons. One shoulder of the opponent is put in a nelson hold, the other is put in a hammerlock or chickenwing.
Side headlock
A hold where the wrestler who is facing away from the opponent has his arm wrapped around the neck of the opponent.
STF
STF is short for Step-over Toe-hold Facelock and is performed on an opponent who is lying face down on the mat. A wrestler grabs one of the opponent's legs, and places the victim's ankle between his/her thighs. The wrestler then lays on top of the opponent's back and locks his arms around the opponent's head. The wrestler then pulls back stretching the opponent's back, neck, and knee.
The STF was invented by Lou Thesz, and is popularly used by his Japanese disciple, Masahiro Chono. John Cena uses a headlock variation, which he labels the "STF-U".
Cross leg STF
The wrestler takes the opponent's legs, bends them at the knees, and crosses them, placing one ankle in the other leg's knee-pit. The wrestler then grabs the free ankle and places its ankle between his thighs. He then lays on top of the opponent's back and locks his arms around the opponent's face. The wrestler then pulls back stretching the opponent's back and neck.
Notable users include: Masahiro Chono, Homicide, Jazz
In the variation known as the Regal Stretch in addition to crossing the opponent's legs, the wrestler reaches under one of the opponent's arms to lock his hands around the opponent's head. This causes the opponent's upper body to twist, causing extra pressure.
Named by William Regal, who used it as a finisher.
Muta lock
Also known as Sickle hold.The wrestler takes the opponent's legs, bends them at the knees, and crosses them, placing one ankle in the other leg's knee-pit. The wrestler then turns around so that he is facing away from the opponent and places one of his feet into the triangle created by the opponent's crossed legs. He then places the opponent's free ankle under his knee-pit and bridges backwards to reach over their head and locks his arms around the opponent's head. Named after The Great Muta, who popularized the move. Other notable users include A.J. Styles and Melina.
STS
Short for Step-over Toe-hold Sleeper. Otherwise similar to an STF, but the wrestler wraps his arm around the neck of the opponent as in a sleeper hold instead of pulling back the head of the opponent. Named and popularized by Masahiro Chono.
A variation in which, after applying the STS, the wrestler turns to his side, pulling the opponent on top of him, face up. Also innovated and popularized by Masahiro Chono, who calls it FTS.
Arm locks
Armbar
The wrestler grabs the opponent's arm and wrenches it backwards, placing pressure on the shoulder and elbow of the opponent.
Head scissors armbar
The wrestler wraps his legs around the opponent's head, facing towards the opponent. He then grabs one of the opponent's arms and wrenches in backwards, causing pressure on the shoulder and elbow of the opponent.
Low Ki uses this move on a standing opponent, calling it the Iron Octopus.
Kensuke Sasaki crosses his legs before applying the head scissors with his shins on an opponent who is laying down on the mat face down. Sasaki then turns to his side, forcing the opponent's body of the mat, causing extra pressure, as the opponent has to support his bodyweight on his squeezed neck. He calls this variation Strangle Hold Alpha.
Scissored armbar
The attacker approaches a prone, face down victim from the side. The attacker then "scissors" (clasps) the near arm of the victim with their legs and takes hold of the far arm of the victim with both hands, forcing the victim onto their side and placing stress on both shoulder joints, as well as making it harder for the victim to breathe.
Crucifix armbar
The attacker holds an opponent's arm with his, pulling the arm across his chest. He is situated perpendicular to and behind the opponent. The attacker then holds the other arm with his legs, stretching the shoulders back in a crucifying position and hyperextending the elbow.
This technique is also called a cross armbreaker, or jujigatame, a term borrowed from Judo. Frequent users of the hold include Nobuhiko Takada, and Craig Pittman (Code Red).
Tiger feint crucifix armbar
The victim begins supine, lying with their back on the bottom or second rope and facing into the ring. The attacker runs towards the victim and jumps through the second and top rope while holding on to the ropes, then swings around and grapevines the opponent's arms, applying a crucifix armbar.
