Professional wrestling holds
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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.
Moves are listed under general categories whenever possible.
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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 opponent'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 opponent must submit or risk injury. Likewise, chokes are usually not applied to the point where they cut off the oxygen supply to the opponent'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 opponent 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 (also spelled vise) is done from a position in which the wrestler and the opponent are seated on the mat. The wrestler sits on one side of the opponent and using his near arm encircles the opponent's head and grabs the opponent's near wrist, bending the arm upwards. Then, the wrestler maneuvers his other arm through the "hole" created by the opponent's bent wrist, and locks his hand upon his own 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.
In a variation called the Anaconda Cross the opponent's other arm is also trapped as it is wrapped over the opponent chest, and pinned under the wrestler's arms. This variation was also innovated by Hiroyoshi Tenzan.
Another variation involves both arms being held in a similar style. While a wreslter is laying on his front, the attacking wrestler performs a double inverse hammerlock, crossing over the forarms and wrists behind the opponent's back. Wrestlers have then been known to use this position to move into a headlock, or a leglock. The version of the move was first developed by Steve Wilson and was named the Double Inverse Hammerlock Crossover, or the Hammerlock X-stretch.[citation needed]
Camel clutch
The wrestler sits on the back of his opponent, who is face down on the mat, and places the arms of the opponent on his thighs. The wrestler then reaches around the opponent's head and applies a chinlock. The wrestler then leans back and pulls the opponent's head and torso. A camel clutch can also refer simply to a rear chinlock while seated on the back of an opponent, without placing the arms on the thighs.
It was invented by Salvador "Gory" Guerrero, who gave the move to his tag team partner, El Santo, who then popularized its use. It was first known as the La de a Caballo ('on horseback'). Lebanese-American wrestler The Sheik used it as a finisher, giving it the name Camel clutch. In the 1980's Iranian wrestler The Iron Sheik popularized it as well.
Scott Steiner began using a standing variation of the camel clutch -- applying more pressure to the neck, instead of the torso as with the normal camel clutch -- as a finisher during his time with the nWo dubbed the Steiner Recliner.
Camel clutch sleeper
This variation of the camel clutch is when a wrestler sits on the back of an opponent while they are laying on the mat face down. Instead of putting the opponent in a rear chinlock like in the original camel clutch, the wrestler wraps their arm around the opponents neck and chokes them out using a Sleeper hold.
Double chickenwing camel clutch
A wrestler stands behind an opponent and applies a double chickenwing. The wrestler then forces the opponent face-down to the mat, sits on his back, and pulls backwards, stretching the opponent's neck and upper body backwards.
Inverted facelock camel clutch
Also known as a Dragon Clutch, an inverted facelock camel clutch sees the wrestler stand behind their opponent and apply an Inverted facelock. They then force the opponent down to the mat face down, sit on their back, and pull backwards, stretching the opponent's neck and upper body backwards.
Side camel clutch
The opponent lays down on the mat face down. The wrestler 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 wrestler 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.
Chinlock
Also known as a rear chin-lock, this hold sees an attacking wrestler lift his opponent, who is laying on the mat face up, to a sitting position. The wrestler then places his knee in the opponents back and grasps the opponents chin then either pulls straight back on the chin or wrenches it to the side. This is an actual effective technique, that if not done carefully could strain, or even snap the tendons in the opponents neck.
A variation of this hold, referred to as a reverse chinlock with a bridge by Jim Ross during an episode of WWE Raw, sees the attacking wrestler kneel before the opponent and grasp their neck into a reverse chinlock, before flipping forward to plant their feet and bridge their back adding additional pressure to the opponent's neck and upper back.
Clawhold
Also known as The Iron Claw, the clawhold was a finishing hold of Teutonic heels, Fritz Von Erich and Baron Von Raschke. 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 opponent 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.
The Undertaker used a variation in which he would claw the opponents jaw rather than head.
An illegal variation of the Clawhold known as alternatively the Crotch Claw or the Testicular Claw exists. This variation, as the name implies, sees a wrestler grab the crotch of their opponent and squeeze.
Cobra clutch
Also known as a cross-arm lock or cross-arm choke. The wrestler stands behind the opponent and uses one arm to place the opponent in a half nelson. The wrestler then uses their free arm to pull the opponent's free arm across the opponent's neck, thereby using the opponent's own arm to choke them.
This hold can also be used as a throw; after grabbing the opponent in the clutch, sitting down and dropping the opponent on their back, using their hands as "handles".
Bridging cobra clutch
With the opponent laying face down, the wrestler sits beside the opponent, facing the same way, locks on the cobra clutch, and then arches his legs and back, bending the opponent's torso and neck upwards.
