Ever watched a wrestling match and wondered about the rules, especially when someone slaps on a submission hold? The crisp sound of the mat, the roar of the crowd, and the sheer physicality of the sport are captivating. But what exactly are the legalities of submitting an opponent? Is it always allowed, or are there limitations? We’re going to explore the world of submissions in professional wrestling, breaking down the techniques, the rules, and the art behind it all.
Submissions are a core element of professional wrestling, adding drama, strategy, and realism to the spectacle. From the iconic sharpshooter to the devastating armbar, these holds can change the course of a match in an instant. But with so many different holds and variations, it’s easy to get lost in the details. That’s why we’re here to provide a clear and comprehensive guide to the art of submissions. Let’s get started!
The Fundamentals of Submissions
At its heart, a submission hold in wrestling is designed to force an opponent to verbally concede defeat. This is achieved by applying pressure to a specific joint, muscle, or other vulnerable area of the body. The goal isn’t necessarily to cause serious injury (though accidents can happen), but to create a situation where the wrestler feels compelled to give up. The referee plays a crucial role in monitoring the hold and ensuring the safety of the wrestlers.
Key Components of a Submission Hold
- Pain Application: The primary objective is to inflict enough pain to elicit a verbal submission.
- Joint Manipulation: Many submission holds target specific joints, such as the arm, leg, or neck.
- Muscle Fatigue: Some holds are designed to tire out the muscles, making it difficult for the wrestler to continue.
- Psychological Warfare: Submissions can be as much about mental pressure as physical pressure. The wrestler applying the hold often uses taunts and trash talk to add to the drama.
Types of Submission Holds
The variety of submission holds is vast, but they generally fall into a few broad categories:
- Joint Locks: These target specific joints, such as the armbar (targeting the elbow), the kneebar (targeting the knee), and the ankle lock (targeting the ankle).
- Chokeholds: These apply pressure to the neck, restricting blood flow to the brain or the airway. Examples include the rear naked choke and the guillotine choke.
- Pinches: These involve squeezing specific muscles or nerves. The camel clutch is a famous example.
- Cravats: These involve wrapping an arm around the opponent’s neck, similar to a headlock, often used to set up a choke or a throw.
The Rules and Regulations
While professional wrestling is pre-determined, there are still rules and regulations that govern the use of submission holds. These rules are in place to ensure wrestler safety and to maintain the integrity of the match. The referee is the ultimate authority in enforcing these rules.
Legal vs. Illegal Submissions
Generally, most submission holds are legal. However, some holds are often banned or restricted, particularly those that are considered too dangerous or that could potentially lead to serious injury. The specific rules can vary depending on the wrestling promotion (WWE, AEW, NJPW, etc.).
- Legal Holds: Armbars, leglocks, headlocks, and various other holds that apply pressure to a joint or muscle are usually permitted.
- Illegal Holds: Holds that target the eyes, groin, or throat are typically prohibited. Choking with foreign objects or using weapons to apply a submission is also illegal. Some promotions may also ban certain moves that are deemed too dangerous.
The Referee’s Role
The referee plays a critical role in enforcing submission rules. They must:
- Observe the Hold: The referee must closely watch the hold to ensure it is being applied correctly and that the wrestler is not using any illegal tactics.
- Assess the Wrestler’s Condition: The referee must determine if the wrestler is in danger or if they are unable to continue.
- Ask the Wrestler: The referee will often ask the wrestler if they want to give up.
- Stop the Match: If the wrestler verbally submits or is deemed unable to continue, the referee will stop the match and declare a winner.
Common Submission Holds and Techniques
Let’s dive into some of the most popular and effective submission holds used in professional wrestling.
Armbar
Description: The armbar involves trapping the opponent’s arm and hyperextending the elbow. The wrestler usually sits or kneels to apply the pressure.
Effectiveness: Highly effective, especially when applied by someone with strong leverage and technique. The armbar can cause significant pain and force a quick submission.
Key Wrestlers: Ronda Rousey (MMA and WWE), Bryan Danielson (AEW)
Ankle Lock
Description: The ankle lock involves grabbing the opponent’s foot and applying pressure to the ankle joint, often twisting or bending the foot.