Ashigatame
Similar in execution to the Wakigatame, except the wrestler applying the hold positions his/her hips above the shoulder of the sitting or grounded opponent, using the legs to keep the opponent's outstretched arm scissored as it is pulled backwards and upwards to stretch the front of the shoulder.
Chickenwing
The wrestler stands behind the opponent, hooks one of his arms, and pulls it upwards.
Chickenwing arm lock
Also known as Double wrist lock. In Mixed martial arts this move is known as the Kimura, after Masahiko Kimura. The wrestler lays on top of the opponent's torso, in a 90° angle. He then grabs hold of the opponent's wrist with his far hand and pushes it behind the opponent's back. He then puts his other arm over the opponent's shoulder, reaches under the opponent's arm and grabs hold of his other wrist. He then uses his both arms to pull the opponent's arm behind him into an unnatural position, causing pressure.
Notable users include: Lou Thesz (Double wrist lock), El Samurai
Key lock
This hold is very similar to the Chickenwing arm lock, the difference being that the opponent's arm is bent the other way. The wrestler lays ontop of the opponent's torso, in a 90° angle. He then grabs hold of the opponent's wrist with his near hand, so that the opponent's hand is palm up and bent fully, and holds it down. He then reaches under the opponent's arm with his other arm and grabs hold of his other arm's wrist. He then forces the opponent's elbow upwards, bending the arm to an unnatural position. Currently used by Daniel Puder as a finisher.
Crossface chickenwing
A modification of the move, involving locking the opponent's arm with the attacker's arm brought across the face, serving to bend the neck back as well.
Notable users include: Bob Backlund, "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson, Raven, Johnny Smith, Tiger Mask IV
Sitting double chickenwing
The attacker locks both of the opponents arms into chickenwings, forces him to a seated position, and pushes his chest forward against the opponent's shoulders while pulling the opponent's arms upwards.
Notable users include: Genichiro Tenryu (WAR Special)
Fujiwara armbar
A grounded armbar with the victim lying on his belly, the aggressor lies on the victim's back, at a 90° angle to him, putting some or all of his weight on the victim to prevent him from moving. The opponent's arm is then hooked and pulled back into his body, stretching the forearms, biceps and pectoral muscles. Variations of this can include clasping the victim's hand instead of hooking the upper arm, for extra leverage and bridging out, whilst performing the move to increase leverage and immobilise the victim.
The move is named after Yoshiaki Fujiwara, the first graduate of the New Japan Pro Wrestling dojo and who later contributed to the formation of the Japanese UWF.
This hold is sometimes referred to in American wrestling as the Painkiller.
Other notable users include: Paul Burchill (Royal Mutilation)
Hammerlock
The attacker grabs his opponent's arm, pulling it around behind the opponent's back. This stretches the pectorals and shoulder joint, and immobilizes the arm.
Wakigatame
More widely known as an arm wrench. This is an arm bar technique found in Judo and Aikido, and is a commonly used technique. The wrestler takes the opponents arm and twists it counter clockwise, putting pressure of the shoulder and elbow.
Wrist lock
The attacker grasps the victim's hand and twists backwards, placing pressure on the wrist. While this can inflict pain on its own, it is most often used as a transition hold, leading into either a hammer lock, an elbow to the held arm, or kicks to the victim's abdominal area.
Chokes
Arm triangle choke
The wrestler wraps his arms around the head and one arm of the opponent and squeezes, choking the opponent. It is considered legal in professional wrestling, although it is a choke hold.
Notable users include: Tamon Honda (Olympic Hell), Gregory Helms
Cross arm choke
Also known as the Japanese stranglehold, Criss-cross Stranglehold, or Straight-jacket. The wrestler sits on the back of an opponent who is laying face down on the mat. The wrestler then grabs hold of the opponent's wrists and crosses their arms under their chin. The wrestler then pulls back on the arms, causing pressure.
Notable users include: Jinsei Shinzaki (Goku-Raku Gatame Stretch and Nirvana Strangle), Victoria
Double choke
The wrestler grabs his opponent's throat with both hands and throttles him.
