A good submission hold is a joy to behold. I use the crossface in my matches, but I don't think that it's particularly well-known. My computer keeps auto-correcting it to crossfire, so it can't be that big, right? Of course it also insists that suplex should be duplex and Movimus should be movies, so what does it know?
For me, this hold is most associated with the late Chris Benoit as his Crippler Crossface finisher. I know that he is an extremely sensitive and disturbing topic for obvious reasons. However, let's focus on this hold. The reason the crossface worked so well for him is that a smaller wrestler can effectively apply this on a bigger one.
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| Benoit takes down Cena |
It's actually a fairly simple concept that can be applied in multiple ways. No matter how you get there, it's a crossface when the victim is chest down with an arm trapped between the applier's legs, his head pulled up and face etched with pain.
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| Cena trapped again |
For pros, another benefit is that it's one of those sudden submission holds that can turn a match around and shock the fans. Often it comes out of nowhere, so it gets a huge pop. The applier ducks a clothesline or similar move, grabs the arm from behind then drives the victim down face first into the mat. Before you know it, the guy who was in control is tapping.
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| It's fast and deadly |
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| Rock uses Benoit's hold against him |
For non-pros, you probably don't want to go from standing. That doesn't mean you can't use it, it just means you're being safe and smart. It's still pretty easy. Wrap your legs around the arm and pull up on the head. Same effect, just done in a responsible way.
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Give us a smile, Dom! Tak makes you a perfect
example for my post (find it here) |
In terms of variations, there are many. Essentially, they all involve a similar idea - trapping the arm(s) and pulling up on the head. Some guys hook both arms, others trap legs ... to me it's all the same effect with a little personal style thrown in.
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| Batista Bite |
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| Cena on top with his version |
So that's the crossface. If you want to see more,
Wrestling Arsenal has FIVE galleries devoted to this move and its variations.
What do you think? Is it new to you? Hot or not? The comment box is waiting for your thoughts.
Alex
Of all the Gifs and pics...the hottest one was the once with Bruce Ballard!! At least for me. That was a surprise even for me. I like his facial expression, either it hurt or he was selling it very good. Also his muscular body was grabbed perfectly with his traps all swollen. As a finisher I'm not so sure about it though. Not fully convinced.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment! The Bruce one is hot, maybe also because Zack grabbed his forehead so you see his whole face. My personal fave is Tak/Dom, but that is influenced by the context of the wrestlers and the match.
DeleteThat one was hot, as Tak has his fingers inside Doms mouth which is hot, plus the way his arm is on the head is hot as well. I think in the case of BB its his extended neck and chest off the floor, you can fully see from his eyes to his nipples and the ripped arms and traps.Kudos to the camera man, he did a better job than the WWE guys.LOL
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