Crossface
This hold sees a wrestler lock one arm of a fallen opponent, who is belly down on the mat with the wrestler on top and to the side, and placing it between their legs before locking their hands around the opponent's chin or face and pulling back to stretch the opponent's neck and shoulder.
Though the move was invented by Dean Malenko it is mostly recognized as Chris Benoit's Crippler Crossface, to whom Malenko gave the move.
Chris Hero uses an inverted cravate variation as part of his Hangman's Clutch submissions where after locking the opponent's arm he twists his body so the hand positioning is reversed with the right hand on the left side of the opponents face and the left hand on the right side.
A variation of this move, known as a spinning headscissors crossface, sees the attacking wrestler perform a spinning headscissors before wrapping around the opponent's body and bringing the opponent's arm between the attacker's legs, forcing them to the ground and applying the crossface hold.
Chickenwing over the shoulder crossface
A variation of a crossface in which a wrestler goes to a fallen opponent and places one arm over the wrestler's nearest shoulder before applying the crossface where the attacking wrestler locks his/her hands around the opponent's chin (or lower face), then pulls back to stretching the opponent's neck and shoulder.
Not to be confused with Crossface chickenwing.
Front chancery
The wrestler faces his opponent, and both are in same position (prone or standing). The wrestler then places his forearm under opponent's chin and armpit on top of it. The wrestler 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 applying pressure on the neck.
Front facelock
The wrestler faces his opponent, who is bent forward. The wrestler tucks the opponent'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 opponent's face.
Full nelson
From behind his opponent, the wrestler slips both arms underneath the opponent's armpits and locks his hands behind his neck, pushing the opponent's head forward against his chest. It can be combined into either a suplex (throwing the opponent backwards) or a slam (lifting the opponent while in the nelson and then releasing).
A full nelson can also be done as a combination of a half nelson maneuver with one of the wrestler's hands and arms holding one of the opponent's arms and the other arm being held by the wrestler's legs (an arm scissors) to complete the nelson.
Half nelson
The wrestler stands behind their opponent and wraps one arm under the opponent's armpit (on the same side) and places the hand behind the opponent's head. The wrestler then pulls back with that side of his body while pushing forward with the hand, bending the opponent'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
Named by Low Ki, this sees a wrestler stand behind an opponent with the ring ropes between them before grabbing an inverted facelock on the opponent and wrapping his legs around the opponent's body for a body scissors. As the move uses the ring ropes it's illegal under most match rules, and the attacking wrestler has to release the hold before the referee reaches a five count or be disqualified.
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. It was named after Japanese women's wrester Plum Mariko.
Mandible claw
- Main article: Mandible claw
The wrestler darts their middle and ring fingers into soft tissue under the opponent's tongue with their thumb under the chin, squeezing the mandible between them.
Neck scissors
Also referred to as a head scissors, this hold sees a wrestler approach a fallen opponent and sit next to them before turning onto their side towards the opponent and placing their legs on either side of the opponent's head, crossing the top leg after its gone around the opponent's chin. The wrestler then tightens the grip to choke an opponent by compressing their throat.
Often, however, an opponent will simply place their hands under the knee of the attacking wrestler and push it up over their chin so they can escape. Another way to escape the hold will see the opponent raise themselves to their feet while still in the hold, forcing the attacking wrestler to a seated position. This in turn uncrosses their legs, allowing the opponent to simply lift their head out.
Three-quarters face lock
The wrestler stands in front of the opponent while both persons are facing the same direction, with some space in between the two.
Then, the wrestler moves slightly to the left while still positioned in front of the opponent. The wrestler then uses the right hand to reach back and grab the opponent from behind the head, thus pulling the opponent's head above the wrestler's shoulder.
The two-handed version sees the wrestler 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 European style professional wrestling and technical wrestling influenced by European professional wrestling.
An inverted version of the cravate is used by Chris Hero as part of his Hangman's Clutch submissions in which the hand positioning is the same as a normal cravate but the facelock is connected around the face of the opponent, not from behind the opponent's head, thus pulling the opponents head backwards rather than forwards putting pressure significant pressure on the neck by stretching it backwards and in other directions the neck can not naturally bend to.
Three-quarter nelson
A wrestler stands behind their opponent and places one of the opponent's arms in a half nelson and then places the opponent's other arm in either a hammerlock or chickenwing.
Side headlock
In this hold a wrestler who is facing away from an opponent would wrap his/her arm around the neck of an opponent bringing them forwards into this prone position.
Though this is an often used rest hold, it is also sometimes the beginning of a standard bulldog move.