Figure four necklock
This neck lock sees a wrestler sit above a fallen opponent and wrap his/her legs around the opponent in the form of the figure 4, with one leg crossing under the opponent's chin and under the attacker's other leg the attacker squeezes and chokes the victim.
In an illegal version of the hold, best described as a hanging figure four necklock, the wrestler stands on top of the turnbuckle, wraps his/her legs around the head of the opponent, who has their back turned against the turnbuckle, in the figure 4 and falls backwards, choking the victim. In most matches the hold would have to be released before a five count. This was popularized by Dragon Gate wrestler YOSSINO as the Courmori.
Notable users of this version include: Candice Michelle, Akio
Guillotine choke
The attacker applies a front sleeper and proceeds to take the opponent downward and applies a body scissors is applied with the legs. James Gibson uses this as a finishing move. Jun Akiyama also uses a modified version in addition to the normal one where he traps the opponent's legs instead of applying body scissors. This move is also a favorite of many mixed martial arts fighters.
Half nelson choke
The wrestler puts his opponent in a half nelson with one arm and grabs the victim's neck with the other. This hold is very similar to the judo choke hold known as a katahajime, frequently used as a finisher by Tazz and dubbed the "Tazzmission" when he used it.
Koji Clutch
The opponent lays on the mat. The wrestler lies face up and slightly to the side of the victim. The wrestler then hooks their far leg across the neck of the opponent. The wrestler then hooks his hands behind the opponent's head, having one arm pass over their leg and the other under. The wrestler then pulls backwards with his arms and pushes forward with his leg, causing pressure.
Named after Koji Kanemoto who popularised the move in Japan. Other notable users include Christopher Daniels, Mariko Yoshida (Spider Twist), and B-Boy (SoCal Stretch).
Rear naked choke
A grounded version of a sleeper hold that is derived from Martial Arts and more recently MMA.
Notable users include: Matt Striker (Happy Monkey Submission), Samoa Joe (The Choke / Coquina Clutch).
Single arm choke
The wrestler grabs his opponent's throat with one hand and squeezes tightly. This hold may precede a chokeslam, in which case it is referred to as a goozle.
Sleeper hold
Main article: sleeper hold
A sleeper hold is generally applied in the following manner:
- The person applying the hold positions himself behind his opponent.
- The person then wraps his right arm around the opponent's neck, pressing the bicep against one side of the neck and the inner bone of the forearm against the other side (it also works just as well reversed, with the left arm).
- The neck is squeezed inside the arm extremely tightly. Additional pressure can be applied by grabbing the left shoulder with the right hand, or grabbing the bicep of the left arm near the elbow, then using the left hand to push the opponent's head towards the crook of the right elbow.
- It is usually taught that at this point (or during the process) the opponent should be brought to the ground if not already there. This helps to avoid various self-defense techniques designed to protect against assault from the rear, such as instep stomps, shin stomps, and groin strikes.
- The opponent will typically go limp after 5-10 seconds of very hard pressure, at which point it is preferable to immediately release pressure, but to leave the arms in position. Holding the pressure longer will eventually cause brain damage and death, but leaving the arms in position allows one to be able to quickly reapply pressure if the opponent is faking unconsciousness or regains consciousness quickly.
Buffalo sleeper
The wrestler is kneeling behind a seated opponent. He grabs hold of one of the opponent's arms, bends it backwards overhead, and locks its wrist into his armpit. The wrestler then wraps his free arm under the opponent's chin, like in a Sleeper hold, puts his other arm through the arch created by the opponent's trapper arm, and locks his hands. He then squeezes the opponent's neck, causing pressure. Innovated and named by Hiroyoshi Tenzan.
Dragon sleeper
The wrestler stands behind the opponent, who is either sitting or laying down, places the opponent in an inverted facelock, and hooks the opponent's near arm with his free arm. The wrestler then pulls backwards and up, wrenching the opponent's neck.
