Inspiration: Bearhugs

Wrestling site Bearhugger.net recently did a nice post about my little blog. I figured I'd say thanks with a bearhug-themed photo extravaganza. I haven't done a holds-specific post for a while and those were mainly to showcase more obscure moves. Unlike a stump puller, for example, I know I don't need to explain what a bearhug is or how it works. It's like something we're wired to know. So, let's just enjoy ...

Anyone can do a bearhug, but maybe not like that.
(Cason vs. Blayne, Thunders Arena)

Inspiration: Bow and Arrow

Have you ever called something a name for a really long time, but then later found out that you might have been wrong the whole time?

Below are two different holds. One is what you get if you google the "Bow and Arrow". The second set is what I call the "Bow and Arrow", but apparently I'm wrong. Oops. From now on, I'll have to think about this when writing.

The "Real" Bow and Arrow

Ethan's helpless on Dash's shins
(Dash Decker vs. Ethan Andrews - RHW)

Inspiration: Leg Nelson

I'm sure we're all familiar with the full nelson. It gets used a lot throughout all kinds of wrestling and has been for many years. A few of the hottest pros have used the full nelson as a finisher, including 80's mega-stud Billy Jack Haynes and The Masterpiece Chris Masters.

The famous Masterlock

So yeah, the full nelson is great, but that's not what this post is about. Today is all about the leg nelson.

Inspiration: Crossface

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.

Benoit takes down Cena

Smaller Jonny on bigger Guido (find it here)

Inspiration: Teardrop/Teardrop Suplex

This month's featured move is another favorite of mine where Google won't help you much.

The Teardrop

What I call the "teardrop" is also known as the rocking horse, rocking cradle, pendulum and reverse suspended crab. All of these kind of make sense. In fact, as I was preparing this post, I found the most success searching using "rocking horse" thanks to Alex Shelley using it as a finisher.

Alex Shelley works the "rocking horse"

Inspiration: Hangman/Gory Special/Hangman's Choke

If the objective of these posts is to help readers who aren't familiar with the various holds that I reference then what I call a Hangman is a perfect choice. Neither Google nor Wikipedia will lead you to the answer. At least not easily. In fact, it might take you to the wrong place.

I'm not sure if I'm even right by calling it a Hangman, although Rock Hard Wrestling refers to it by the same name. Since they're on my side and they use it a lot, I'm using them almost exclusively as my reference source for screen grabs.

Kyle Carter hangs Alex Waters out to dry (here)

Inspiration: Spladle

As I looked to continue my idea to post examples of the moves I use in my stories, I realize I need a new strategy, because I'm spending a ton of time searching for the moves. That's one of the problems with having hundreds of videos on my hard drive. It's not your problem, it's mine, but if anyone has a suggestion to improve my efficiency, I'm open to it.

Anyway, Alex R. specifically mentioned wanting more on the spladle. Sounds good to me.

I love the spladle. Basically, it's a split leg cradle where you roll up your opponent and spread his legs. It's a pin, but also has options for submission. Just think about the pressure on your neck and groin in the hold. As you will see, there are many variations, but to me, a great spladle leaves one of the attacker's hands free to go roaming.

The first image below (Jake Lowe on Damien Rush from BGEast) is the one I most often try to describe in my stories. Rush is rolled up, legs spread wide, head on abs, his big bulge hanging over his face. Lowe has total control and a free hand that can grab pouch, ass and generally torment Rush. It's simply perfection.

Jake Lowe keeps one hand free vs. Damien Rush (here)

Inspiration: The Stump Puller

Alex R. suggested that I post about some of the moves I use. Not everyone is familiar with every hold. Now Wrestling Arsenal already has an alphabetical listing of hot galleries that includes a lot of holds, including the Stump Puller. They're a great place to start. I decided to do my own post anyway, just for fun.

Flash LaCash traps Guido Genatto (here)