STF
Short for Stepover Toehold Facelock this hold 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 opponent'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.
A slight variation is performed by Chris Hero named the Hangman's Clutch where after locking the ankle he twists his body so that he can place his left hand around the right side of the opponents head and vice versa and then lock the hands to form the facelock, making it resemble the hand position of a cravate. He then pulls down with his arms to stretch the opponent's back, neck, and knee.
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, neck, and knees.
In the variation known as the Regal Stretch, as named by William Regal, 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.
Muta lock
Also known as an Inverted STF or Sickle hold this hold is named after The Great Muta, who popularized it. The wrestler first takes the opponent's legs, bends them at the knees, and crosses them, placing one ankle in the other leg's knee-pit before then turning around so that they are facing away from the opponent and places one of his feet into the triangle created by the opponent's crossed legs. The wrestler 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.
STS
Short for Stepover Toehold Sleeper and innovated by Masahiro Chono this hold which is similar to an STF sees the wrestler wrap his arm around the neck of the opponent as in a sleeper hold instead of pulling back the head of the opponent. A variation exists in which, after applying the STS, the wrestler turns to his side, pulling the opponent on top of him, face up. This was also innovated and popularized by Masahiro Chono, who calls it the FTS.
Arm locks
- See also Armlock.
Armbar
Also known as Wakigatame, arm wrench or Japanese armbar. The wrestler takes the opponents arm and twists it, putting pressure on the shoulder and elbow.
Crucifix armbar
The wrestler holds an opponent's arm with his arms, pulling the arm across his chest. He is situated perpendicular to and behind the opponent. The wrestler 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.
Tiger feint crucifix armbar
The opponent begins supine, lying with their back on the bottom or second rope and facing into the ring. The wrestler runs towards the opponent 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.
Fujiwara armbar
A grounded armbar with the opponent lying on his belly, the aggressor lies on the opponent's back, at a 90° angle to him, putting some or all of his weight on the opponent 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 opponent's hand instead of hooking the upper arm, for extra leverage and bridging out, whilst performing the move to increase leverage and immobilize the opponent. The move is named after Yoshiaki Fujiwara. Similar to or the same as Ude-Hishigi-Waki-Gatame in judo.
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. This can often be performed on a standing wrestler.
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 wrestler approaches a prone, face down opponent from the side. The wrestler then "scissors" (clasps) the near arm of the opponent with their legs and takes hold of the far arm of the opponent with both hands, forcing the opponent onto their side and placing stress on both shoulder joints, as well as making it harder for the opponent to breathe.
Seated armbar
Known as Ashigatame in Japan. The wrestler sits on either side of an opponent who is laying prone on the mat, with the wrestler's legs scissoring one of the opponent's arms. The wrestler then grabs hold of the wrist of that arm, pulling it upwards, causing hyperextension of the shoulder and elbow.
Satoshi Kojima uses a slight variation where both of his legs are on the same side of the opponent's arm. He calls it the Koji MAX hold.
Barely Legal
From behind a seated opponent, the wrestler grabs one of the opponent's elbows and pulls it up and backward toward himself. He then bends the wrist and forces the open palm of the opponent's hand into his chest, putting pressure on the wrist. Named by Barry Darsow.
Chickenwing
The wrestler stands behind the opponent and hooks one of his arms so that both wrestlers' elbow joints are snug together and their arms are wrapped around one another. The wrestler then pulls the arm upward against the back of his opponent.
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.
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.
Crossface chickenwing
A chickenwing variation where the wrestler applies the chickenwing to one of the opponent's arms. The wrestler then uses his free arm to either push the arm, and particularly its radius bone, against the face of the opponent to cause pain, or wrap the arm around the neck of the opponent in a sleeper hold. The wrestler may also grasp his hands together in either variation. This hold is closely associated with Bob Backlund who popularized the move in America. A variation could include the attacker joining his hands together to put pressure on the opponent's shoulder as well this move is named the "confederate clutch" invented and used by Trevor McClain
Double chickenwing
The wrestler stands behind the opponent, underhooks both arms, and pulls them upwards. This move was made popular by Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat.
Sitting double chickenwing
The wrestler locks both of the opponent's 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.
Bridging grounded double chickenwing
When an opponent is lying face down on the mat the wrestler locks a double chickenwing on their arms and then performs a forward roll into a bridging position further stressing the hold. This hold is popularly associated with Bryan Danielson who uses it as a finisher named the Cattle Mutilation or Arms Across America.
Hammerlock
The wrestler grabs his/her opponent's arm, pulling it around behind the opponent's back. This stretches the pectorals and shoulder joint, and immobilizes the arm. This is a legitimate controlling/debilitating hold, and is commonly used by police officers in the United States to subdue uncooperative persons for arrest.
