Professional wrestling is a unique hybrid of athletic performance, combat simulation, and storytelling. At the heart of this spectacle are the wrestling moves—a vast lexicon of physical maneuvers designed to incapacitate an opponent, elicit a reaction from the crowd, and tell a story within the ring. While the outcome may be predetermined, the athleticism required to execute these moves is undeniably real. From the basic lock-up to gravity-defying aerial attacks, every movement requires cooperation, timing, and an understanding of physics to ensure the safety of both performers.
The foundation of all in-ring action lies in the concept of the ‘bump.’ Bumping is the art of falling safely. When a wrestler is thrown or slammed, they must land in a way that distributes the impact across the largest surface area of their body, typically the flat of the back. This technique minimizes the risk of injury to the spine or neck. Furthermore, the recipient of a move helps the attacker by shifting their weight or jumping at the precise moment of execution. This collaborative effort makes devastating-looking slams survivable night after night.
The Fundamentals: Chain Wrestling and Holds
Before the high spots and finishers, matches usually begin with chain wrestling. This technical phase involves grappling holds, wrist locks, and headlocks exchanged in a fluid sequence. It establishes the power dynamic between the competitors. A classic example is the Collar-and-Elbow Tie-up, where wrestlers lock up to test strength. From here, they transition into hammerlocks or side headlocks, demonstrating technical proficiency. These moves are crucial for pacing a match, allowing the audience to settle in before the intensity ramps up.
The Suplex Family
Perhaps no category of moves is as diverse as the suplex. Originating from amateur wrestling, a suplex involves lifting the opponent and throwing them backward or sideways. The Vertical Suplex is the most recognizable variation, where the attacker holds the opponent upside down in a front facelock before falling backward. The German Suplex, popularized by technical wizards like Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar, involves grabbing the opponent from behind around the waist and bridging backward, forcing the opponent to land on their upper back and neck. The danger and visual impact of suplexes make them a staple in modern wrestling arsenals.
Another devastating variation is the Belly-to-Belly Suplex. In this move, the wrestler hugs the opponent from the front and throws them overhead or to the side. It requires immense explosive power and core strength. Variations like the Exploder Suplex or the Capture Suplex add twists and torque to the motion, often dumping the victim precariously on their head or shoulders. These moves are often used to shift the momentum of a match suddenly, transitioning from defense to offense in a split second.
Power Moves: The Powerbomb
Few moves signify dominance quite like the Powerbomb. This maneuver involves lifting an opponent so they are sitting on the attacker’s shoulders, facing forward, before slamming them back-first onto the mat. The impact is visually jarring and audibly loud. Variations include the Sit-out Powerbomb, where the attacker drops to a seated position to pin the opponent immediately, and the Release Powerbomb, where the opponent is thrown without the attacker dropping down. Legends like Kevin Nash and Batista utilized this move to showcase their superior size and strength.
The Piledriver: High Risk, High Reward
The Piledriver is one of the most dangerous moves in professional wrestling history. The standard version involves grabbing an opponent, turning them upside down, and dropping to a sitting or kneeling position, driving the opponent’s head into the mat. Because of the severe risk of neck compression and spinal injury, many promotions have banned the move or restricted it to specific, highly trained veterans. The most famous variation is The Undertaker’s Tombstone Piledriver, which is a belly-to-belly variation that allows the attacker to protect the victim’s head between their knees.
Submission Holds and Psychology
Submission holds are designed to force an opponent to quit from pain or pass out. These moves target joints or restrict airflow. The Sharpshooter, made famous by Bret Hart, targets the lower back and legs, creating immense pressure on the spine. Submission wrestling adds a psychological layer to the match; it is not just about impact, but about endurance and the will to survive. When a wrestler is locked in a submission, the drama revolves around whether they can reach the ropes to break the hold or if they will succumb to the pain.
Joint manipulation is a key aspect of technical wrestling. Moves like the Armbar or the Kimura Lock target the shoulder and elbow joints. In these holds, the attacker isolates a limb and applies torque against the joint’s natural range of motion. While in a worked environment the pressure is controlled, the mechanics are drawn from legitimate catch wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This adds a layer of realism to the contest, often referred to as ‘shoot style’ or ‘strong style’ when mixed with stiff strikes.
Aerial Assault: High-Flying Maneuvers
Influenced heavily by Mexican Lucha Libre, aerial moves involve attacking from the top turnbuckle or springing off the ropes. These moves require agility, balance, and fearlessness. The Diving Splash and the Elbow Drop are classic examples, utilizing gravity to increase the force of the impact. Modern wrestling has evolved to include complex rotations, such as the 450 Splash (a forward somersault and a half) or the Shooting Star Press (a backflip with forward momentum). These moves are high-risk; a slight miscalculation can result in serious injury for the flyer.
Among the most spectacular aerial moves is the Moonsault. Here, a wrestler stands on the top turnbuckle facing away from the ring and executes a backflip to land on a prone opponent. It is a move of beauty and precision. Heavier wrestlers performing moonsaults are often viewed with awe due to the defiance of physics involved. The move has evolved into variations like the Asai Moonsault, which is performed from the apron to the floor outside the ring, further increasing the danger factor.
The Evolution of the DDT
The DDT is a move that changed the landscape of wrestling. Invented by accident by Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts, it involves trapping the opponent’s head in a front facelock and falling backward, driving their face into the mat. Originally a match-ending finisher, the DDT has transitioned into a common transition move in modern wrestling. However, its variations, such as the Tornado DDT (performed out of the corner) or the Double-Underhook DDT, remain potent weapons in a wrestler’s repertoire.
Cutters and Stunners
In the late 90s, the dynamic of wrestling finishers shifted toward moves that could be hit ‘out of nowhere.’ The Stone Cold Stunner is a three-quarter facelock jawbreaker where the attacker drops to a seated position, snapping the opponent’s neck downward on their shoulder. Similarly, the Diamond Cutter and its spiritual successor, the RKO, are three-quarter facelock bulldogs. These moves are beloved by fans because they are sudden, explosive, and can be performed on an opponent of any size, making them the ultimate equalizers.
Striking: Lariats and Superkicks
Not all wrestling moves involve grappling; striking is equally important. The Lariat (often confused with a clothesline) involves running at an opponent and striking them in the neck or chest with a rigid arm. The difference lies in the force; a clothesline is a collision, while a lariat is a strike. The Superkick, once the exclusive finisher of Shawn Michaels (Sweet Chin Music), has become a ubiquitous strike in modern wrestling. It is a side thrust kick to the chin, often used to set up other moves or create separation.
Slams and Throws
The Body Slam (or Scoop Slam) is the quintessential wrestling throw. It involves scooping an opponent up and slamming them back-first. While basic, it was the move that Hulk Hogan used to slam Andre the Giant, creating one of the most iconic moments in sports entertainment history. Other variations include the Chokeslam, favored by giants, where the attacker grabs the opponent by the throat, lifts them into the air, and throws them down. These moves rely on the visual of raw power and are essential for establishing the hierarchy of strength in a match.