Popularized by Tatsumi "Dragon" Fujinami in Japan. This move is also commonly used by Ultimo Dragon, and sometimes by The Undertaker, who calls it Takin' Care Of Business.
Beast choker
A Dragon Sleeper with body scissors. It is used by and named after Dan "The Beast" Severn.
Thumb choke hold
The attacker stands behind the victim and reaches around the victim's neck with one arm. The attacker then extends a thumb and thrusts it into the windpipe of the victim, cutting off their air supply. This move was used by Glacier, who called it the Ice Pick, and Terry Gordy, who called his version the Asiatic Spike.
Tongan death grip
The wrestler darts his/her hand under an opponent's chin. The wrestler grabs a hold on the pressure point above the throat and squeezes on the nerve.
This was used as a finishing maneuver by Haku aka Meng.
Triangle choke
The wrestler grabs hold of one his opponent's arms, wraps his legs around the opponent's throat and arm in a figure four and squeezes. Although it is a choke hold, it is still considered a legal hold. Commonly used in Japanese wrestling promotions and MMA.
This move is sometimes used by The Undertaker
Two handed chokelift
The wrestler grasps the opponents neck with both hands then lifts them up, choking them. This is a transition hold for moves such as the Chokebomb or the Two handed chokeslam. Also known as a Hanging Tree.
Notable users include: Kane and Batista
Body locks
Bear hug
A wrestler stands in front of an opponent and locks his hands around the victim, squeezing him. Often he will shake his body from side to side, in order to generate more pain around the ribs and spine.
Side bear hug
A wrestler stands to one side of an opponent, facing them, and locks their arms around the victim, linking their hands under the arm of the opponent on the opposing side. The wrestler then brings their arms closer together, compressing the torso of the opponent.
Body scissors
A wrestler approaches a sitting opponent from in front or from behind. The attacking wrestler then sits next to the victim and wraps their legs around the victim, crossing their legs and then tightening their grip to choke the wrestler by compressing their torso. This hold is normally used in conjunction with a hold applied to the head in order to restrain the victim.
Gutwrench
This is basically a bearhug from behind. A wrestler stands behind an opponent and locks his hands around the victim's stomach, pulling up and squeezing it.
Back and torso stretches
Abdominal stretch
Also known as a Cobra Twist, this hold begins with a wrestler facing his opponent's side. The wrestler first straddles one of the victim's legs, then reaches over the victim's near arm with the arm close to the victim's back and locks it. Squating and twisting to the side, flexs the victim's back and stretches their abdomen.
Backbreaker
See Backbreaker for moves that involve stretching the opponents back across a body part of an attacker.
Boston crab
This typically starts with the victim on his back, and the attacker standing and facing him. The attacker hooks each of the victim's legs in one of his arms, and then turns the victim face-down, stepping over him in the process. The final position has the attacker in a semi-sitting position and facing away from his victim, with the victim's back and legs bent back toward his face.
Bow and arrow hold
The attacker kneels on his opponent's back with both knees, hooking the head with one arm and the legs with the other. He then rolls back so that his opponent is suspended on his knees above him, facing up. The attacker pulls down with both arms while pushing up with the knees to bend the victim's back.
Gory special
This is also known as the Gory Lock. It was invented by Salvador "Gory" Guerrero, the father of Hector, Eddie, Chavo Sr. and Mando Guerrero. The attacker lifts the victim over their shoulder so that the victim's upper back is across the attacker's shoulder. Thus, the attacker and victim are back to back, facing opposite directions. The victim's legs are tucked around the attacker's hips. The attacker can now apply pressure by applying a chinlock and pressing down. One or both of the victim's legs can also be hooked for extra pressure.
Octopus hold
The attacker stands behind the victim and hooks a leg over the victim's opposite leg. The attacker then forces the victim to one side, traps one of the victim's arms with their own arm, and drapes their free leg over the neck of the victim, forcing it downward. This elevates the attacker and places all the weight of the attacker on the victim. The attacker has one arm free, which can be used for balance.