Wrist lock
The wrestler grasps the opponent'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 opponent's abdominal area. Another form of wrist lock sometimes known as a figure four wristlock involves the wrestler (after applying the initial wrist lock with the left hand) threading their right arm through the gap the two arms provide, forming a '4', and providing leverage on the wristlock.
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 chokehold.
Cleavage choke
This move is used more for comical or sexual connotations rather than to induce a submission. The move normally sees a female wrestler - usually one with large breasts - bring an opponent's head between her breasts, smothering them.
This move was innovated and popularized by WWE Diva Jillian Hall.
Corner foot choke
The wrestler pushes their opponent into the turnbuckle and extends their leg, choking their opponent while using the top two ropes for support. This attack is illegal and results in a wrestler's disqualification, should the move not be broken by a count of five.
Cross arm choke
Also known as the Japanese stranglehold (Goku-Raku Gatame), 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.
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 wrestler's other leg the wrestler squeezes and chokes the opponent.
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 opponent. 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.
Guillotine choke
The wrestler applies a front sleeper and proceeds to take the opponent downward and applies a body scissors with the legs. This move is a favorite of many mixed martial arts fighters.
In addition to the normal version, Jun Akiyama uses a modified version where he traps the opponent's legs instead of applying a body scissors.
Half nelson choke
The wrestler puts his opponent in a half nelson with one arm and grabs the opponent's neck with the other. This hold is very similar to the judo choke hold known as a katahajime. This choke was popularized in professional wrestling by Taz as his finisher the Tazmission.
Koji Clutch
The opponent lays on the mat. The wrestler lies face up and slightly to the side of the opponent. 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. The name comes from the man who innovated the move, Koji Kanemoto.
Leg choke
With the opponent hung over the second rope, facing the outside of the ring, the attacking wrestler hooks their left or right leg over the back of the opponent's neck. The attacking wrestler then pulls the second rope upwards, compressing the opponent's throat between the rope and attacking wrestler's leg, choking them. This move is illegal due to usage of the ring ropes, and results in a disqualification for the attacker should they not release the hold before a count of five.
Rear naked choke
A grounded version of a sleeper hold with an added body scissors that is derived from Martial Arts and more recently MMA.
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.
When the opponent is lying on their back (typically with the attacker down on their knees), it is often referred to as a "blatant" choke hold. This hold is often accompanied by the free hand being fastened over the wrist of the choking hand to further apply pressure.
Sleeper hold
For further information, see Blood choke
A sleeper hold is generally applied in the following manner:
- The wrestler applying the hold positions himself behind his opponent.
- The wrestler then wraps his/her right arm around the opponent's neck, pressing the biceps 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 (in kayfabe) is squeezed inside the arm extremely tightly. Additional pressure can be applied by grabbing the left shoulder with the right hand, or grabbing the biceps 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 is said to help avoid the opponent countering the hold as well as supposedly allowing the wrestler to have a leverage to apply more pressure.
- The opponent will typically go limp after a time in the hold, at which point a referee would raise the opponent's hand and drop it to the ground three times. If the hands drops three times in a row the opponent is considered unconscious and the wrestler would gain a submission victory. However, for the most part, during the third drop of the hand, the opponent will seemingly regain consciousness quickly, raising up from the (near) grounded position to their feet to counter the hold.
Arm-hook sleeper
Also known as the 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. The move was innovated 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. If the opponent is sitting, the wrestler can place their knee under the opponent's back, adding more pressure.
A dragon sleeper with body scissors is sometimes referred to as a Beast Choker as named by Dan "The Beast" Severn.
Thumb choke hold
The attacking wrestler stands behind an opponent and reaches around the opponent's neck with one arm. The wrestler then extends a thumb and thrusts it into the windpipe of the opponent, cutting off their air supply. This hold was popularized and was dubbed "The Asiatic Spike" by Terry "Bamm Bamm" Gordy of the Fabulous Freebirds in the 1980's.
Tongan death grip
The wrestler darts his/her hand under an opponent's chin and grabs a hold of a pressure point above the throat, squeezing the nerve. This cuts off the air supply and the opponent fades out, yet this is not considered an air choke as it is not squeezing the windpipe. This hold is unique in that it can be used as a sleeper like submission or, should the "unconscious" opponent end up laying on his back, a pinfall.
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.
Two handed chokelift
Also known as a Hanging Tree a wrestler grasps an opponent's neck with both hands then lifts them up, choking them. This is a transition hold for moves such as the two handed chokeslam and the Chokebomb.
