Ever wondered if the world of professional wrestling, with its larger-than-life characters and dramatic storylines, includes the technical aspects of submission holds? You’re not alone! Many fans, both new and seasoned, often question the role of submissions in the orchestrated chaos of the ring. While wrestling is undeniably a performance, it’s built upon a foundation of athletic skill and martial arts techniques. This article will explore the presence and significance of submissions in professional wrestling.
We’ll delve into the different types of submissions you might see, the purpose they serve, and how they contribute to the overall narrative. We’ll also address the common misconceptions and clarify the nuances of submissions within this unique form of entertainment. So, get ready to learn about the holds that can lead to a tap-out and a victory!
The Fundamentals: What Are Submissions?
In the context of professional wrestling, a submission is a maneuver designed to force an opponent to concede defeat. This is typically achieved by applying pressure to a joint, causing pain or restricting blood flow, thus making the wrestler tap out or verbally submit. Submissions are a critical part of the wrestling experience, adding depth to matches and providing dramatic tension. Unlike pinfalls, which rely on a referee’s count, submissions rely on the voluntary acknowledgement of defeat by the wrestler.
Submissions are not just about pain; they are also about the strategic application of technique. Wrestlers use submissions to tell a story of dominance, resilience, and ultimately, victory. They can be used as a finishing move to end a match or as a way to control an opponent and build tension throughout the contest. Submissions also highlight the athleticism and technical skill of the wrestlers involved.
Types of Submission Holds
There is a wide variety of submission holds used in professional wrestling. These holds target different parts of the body, and each has its own unique application and appearance. Here are some of the most common types:
- Joint Locks: These are the most common type of submission, designed to hyperextend or put pressure on a joint.
- Chokeholds: These apply pressure to the neck, restricting airflow or blood flow to the brain.
- Muscle Locks: These target specific muscles, causing pain and fatigue.
- Pain Submission: These create high levels of pain through various applications, forcing a tap-out.
Common Joint Locks
Joint locks are a mainstay of professional wrestling submissions, targeting various joints to cause pain and force a submission. Understanding these holds helps appreciate the skill and strategy involved.
- Armbar: A classic submission where the wrestler hyperextends the opponent’s arm at the elbow. The wrestler typically applies pressure by locking their legs around the opponent’s arm and pulling back. The armbar is a very effective submission, and can end a match quickly.
- Kimura Lock: This hold involves twisting the opponent’s arm behind their back, putting pressure on the shoulder joint. It’s named after the legendary judoka Masahiko Kimura. The wrestler typically grabs the opponent’s wrist and twists the arm in a specific way.
- Triangle Choke: Although technically a choke, the triangle choke can also put pressure on the shoulder and neck. The wrestler uses their legs to lock around the opponent’s neck and one arm, creating a triangle shape. This hold restricts blood flow and can lead to a tap-out.
- Crossface Chickenwing: Involves applying pressure to the face and shoulder, often used to wear down an opponent. This move combines elements of a headlock and a shoulder lock.
- Figure-Four Leglock: This hold involves trapping one of the opponent’s legs and applying pressure to the ankle and knee. The wrestler uses their legs to lock around the opponent’s leg, creating a figure-four shape.
Chokeholds in Wrestling
Chokeholds are a dramatic and effective form of submission, designed to restrict airflow or blood flow to the head. These holds can create intense tension and excitement during a match.
- Rear Naked Choke (RNC): The wrestler wraps their arm around the opponent’s neck from behind, applying pressure to the carotid arteries. This restricts blood flow to the brain, and can lead to a quick submission.
- Guillotine Choke: This choke involves wrapping an arm around the opponent’s neck and applying pressure with the other arm or their body. It’s often applied from a standing position.
- Bulldog Choke: A variation where the wrestler applies the choke while in a seated position, often involving the use of the wrestler’s legs to increase pressure.
Muscle Locks and Other Submission Styles
While joint locks and chokeholds are common, other submission styles, such as muscle locks, add variety and depth to wrestling matches. These submissions create unique dramatic moments.
- Boston Crab: A backbreaker submission that puts pressure on the lower back and legs. The wrestler typically grabs the opponent’s legs and arches their back, causing intense pain.
- Sharpshooter: Similar to the Boston Crab, the Sharpshooter is a leg-based submission that puts pressure on the lower back and legs. It’s popularized by Bret Hart and is a fan favorite.
- Abdominal Stretch: This submission targets the abdominal muscles, causing pain and fatigue. The wrestler typically wraps their arms around the opponent’s torso and pulls, creating a stretch.
The Role of Submissions in Storytelling
Submissions are not just about physical maneuvers; they are integral to the storytelling aspect of professional wrestling. They create drama, build tension, and enhance the narrative of a match. The way a wrestler applies a submission, the struggle of the opponent, and the eventual outcome all contribute to the overall story.
Building Tension: Submissions can be used to build anticipation and suspense. When a wrestler applies a submission, the audience knows the match is nearing its climax. The struggle of the wrestler trying to escape creates a dramatic moment.
Character Development: Submissions can highlight a wrestler’s character. A technical wrestler might rely heavily on submissions, showcasing their skill and precision. A heel (villain) might use dirty tactics and brutal submissions to dominate their opponent.
Creating Memorable Moments: Memorable matches are often defined by the use of submissions. Iconic submission holds and the dramatic escapes from them become key moments in wrestling history. (See Also: How Tight Are Wrestling Shoes Supposed To Be )
The Art of Selling
Selling is an essential part of professional wrestling, and it plays a critical role in making submission holds believable and impactful. Selling involves the wrestler’s ability to convincingly portray the pain and struggle of being caught in a submission hold. The way a wrestler sells a submission can significantly enhance the drama and excitement of the match.