Popularized by Antonio Inoki in New Japan Pro Wrestling. The Japanese name for the move is the manji-gatame (inverted swastika hold).
Surfboard
The surfboard hold first sees an attack stand behind a fallen opponent, who is laying stomach first to the floor. The attacker places one foot down just above each of the opponent's knees and bends their legs up, hooking them around his/her own knees, at this point the attacker grasps both of his opponent's wrists (usually slapping the opponent's back in an attempt to bring the arms in reach), and falls backwards while compressing the victim's shoulder-blades and lifting them off the ground. This can see the attacker fall to a seated position or go onto his own back, lifthing the opponent skyward, which will increase pressure on the victim but puts the attacker in risk of pinning his own shoulders to the mat.
Another version of a surfboard which is most often applied by a standing wrestler against a prone opponent, but may also be applied by a seated wrestler, or against a seated or kneeling victim, sees the attacker grasps both of his opponent's wrists, while places his foot, or knee on the opponent's upper back, pulling back on the arms to compress the victim's shoulder blades.
The surfboard is also called as La Tapatía or Romero Special, named after the inventor Rito Romero.
Leg locks
Ankle lock
A wrestler using both arms takes hold of one of the opponent's legs and lifts the victim's lower leg from the base of the foot to the shin and wraps both arms around the foot, placing one arm around the ankle tightly and resting his/her other on the tip of the foot where the toes are, in a butterfly lock position. He/she then applies pressure on both areas of the foot forcing the ankle to bend unnaturally. This submission move was first popularized in the WWF/WWE by mixed martial arts fighter Ken Shamrock, and later became the signature move of Olympic gold medalist and WWE wrestler Kurt Angle.
A variation of this move is the grapevine ankle lock, in which the wrestler applying the hold falls to the mat and scissors the leg of the opponent. This stops the opponent from rolling out of the move and makes it harder for him/her to crawl to the ropes. Angle currently uses both variations of the ankle lock.
Argentine leglock
Also known as Stretch Muffler. An elevated Single leg boston crab. The wrestler stands over a face-down opponent lying on the ground. He lifts one leg of the opponent and drapes it over his neck. He then uses his arms to force the shin and thigh of the opponent down, thereby placing pressure on the opponent's knee.
Notable users include: Tsuyoshi Kikuchi.
Tony Mamaluke introduced a variation where he steps over the downed opponent and sits on their lower back as in a Half boston crab - which Brock Lesnar popularized as the Brock Lock. Último Guerrero uses a variation where he grabs his opponent's corresponding arm and wraps his feet around their neck called The Guerrero Special. Shuji Kondo uses his own variation where both his opponent's legs are crossed over the neck called Cat's Cradle.
Cross kneelock
With the opponent laying face down on the mat, the wrestler grabs hold of shin of one of the opponent's legs and wraps his legs around the leg. The wrestler then twists the leg, hyperextending the knee. Very similar to the grapevine ankle lock, with the only difference that the wrestler wraps his arms around the shin, and not his hands around the ankle of the opponent.
Commonly used as a counter to an attack from behind. The wrestler flips forward down on to his back, placing his legs around one of the legs of the opponent on the way down, and thus using his momentum to drop the opponent forward down to the mat. The move can be also applied by running towards the opponent and then performing the flip when next to him.
Notable users include Minoru. Shoichi Funaki used this as his finishing hold early on in his career.
Figure four leglock
The wrestler using this move stands over the opponent who is lying on the mat, face up and grasps a leg of the victim. The wrestler then places their leg in between their opponent's legs, turns 180 degrees over the leg and grasps the other leg, crossing them as he does so and falls to the mat, applying pressure to the opponent's crossed legs with his own.
This move was made popular as the finishing move of "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers, and later "Nature Boy" Ric Flair. It has also been used by Greg "The Hammer" Valentine. It has also been a regular move of Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, and Jeff Jarrett
A wrestler may counter the figure four by rolling over on to their stomach, which applies the pressure on the original applier's legs. This counter to the figure four is often coined as a modified Indian deathlock.