Body locks
Bear hug
A wrestler stands in front of an opponent and locks his hands around the opponent, squeezing him. Often he will shake his body from side to side, in order to generate more pain around the ribs and spine. Frequently used by power wrestlers, this rather simple to apply hold was used by heels and faces alike.
Side bear hug
A wrestler stands to one side of an opponent, facing them, and locks their arms around the opponent, 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, behind, or either sides. The attacking wrestler then sits next to the opponent and wraps their legs around the opponent, crossing their ankles and then tightening their grip by squeezing together their thighs or straightening their legs to choke the wrestler by compressing their torso. This hold is often used in conjunction with a hold applied to the head or the arms in order to restrain the opponent
Gutwrench
This is basically a bearhug from behind. A wrestler stands behind an opponent and locks his hands around the opponent'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 opponent's legs, then reaches over the opponent's near arm with the arm close to the opponent's back and locks it. Squatting and twisting to the side, flexs the opponent's back and stretches their abdomen.
Backbreaker
See Backbreaker
Boston crab
This typically starts with the opponent on his back, and the wrestler standing and facing him. The wrestler hooks each of the opponent's legs in one of his arms, and then turns the opponent face-down, stepping over him in the process. The final position has the wrestler in a semi-sitting position and facing away from his opponent, with the opponent's back and legs bent back toward his face.
Bow and arrow hold
The wrestler 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 wrestler pulls down with both arms while pushing up with the knees to bend the opponent's back.
Gory special
This hold, also known as the Gory lock and innovated by Salvador "Gory" Guerrero, sees a wrestler lift their opponent over their shoulder so that the opponent's upper back is across the wrestler's shoulder. Thus, the wrestler and opponent are back to back, facing opposite directions. The opponent's legs are tucked around the wrestler's hips. The wrestler can now apply pressure by applying a chinlock and pressing down. One or both of the opponent's legs can also be hooked for extra pressure.
Octopus hold
The wrestler stands behind the opponent and hooks a leg over the opponent's opposite leg. The wrestler then forces the opponent to one side, traps one of the opponent's arms with their own arm, and drapes their free leg over the neck of the opponent, forcing it downward. This elevates the wrestler and places all the weight of the wrestler on the opponent. The wrestler 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 a wrestler stand behind a fallen opponent, who is laying stomach first to the floor. The wrestler 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 wrestler 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 opponent's shoulder-blades and lifting them off the ground. This can see the wrestler fall to a seated position or go onto his own back, lifting the opponent skyward, which will increase pressure on the opponent but puts the wrestler 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 opponent, sees the wrestler 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 opponent'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 will grab the opponent's foot and lift their leg off the ground. Then with one hand grab the opponent's toes or outside of foot, and with the other wrap around the ankle and through the "hole" created and grabb his own wrist. Essentially putting the opponent's ankle in a Key Lock. Then they will bend the opponent's ankle.
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 but lessens the pressure that can be applied.
The ankle lock was made famous by Ken Shamrock, Koji Kanemoto and Kurt Angle, with the latter two often applying a grapevine.
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.
Tony Mamaluke introduced a variation where he steps over the downed opponent and sits on their lower back as in a half Boston crab, calling it the Sicilian Crab. Último Guerrero uses a variation where he grabs his opponent's corresponding leg 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.
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 opponent. The wrestler then does a spinning toe hold 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 Boys" Buddy Rogers and Ric Flair, who sometimes adds to it by twisting his opponents ankle as it is locked in.
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 called a modified indian deathlock or sometimes referred to as a sharpshooter variant. However this move genrally doesnt last for very long as the applier is still in control and can release the hold.
Ringpost figure four leglock
The opponent is either downed or standing next to one of the ring corner posts. The wrestler 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.
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, which is illegal in professional wrestling, and a 5 count is used which leads to a disqualification.
Bret Hart is often credited for inventing this move.
Standing figure four leglock
The opponent is down on their back with the wrestler standing over one of their legs with one foot placed on either side of the leg. The wrestler plants his foot in the knee of the opponents other leg and then bends that leg at the knee over the top of the first leg forming the figure four. The wrestler then bridges back.
Kneeling figure four leglock
The opponent is down on their back with the wrestler standing over one of their legs. The wrestler applies a spinning toehold, crosses the opponent's legs and kneels on them. It is commonly known as the Prison Lock or Jailhouse Lock and is sometimes confused with the Indian Deathlock.
Haas of Pain
A submission invented and named by the Haas brothers, Charlie and Russ Haas, this modified inverted reverse figure-four leglock variation sees the wrestler 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 opponents legs up into the air causing both pain to the lower back and legs of the opponent.