Facial Expressions: A wrestler’s face is a key tool in selling a submission. Grimaces, tears, and contorted expressions help convey the pain they are experiencing.
Body Language: The way a wrestler moves their body, including writhing, struggling, and tapping out, helps to sell the submission.
Verbal Cues: Wrestlers may yell or groan to emphasize the pain, adding to the realism of the submission.
Timing: The timing of a wrestler’s sell is crucial. They need to sell the hold at the right moments to build tension and create a believable narrative.
The Psychology of Submissions
The psychology of submissions involves understanding the mental aspects of the hold, including the wrestler’s reactions, the audience’s perception, and the overall narrative of the match. The effective use of psychology can elevate a submission from a simple maneuver to a captivating moment.
Building Anticipation: Using submissions strategically can build anticipation. A wrestler might tease a submission, leading the audience to believe it’s coming. This creates suspense and keeps the audience engaged.
Creating Drama: Submissions can create drama by showing a wrestler’s struggle and resilience. The audience will get invested in the match as they watch their favorite wrestler try to escape a submission.
Changing the Match’s Momentum: Submissions can shift the momentum of a match. A successful submission can give a wrestler an advantage and change the course of a fight.
Differences Between Wrestling and Mma Submissions
While both professional wrestling and mixed martial arts (MMA) use submissions, there are key differences in their application and purpose. These differences are rooted in the nature of the sport and the expectations of the audience.
Realism vs. Performance: In MMA, submissions are used to end the fight by causing physical harm. In professional wrestling, submissions are a part of a performance. While they are designed to look realistic, the focus is on storytelling and entertainment. (See Also: Does Espn Have Wrestling )
Safety Considerations: Professional wrestling focuses on safety. While submissions are designed to look dangerous, wrestlers are trained to apply them safely. MMA fighters, on the other hand, are willing to sustain real damage to win.
Technique vs. Showmanship: MMA fighters prioritize technique and effectiveness, while professional wrestlers balance technique with showmanship. Wrestlers often exaggerate their reactions to make the submission more dramatic.
Legal Implications: In MMA, submissions are used to win the fight, and the referee will stop the fight. In professional wrestling, a wrestler taps out or verbally submits to end the match.
Famous Submission Wrestlers and Their Signature Moves
Many wrestlers have become famous for their submission skills and signature moves. Here are some of the most prominent:
- Bret Hart: Known for his technical prowess and the Sharpshooter, a leg-based submission.
- Kurt Angle: An Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, Angle used various submissions, including the Ankle Lock.
- Chris Benoit: Known for his technical ability and the Crippler Crossface, a crossface chickenwing submission.
- Ken Shamrock: A former MMA fighter, Shamrock brought a more realistic submission style to wrestling.
- Ronda Rousey: A former UFC champion, Rousey brought her expertise in Judo and armbars to wrestling.
- Submission Machine (William Regal): Known for his technical wrestling and his ability to apply a variety of submissions, including the Regal Stretch.
Common Misconceptions About Submissions in Wrestling
Despite their prominence, submissions in wrestling are often misunderstood. Here are some common misconceptions:
Misconception: Submissions are always fake. While the outcome is predetermined, the techniques are real, and wrestlers must apply them carefully to avoid injury.
Misconception: Submissions are always the same. There are countless variations of submissions, each designed to target a different part of the body.
Misconception: Wrestlers don’t feel pain. Wrestlers are athletes who experience pain, and they must sell the submission to make it believable.
Misconception: Submissions are only for the main event. Submissions are used throughout the card to enhance the drama and showcase the skills of the wrestlers.
Training and Safety Considerations
Wrestlers undergo rigorous training to learn submission holds and safely apply them. This training includes:
Proper Technique: Wrestlers learn the correct techniques to apply the holds, preventing injury to themselves and their opponents. (See Also: Does Forearm Strength Help Arm Wrestling )
Selling Techniques: Wrestlers learn how to sell the submission to make it believable and enhance the drama.
Communication: Wrestlers must communicate with each other during a match. This is particularly important during submission holds, so they can ensure the opponent is comfortable and safe.
Safety Protocols: Wrestling promotions have safety protocols in place to protect wrestlers from injury. These protocols include training, medical staff, and rules.
The Future of Submissions in Professional Wrestling
The use of submissions in professional wrestling is constantly evolving, with new techniques and styles emerging. The future of submissions in professional wrestling will likely involve:
Increased Technical Proficiency: As wrestlers train with more varied martial arts, we might see more complex and realistic submissions.
Integration of MMA Styles: The influence of MMA will continue, with wrestlers incorporating techniques from various disciplines.
Enhanced Storytelling: Submissions will play an even greater role in storytelling, with wrestlers using them to create compelling narratives.
Greater Emphasis on Safety: With an increased awareness of potential injuries, safety protocols will be further developed to protect the wrestlers.
More Diverse Characters: More wrestlers will have submission-based styles to add a diverse range of characters and match styles.
Final Verdict
Submissions are an integral part of professional wrestling, adding depth, drama, and technical skill to the performance. They are not merely about inflicting pain but are a key element in storytelling, character development, and creating memorable moments. From joint locks and chokes to muscle locks and innovative holds, the variety of submissions offers endless possibilities for match narratives and wrestler personas. The art of selling, the psychology behind the holds, and the strategic application all contribute to the captivating experience of watching a submission-based match. As wrestling continues to evolve, submissions will remain a crucial aspect, shaping the future of this unique form of entertainment.
