Chokeslam
 | This article possibly contains original research. (February 2007) |
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A chokeslam (Japanese: "nodowa otoshi") refers to a type of body slam in professional wrestling in which the wrestler grasps their opponent's neck, lifts them up, and slams them to the mat. It is very common in televised wrestling because it is simple and relatively safe yet looks powerful on camera. The chokeslam is typically used as a finisher by very large wrestlers, further enhancing its perception as a powerful maneuver. Though, this manouver can be more damaging if the victim is slammed into an object, such as a table or a steel chair.
The most common variety of chokeslam is performed with a single-handed choke. The wrestler places their free hand behind the opponent's back to help turn them horizontally for the throw. This is often used by big wrestlers because it emphasizes their strength.
Although a chokeslam begins with a "choke", it is not usually considered to be an illegal move. The single arm choke that normally precedes a chokeslam is known as a goozle.
Variations
Back suplex chokeslam
In this elevated chokeslam the wrestler stands behind the opponent, puts his head under one of the opponent's arms, and lifts them onto his shoulder. The wrestler then pushes the opponent upwards, turns 180°, and grabs hold of the falling opponent's throat, driving them down to the mat back first. This variation was invented by Akira Taue, who calls it Ore ga Taue which means "I am Taue" in English.
Chokebomb
A wrestler lifts an opponent in a standard (one-handed) chokeslam but then while slamming the opponent down the wrestler would drop to a seated position, slamming the opponent between the wrestlers legs.
The move is also known as a Seated/Sitdown/Sitout Chokeslam, or a Choke Driver
The name chokebomb can also refer to a sit-out two-handed chokeslam.
Reverse chokeslam
See Reverse chokeslam facebuster
Vertical suplex chokeslam
In this elevated chokeslam the wrestler grabs a front facelock on the opponent and wraps their arm over the wrestlers neck. The wrestler then lifts the opponent upside down, as in a vertical suplex. The wrestler moves his arm from around the opponent's neck, grabbing hold of their throat. The wrestler then slams the opponent down to the mat back first.
Leg trap chokeslam
Also known as a Leg hook chokeslam. The attacker starts out by lifting the opponent's left or right leg off the ground and tucks it under their arm while using whichever free hand to grab the opponent's neck while still keeping their leg tucked under the arm while lifting the opponent into the air, turning to one side, and then slamming the victim down to the mat. The move can also be used as a reversal from when the opponent tries some form of kick only to have the attacker catch and trap the leg setting up the move from there.
Backbreaker Chokeslam
The wrestler performing the move stands in front of and slightly to the left of the opponent receiving it. The wrestler then reaches out and grabs the opponent's throat and trunks, and lifts him or her in the air as though the wrestler is about to deliver a chokeslam. However, as the wrestler brings the opponent back down to the mat the wrestler kneels, slamming the other wrester's back onto his or her extended knee.
Two handed chokeslam
A wrestler first grasps an opponent's neck with both hands then lifts them up, choking them before then throwing the opponent back down to the mat. A falling version of this move can see the attacking wrestler fall forward to the mat while keeping their arms exstended but will more often see the wrestler fall into a seated position.