Wrestling Moves: An Explainer on the Most Exciting Techniques
Professional wrestling is a captivating sport that combines athleticism, showmanship, and storytelling. While the outcomes may be predetermined, the physicality displayed by wrestlers is very real. One of the most thrilling aspects of professional wrestling is watching competitors execute an array of formidable moves in order to gain an advantage over their opponents. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular and exciting wrestling moves seen in today’s squared circle.
1. The Suplex: This move involves lifting your opponent off their feet and slamming them onto their back or shoulders. Variations include German suplexes (rolling through after impact) and belly-to-back suplexes (lifting from behind).
2. The Powerbomb: A visually impressive maneuver where a wrestler lifts their opponent onto their shoulders before driving them forcefully into the mat back-first.
3. The DDT: Standing for “Dropping Downward with Technique,” this move sees a wrestler quickly dropping to the mat while applying a front face lock, driving their opponent’s head into the ground.
4. The Moonsault: A high-risk aerial maneuver where a wrestler stands on the top turnbuckle facing away from their opponent before leaping backward and executing either a backflip or somersault onto them.
5. The Figure-Four Leg Lock: Made famous by legendary wrestler Ric Flair, this submission hold targets an opponent’s legs by twisting one leg around theirs while applying pressure with a crossed leg.
6. The Chokeslam: This powerful move involves grabbing an opponent by the throat and forcefully lifting them off the ground before slamming them down onto their back.
7. The Sharpshooter: Another iconic submission hold popularized by Canadian legend Bret Hart, it involves turning an opponent over onto their stomach then stepping between their legs to apply pressure on both knees simultaneously.
8. The Tombstone Piledriver: A signature move of The Undertaker, this maneuver sees a wrestler place their opponent’s head between their legs and then dropping down to drive the opponent’s head into the mat.
9. The Hurricanrana: An acrobatic aerial move where a wrestler jumps onto an opponent, wraps their legs around their neck, and flips them over by using momentum.
10. The Spear: A powerful tackle that aims to take an opponent off their feet by driving your shoulder into their midsection or torso with full force.
These moves represent just a small portion of the vast array of techniques used in professional wrestling. While they may seem dangerous, it is important to note that wrestlers undergo extensive training to execute these moves safely and protect themselves and their opponents from injuries.
It is the combination of athleticism, storytelling, and execution of these exciting wrestling moves that keeps fans on the edge of their seats during every match. So next time you watch a wrestling event, pay close attention to the skillful execution and mastery displayed by these performers as they bring these captivating moves to life inside the ring.