Inverted three quarter figure four leglock
The opponent is lying faced down on the ground. The wrestler kneels over the opponent’s thighs with his left leg between the opponent’s leg, then bends his opponent’s left leg around his left thigh. After that he places the opponent’s right leg over the opponent’s left ankle and puts his own right leg under the opponent’s left ankle. Finally, he puts both of his feet over the opponent’s right foot and presses on it.
This hold was once used as the finisher of Japanese wrestler Oji Sakaharo, and was the first of two leg locks referred to as the Oji-kiru.
Damascus head-leglock
The wrestler forces the opponent to the ground and opens up the legs of the opponent, stepping in with both legs. The wrestler then wraps his legs around the head of the opponent and crosses the opponent's legs, applying pressure on them with his hands. The wrestler 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
Also known as the British Figure Four, this move sees a wrestler fold a grounded opponent's legs over each other as if to put him in an "Indian sitting" posture, then places his own knee on top of the opponent's shins and puts his weight on them.
Inverted Indian deathlock
With the opponent on his back, the wrestler standing beside him, sits with his leg over and between the opponents legs (often using a legdrop to the knee). Then places the opponents far leg in the knee-pit of the near leg, finishing the submission by putting the opponents ankle on top of his own ankle and rolling both onto their bellys and pushing back with the wrestlers ankle.
Reverse Indian deathlock
This is a modification of the inverted Indian deathlock in which instead of facing the opposite direction of their opponent on their chests, the wrestler positions themselves so that they end up facing the same direction as their opponents face up.
The wrestler lifts up a leg of a face up opponent and walks one of their legs around the leg before dropping to a kneeling position, thus locking the opponents leg behind the wrestlers knee. The wrestler then reaches over and grabs the opponents far leg and places it on top of the trapped foot of the opponent. The wrestler then performs a forward roll while maintaining the hold. This forces the opponent onto their chest while the wrestler ends in a sitting position facing the same direction as their opponent. From here the wrestler can reach forwards and perform many upper body submissions as well.
A standing version can also be applied which sees a standing wrestler place one of his legs between the legs of a face down opponent and then bends one leg behind the leg of the wrestler, placing it on top of the knee pit of the opponents other leg. The wrestler then picks up the straight leg of the opponent, bends it backwards to lock the other leg in the knee pit and places the foot in front of the shin of the standing leg in the knee pit, thus locking the leg.
Super Dragon innovated a move known as the Curb Stomp in which he applies a standing reverse Indian deathlock with a surfboard and then lifts his free leg up, placing it on the back of the head of the opponent. He then releases the surfboard and stomps the leg down to drive the opponents head face first into the mat.
Reverse figure four leglock
The wrestler using this move stands over the opponent with the opponent face up and grasps a leg of the opponent. The wrestler then turns 90 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.
Even though the move is called a reverse figure four leglock the wrestler is only turned 90 degrees, making the term side figure four leglock more appropriate. However reverse figure four leglock is the most common name.
It is most closely associated with Japanese wrestler Yuji Nagata, who calls it the Nagata Lock I. Nagata would salute to signal the maneuver to the crowd before dropping to the mat.
There are also standing and spinning versions.
Sharpshooter
The opponent starts supine. The wrestler steps between his opponent's legs with one leg and wraps the opponent's legs around that leg. Holding the opponent's legs in place, the wrestler then steps over the opponent, flipping him over into a prone position. Finally, the wrestler leans back to compress the legs.
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 opponent. 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. Popularized by the Funk brothers, Dory Funk Jr. and Terry Funk, who were taught the hold by their father, Dory Funk.
Texas cloverleaf
The wrestler stands at the feet of his supine opponent, grabs the opponent's legs and lifts them up. The wrestler 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 their armpit. With the same arm, they reach around the ankle and through the opening formed by the legs, and lock their hands together. The wrestler then steps over his opponent, turning the opponent over as in a sharpshooter and proceeds to squat and lean back. 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.
Another version of this hold, considered to be an Elevated Texas Cloverleaf, was used by Eddie Guerrero, which saw Guerrero turn the body of the opponent and place a knee over the opponent's neck, pulling back for more pressure making it similar to a Liontamer. Guerrero dubbed this the Lasso From El Paso.
Inverted cloverleaf
In this variation of a Texas cloverleaf instead of turning around when turning the opponent 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 a finisher of Shuji Kondo, known as the Gorilla Clutch, whom also has a variation where he falls back and applies a body scissors the abdomen of his opponent.