Ringpost figure four leglock
The opponent is either downed or standing next to one of the ring corner posts. The opponent exits the ring to the outside and drags the opponent by the legs towards the ringpost, so that the post is between the opponent's legs (similar to when somebody 'crotches' their opponent with the ringpost). The executer then stands on the ring apron, on the outside of the turnbuckle/ropes and applies the figure four leglock with the ringpost between the opponent's legs. The performer of the hold then falls back while grabbing the opponent's legs/feet, hanging upside down from the ring apron. The ringpost assists the move, creating more damage and leverage to the opponent's knee.
This variation of the figure four was popularized by Bret Hart.
Because the performer is out of the ring while he/she has this hold locked in, this move doesn't last long as it usually results in a count-out. This move also uses the ring-post also, which is illegal in professional wrestling, and a 5 count is used which leads to a disqualification.
Haas of Pain
A submission invented and named by the Haas brothers, Charlie Haas and the late Russ Haas, this modified inverted reverse figure-four leglock variation, sees Haas cross one leg of an opponent over the other and stand on the crossed leg, next he would take hold of the free leg and lay down on his back, to raise the victims legs up into the air causing both pain to the lower back and legs of the opponent.
Inverted three quarter figure four leglock
The victim is lying faced down on the ground. The attacker kneels over the victim’s thighs with his left leg between the victim’s leg, then bends his opponent’s left leg around his left thigh. After that he places the victim’s right leg over the victim’s left ankle and puts his own right leg under the victim’s left ankle. Finally, he puts both of his feet over the victim’s right foot and presses on it.
Damascus head-leglock
The attacker forces the opponent to the ground and opens up the legs of the opponent, stepping in with both legs. The attacker then wraps his legs around the head of the opponent and crosses the opponent's legs, applying pressure on them with his hands. The attacker next turns 180 degrees and leans back, compressing the spine. This hold applies pressure on the temples, the calves, and compresses the spine. Also known as the D-lock for the capital D formed.
Indian deathlock
The victim is on his back. The attacker folds his opponent's legs over each other as if putting him in an "Indian sitting" posture, then places his own knee on top of the victim's shins and puts his weight on them.
Inverted Indian deathlock
With the opponent on his back, the attacker standing beside him, sits with his leg over and between the opponants legs(often using a legdrop to the knee). Then places the opponants far leg in the Knee-pit of the near leg, finishing the submission by putting the opponants ankle on top of his own ankle and rolling both onto their bellys and pushing back with the attackers ankle.
Notable users include: Matt Stryker (Stryker Lock)
Reverse figure four leglock
The wrestler using this move stands over the opponent with the opponent face down and grasps a leg of the opponent. The wrestler then turns 180 degrees and grasps the other leg, crossing them as he does so and falls to the mat, applying pressure to the opponent's crossed legs with his own.
It is most closely associated with Japanese wrestler Yuji Nagata, calling it the Nagata Lock I. Nagata would salute to signal the maneuver to the crowd before dropping to the mat.
Sharpshooter
Also known as Scorpion Deathlock. The victim starts supine. The wrestler steps between his opponent's legs with one leg and wraps the opponent's legs around that leg. Holding the victim's legs in place, the wrestler then steps over the victim, flipping him over into a prone position. Finally, the attacker leans back to compress the legs.
This hold was first popularized by New Japan Pro Wrestling star Riki Choshu, who called it the Sasori-gatame (Scorpion hold). In North America, it was first popularized by Sting in the NWA and later WCW, under the name Scorpion Deathlock. The move's more popular name in North America, Sharpshooter, was made popular by the WWE (then WWF) wrestler Bret "The Hitman" Hart, who learned the move from Konnan. It is currently used by Chris Benoit, and Petey Williams who both use Hart's name for the move. Chris Adams also used this move for a time in 1985, calling it the "Superlock".