Leglock cloverleaf
This variation of the Texas cloverleaf sees the attacker, after crossing one of the opponents legs over the other in a figure four shape, lock the over leg behind their near knee before placing the straight leg under their armpit and turning over. The attacker proceeds to lean back pulling on the leg under the armpit. This keeps the over leg, now under, locked while putting pressure on the leg and stretching the legs and back. This hold was innovated by T.J. Perkins who refers to it as the Figure Four Deathlock.
Texas cloverleaf with armlock
An armlock variation of the Texas cloverleaf that is similar to a single leg Boston crab with armlock. This hold begins with a supine opponent laying face up on the mat. The attacking wrestler then seizes one of the arms and proceeds to walk over the opponent while continuing to hold the arm, forcing them to turn over onto their stomach. The attacker then kneels down on the opponents back, locking the opponent's arm behind his knee in the process. The attacker then reaches over and bends one leg so that the shin is behind the knee of the straight leg and places the ankle of the straight leg in their armpit. With the same arm, the attacker reaches around the ankle and through the opening formed by the legs, and locks his hands together as in a Texas cloverleaf. The attacker then pulls back so as to stretch the legs, back and neck of the opponent while keeping the arm trapped.
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 opponent 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 wrestler. Al Snow was known to deliver a series of headbutts from this position, while other wrestlers use this to secure a suplex.
Butterfly
Also known as a double underhook. The wrestler and the opponent begin facing one another, with the opponent bent over. The wrestler approaches the opponent and reaches under the opponent's shoulders, then threads their arms up and around the opponent's torso, with their hands meeting in the middle of the opponent's back or neck (essentially an inverted full nelson hold). The hold in itself is not a submission move, and is more commonly a set up for various throws, drops or slams, but it can be applied from various positions that cause it to become one.
When the opponent is seated on the mat while the wrestler applies the butterfly hold it is known as butterfly lock. One possible origin for this hold is Ken Shamrock; in his book "Inside the Lion's Den", he claims to have created the move in his dojo. He called it the Crucifix Hold.
Matt Hardy uses a variation named Scar where he applies the double underhook and then wraps his legs around the torso of the opponent, in a body scissors.
Crucifix
The wrestler stands in front of and facing a bent over opponent and places them in a standing waistlock. The wrestler then flips the opponent up and over so the opponent is lying face up on the back of the wrestler. The wrestler then moves his hands to the upper arm or wrists of the opponent, holding them in position, and spreading the arms of the opponent (as though they were being crucified). This is mainly often a set-up for a Crucifix Powerbomb.
Reverse crucifix
The wrestler stands in front of and with their back to a standing opponent. The wrestler then leans backwards and seizes the opponent around the waist, pulling them forward and upwards so they are lying across the shoulder of the opponent, facing downwards. The wrestler then takes hold of the upper arms or wrists of the opponent and spreads them, holding the opponent in place.
Electric chair
A transitional hold in which an attacking wrestler hoists an opponent up onto their shoulders so that they are both facing in the same direction
It is often used to setup various drops and slams in singles competition. However it is more often used in double team maneuver, in which another wrestler uses flying attacks to knock opponents off the shoulders of the wrestler. see Doomsday Device.
Like many transition holds, the defensive wrestler often uses the position to perform a variety of counter moves. Most notably the Victory roll.
Fireman's carry
The wrestler would bend over with the opponent standing to the side of the wrestler. The wrestler then pulls the opponent's arm over his/her farthest shoulder and distributes the wrestler's body over his/her shoulders while having the other hand between and holding onto one of the opponent's legs and stands up. The opponent 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
A transition lift taken from weight lifting, where the move gets its other common name; Military press, sees the wrestler lift an opponent up over their head with arms fully extended. From here many throws, drops and slams can be performed.
It became a popular technique for larger and stronger wrestlers as the lift is seen to emphasize their height and power.
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 offered hand, at which point the wrestler rolls forward and into an arm lock.
The Lady of the Lake is an old British wrestling technique where it was most useful in the context of classic rules that limited attacking a downed opponent. The move is often called the Johnny Saint Special in reference to British wrestler Johnny Saint who popularized the hold which was invented by his mentor, George Kidd.
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 opponent'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.
Straight jacket
This is a term that refers to when an attacking wrestler takes hold of an opponent's arms (wrestler's left hand hold the opponent's right, and visa versa) and crosses them over (like a Straitjacket). This hold is usually performed from behind but can be performed from in front of an opponent.