Other names include:
- Grapevine Boston crab
- Grapevine crab
- Cloverleaf leg-lace crab
Spinning toe hold
The wrestler using this move stands over the opponent who is lying on the mat, face up and grasps a leg of the victim. The wrestler then turns 360 degrees over the leg twisting it inward. A wrestler will repeatedly step over the leg and round again to twist the knee, and ankle joint even more.
Notable users include: Dory Funk, Jr., Terry Funk
Texas cloverleaf
The wrestler stands at the feet of his supine opponent, grabs the victim's legs and lifts them up. He then bends one leg so that the shin is behind the knee of the straight leg and places the ankle of the straight leg in his armpit. With the same arm, he reaches around the ankle and through the opening formed by the legs, and locks his hands together. He then steps over his opponent, turning the victim over as in a sharpshooter. Finally, the wrestler squats and leans back, similarly to a Boston crab. The hold compresses the legs, flexes the spine, and stretches the abdomen.
The move was pioneered by Dory Funk, Jr., but is most closely associated with Dean Malenko, who used it as his regular finisher. Christian Cage has also used this maneuver. Another version of this move was also used by Eddie Guerrero, who applied what would be considered "Half Texas Cloverleaf", in which saw Eddie turn the body of the victim and place a knee over the victim's neck, pulling back for more pressure. The move was dubbed, Lasso From El Paso.
Inverted cloverleaf
In this variation of a Texas cloverleaf instead of turning round when turning the victim over, the wrestler faces the same direction as the opponent to squat and lean forward to apply more pressure to the legs, spine, and abdomen. This hold is an alternate finisher, known as the Gorilla Clutch, of Shuji Kondo; whom also has a variation where he falls back and scissors the abdomen of his opponent.
Currently, a Sharpshooter variation is used by Edge who refers to it as the Edgeucator.
Transition holds
Some holds are meant neither to pin an opponent, nor weaken them or force them to submit, but are intended to set up the victim for another attack.
Arm trap
This is when a wrestler holds both the opponent's arms under his own, from here the opponent is left prone and unable to counter or move away from the attacker. Al Snow delivers a series of headbutts from this position, while other wrestlers use this to secure a suplex.
Butterfly
The attacker and the victim begin facing one another, with the victim bent over. The attacker approaches the victim and reaches under the victim's shoulders, then threads their arms up and around the victim's torso, with their hands meeting in the middle of the victim's back or neck (essentially an inverted full nelson hold). This hold is also known as a "double underhook".
Crucifix
The attacker stands in front of and facing a bent over victim and places them in a standing waistlock. The attacker then flips the victim up and over so the victim is lying face up on the back of the attacker. The attacker then moves his hands to the upper arm or wrists of the victim, holding them in position, and spreading the arms of the victim (as though they were being crucified). This is the set-up for a Crucifix Powerbomb.
Reverse crucifix
The attacker stands in front of and with their back to a standing opponent. The attacker then leans backwards and seizes the victim around the waist, pulling them forward and upwards so they are lying across the shoulder of the victim, facing downwards. The attacker then takes hold of the upper arms or wrists of the victim and spreads them, holding the victim in place.
Fireman's carry
The attacker would bend over with the victim standing to the side of the attacker. The attacker then pulls the victim's arm over his/her farthest shoulder and distributes the attacker's body over his/her shoulders while having the other hand between and holding onto one of the victim's legs and stands up. The victim is draped face-down across the wrestler's shoulders, with the wrestler's arms wrapped around from behind. It is a key component of several throws, drops and slams.
Gorilla press
The wrestler lifts his opponent up over his head with arms fully extended (as in the military press used in weight lifting). From here many throws, drops and slams can be performed.
It is a popular technique for very large wrestlers because it emphasizes their height and power. The Ultimate Warrior would often use this move followed by a body splash as his finisher
Lady of the Lake
This is a move used to trick an unsuspecting opponent. The wrestler sits down, crosses his or her legs, tucks their head into their chest and wraps one arm around their ankle (so they are effectively rolled into a ball). The wrestler then extends their remaining arm between their legs and then waits. The opponent, ostensibly confused, normally takes the proffered hand, at which point the wrestler rolls forward and into an arm lock of some description.
The Lady of the Lake is an old British wrestling technique, also known as the Johnny Saint Special. It is often used by Rocky Romero, and has on occasion been used by Eugene for comedic effect. The move relies on the cooperation of the opponent; on one occasion, Romero's attempt to apply the move was foiled when his opponent, Samoa Joe, refused to take his hand and instead simply began kicking Romero.
Mount
The wrestler sits on top of the opponent's torso, facing their head, with his legs on either side. When the opponent is facing down the position is referred to as back mount. Various strikes to the opponent's head are often performed from this position.
Pumphandle
The wrestler stands behind his opponent and bends him forward. One of the victim's arms is pulled back between his legs and held, while the other arm is hooked, then the wrestler lifts the opponent up over his shoulder. From here many throws, drops and slams can be performed.
Scoop
Facing his opponent, the wrestler reaches between his opponent's legs with one arm and reaches around their back from the same side with his other arm. The wrestler lifts his opponent up so they are horizontal across the wrestlers body. From here many throws, drops and slams can be performed.
Tilt-a-whirl
The attacker stands facing the victim. The attacker bends the victim down so they are bent facing in front on the attacker's body. The attacker reaches around the victim's body with their arms and lifts them up, spinning the victim in front of the attacker's body, often to deliever a slam or most commonly a Tilt-a-whirl backbreaker.
Usually performed on a charging opponent, this can also can be a transition hold for counter attacks that sees the wrestler (who is being tilt-a-whirled) hit many throws and drops like a DDT or head scissors (hurricanrana).
The maneuver is named after the popular Tilt-A-Whirl carnival thrill ride.
Wheelbarrow
This move is achieved when a wrestler wraps a forward facing opponent's legs around the his waist (either by stands behind an opponent who is laying face-first on the mat or by catching a charging opponent), then the wrestler would apply a gutwrench hold and lift the opponent up off the ground into the air, then either continue lifting and fall backwards to hit a variation of a German Suplex known as a Wheelbarrow Suplex, or forcing the victim back down to the mat to hit a facebuster variation.
This can also can be a transition hold for counter attacks that sees the wrestler (who is being wheelbarrowed) hit many throws and drops like a DDT or a bulldog and rolling pin combinations.
Miscellaneous
Airplane spin
A spinning fireman's carry, used to disorient the victim. This was the signature maneuver of the late Gorilla Monsoon. Other notable users include Eugene and Bryan Danielson.
Fish hook
The wrestler bends one of his fingers into a hook, and uses it to stretch the opponent's mouth or nose. An illegal hold under usual rules.
Austin Aries uses a half surfboard variation, called Fish Hook of Doom, where the opponent is laying face down. He grabs one of the opponent's wrists with one hand and fish hooks the opponent's mouth with the other. He then places his knees against the opponent's streched arm, and pulls back with his arms.
The Matrix
The defensive maneuver sees a wrestler bridge his/her entire body backward and placing the hands down on the mat to avoid an attack (often a clothesline), The name and the move itself are inspired by a scene in the movie The Matrix.
Notable users include: Trish Stratus (The MaTrish), Elix Skipper, Ricky Marvin
Tree of woe
This involves a wrestler turning a victim upside down on a turnbuckle, and placing the victim's back against the turnbuckle. The victim's legs are then hooked under the top ropes, leaving the victim facing the attacker, upside down. This is an illegal tactic used by an attacker, only to choke, kick or to stomp on a victim until the referee uses up his five count. The techniques is also used to trap an opponent whilst the attacker runs at them and delivers some form of offensive maneuver, such as a running knee attack or a baseball slide.
This move was made famous by Kevin Sullivan. Petey Williams uses a variation on this in which he places his opponent in the tree of woe and then stands on their crotch while singing the Canadian national anthem.
External links
- Archer, Jeff and Joseph Svinth (January 2005), Professional Wrestling: Where Sports and Theater Collide, InYo: Journal of Alternative Perspectives on the Martial Arts and Sciences.