From here many variations of normal moves can be performed; like a Russian leg-sweep variant, and most notably a cross armed German suplex
There are other variations of the straight jacket hold, one sees the arms crossed around the neck to allow a wrestler to use the hold as a submission, known as the cross arm choke, to choke out an opponent with their own arms or to pull down the opponent to the mat in a double arm trap neckbreaker variant. Another variation sees the attacking wrestler stand over an opponent and cross their arms underneath them, this allow the attacking wrestler to use the hold to aid in lifting the opponent off the ground, usually for a powerbomb type move.
Tilt-a-whirl
The wrestler stands facing the opponent. The wrestler bends the opponent down so they are bent facing in front on the wrestler's body. The wrestler reaches around the opponent's body with their arms and lifts them up, spinning the opponent in front of the wrestler's body, often to deliever a slam or most commonly a Tilt-a-whirl backbreaker.
Usually performed on a charging opponent, this can also 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 headscissors takedown.
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 his waist (either by standing 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 wheelbarrow suplex, or forcing the opponent back down to the mat to hit a wheelbarrow facebuster.
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 opponent.
Armpit claw
The armpit claw was a squeezing of the muscle in the front of the armpit with the four fingers dug into the armpit and the thumb pressing into the front of the shoulder. The opponent's arm would bend at the wrist and elbow, and his fingers would curl into a claw. The hold caused great pain, causing the opponent to submit or to lose all control of his arm and hand, at which point the referee would call for the bell.
Collar-and-elbow tie up
- See also: Collar-and-elbow position
This is a stand-up grappling position where both wrestlers have a collar tie, and hold the opponent's other arm at the elbow. The collar-and-elbow is generally a neutral position, but by pushing the hand on the elbow up and towards the inside of the opponent's arms, a controlling wrestler can turn an opponent into a belly-to-back position. Alternatively, if a controlling wrestler pushes forward while releasing the collar tie they can wrap their extended arm around the head of their opponent back round to their own other arm to sinch in a side headlock.
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 stretched arm, and pulls back with his arms.
Giant swing
- See also: Giant swing (throw)
The wrestler takes hold of a supine opponent's legs and pivots rapidly, elevating the opponent and swinging the opponent in a circle. The wrestler may release the opponent in mid-air or simply slow until the back of the opponent returns to the ground.
Skin the cat
Popularized by Ricky Steamboat this defensive maneuver is used when a wrestler is thrown over the top rope. While being thrown over the wrestler grabs the top rope with both hands and holds on so that they end up dangling from the top rope but not landing on the apron or on the floor. The wrestler then proceeds to lift their legs over their head and rotate their body back towards the ring to go back over the top rope and into the ring, landing in the ring on their feet.
Sunset flip
This move commonly sees an attacking wrestler dive over an opponent who is facing him/her, usually bent over forwards, catching the opponent in a waistlock from behind and landing back-first behind the opponent. From that position the wrestler rolls forward into a sitting position, pulling the opponent over backwards and down to the mat so that he lands on his back into a pinning position.
While being held on the shoulders of an attacking wrestler in a position where this second wrestler is straddeling the head of the attacking wrestler while facing in the other direction; as if they where about to be powerbombed, the countering wrestler can rolls forward off that wrestler's shoulders, down their back and perform the sunset flip.
This move can also be performed from the top rope on a grounded opponent, or on an elevated opponent so that a type of powerbomb can be performed.
The Matrix
This defensive maneuver sees a wrestler bridge their entire body backward and place their hands flat on the mat to avoid an attack (often a clothesline). It can also be used to escape a pinfall attempt and get up quickly. The name, and the move itself, are inspired by a scene in the movie The Matrix. It is the same as a back-bend or bend-back in acrobatics and gymnastics.
Tree of woe
This involves a wrestler suspending an opponent upside down on a turnbuckle, with the opponent's back against being up against it. To do this the opponent's legs are then hooked under the top ropes, leaving the opponent facing the attacking wrestler, upside down.
Often an attacking wrestler will choke, kick, or stomp the opponent until the referee uses up his five count. The techniques is also used to trap an opponent whilst the attacking wrestler runs at them and delivers some form of offensive maneuver, such as a running knee attack or a baseball slide.
The move was originally made famous by Kevin Sullivan, and its name is said to derive from the movie Conan the Barbarian where in one scene Thulsa Doom commands the captive Conan "Contemplate this... on the Tree of Woe."
See also
- Professional wrestling throws
- Professional wrestling attacks
- Professional wrestling aerial techniques
- Professional wrestling double-team maneuvers
- Professional wrestling slang
References
- 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.
- DeathValleyDriver.com's Big Big Book of Wrestling Moves
- The Professional Wrestlers' Workout & Instructional Guide - Harley Race, Ricky Steamboat, Les Thatcher, and Alex Marvez