Effectiveness: Can be very effective, especially if the opponent has weak ankles or is already injured. It can also be used to transition into other holds.
Key Wrestlers: Kurt Angle (WWE), Ken Shamrock (WWE)
Sharpshooter
Description: The sharpshooter, also known as the Scorpion Deathlock, involves hooking the opponent’s legs and bending their back backward, putting pressure on the lower back and legs. (See Also: How Do You Score Wrestling )
Effectiveness: A classic hold that can cause significant pain and is often used to wear down opponents. It’s a crowd favorite due to its visual impact.
Key Wrestlers: Bret Hart (WWE), Sting (WCW/WWE)
Rear Naked Choke
Description: The rear naked choke involves wrapping an arm around the opponent’s neck and securing it with the other hand, cutting off blood flow to the brain.
Effectiveness: Extremely effective, and often leads to a quick submission. It can cause the opponent to lose consciousness if held for too long.
Key Wrestlers: Many, used across various promotions.
Guillotine Choke
Description: The guillotine choke involves wrapping the arm around the opponent’s neck and securing it with the other hand, cutting off blood flow to the brain.
Effectiveness: Extremely effective, and often leads to a quick submission. It can cause the opponent to lose consciousness if held for too long.
Key Wrestlers: Many, used across various promotions.
Kneebar
Description: The kneebar involves trapping the opponent’s leg and hyperextending the knee. The wrestler applies pressure by either sitting on the trapped leg or by pulling it back.
Effectiveness: Can be very painful and lead to a quick submission. It’s especially effective against opponents with knee injuries.
Key Wrestlers: Many, used across various promotions.
Figure-Four Leglock
Description: This leglock involves hooking the opponent’s leg and locking their leg into a figure-four position, putting pressure on the knee and ankle.
Effectiveness: A classic hold that can cause significant pain and wear down an opponent. It’s also visually striking.
Key Wrestlers: Ric Flair (NWA/WCW/WWE), The Miz (WWE) (See Also: Are You Allowed To Move Your Elbow In Arm Wrestling )
Crossface Chickenwing
Description: The Crossface Chickenwing involves placing the opponent’s arm across their face while using the other arm to lock the hand behind the opponent’s head, putting pressure on the shoulder and neck.
Effectiveness: Effective at causing pain and forcing a submission. The position can also cut off the opponent’s ability to breath.
Key Wrestlers: The most famous is probably The Iron Sheik (WWF), but also used by many others.
Training and Safety
Wrestling, including the application of submission holds, requires rigorous training and a strong emphasis on safety. Wrestlers must be in excellent physical condition and understand how to apply holds correctly to minimize the risk of injury.
Proper Training Techniques
Wrestlers must undergo extensive training in the following areas:
- Basic Wrestling Skills: This includes learning how to take bumps, move in the ring, and control their bodies.
- Submission Technique: Wrestlers must learn how to apply each submission hold correctly, understanding the mechanics and the pressure points.
- Safe Application: They must learn how to apply holds without causing serious injury, including how to control the pressure and when to release the hold.
- Selling: The ability to sell the effects of a submission hold is crucial to making it believable and entertaining.
Safety Protocols
Safety is the top priority in professional wrestling. Wrestlers and trainers follow strict safety protocols, including:
- Experienced Trainers: Wrestlers should train under experienced trainers who can provide guidance and ensure proper technique.
- Spotting: During training, wrestlers often use spotters to help prevent injuries.
- Communication: Wrestlers must communicate with each other during a match, signaling when they are ready to submit or when a hold is being applied too tightly.
- Medical Supervision: Medical personnel are often present at wrestling events to provide immediate care if needed.
The Art of Selling a Submission
Selling a submission is an art form. It’s about convincingly portraying the pain and pressure of the hold to the audience. This involves facial expressions, body language, and verbal cues.
- Facial Expressions: Wrestlers use their faces to convey the level of pain they are experiencing.
- Body Language: They may writhe in pain, struggle to escape the hold, or tap out to signal their submission.
- Verbal Cues: They may yell or scream to emphasize the pain.
Submissions in Different Wrestling Styles
The use of submission holds can vary depending on the style of wrestling. Some styles place a greater emphasis on submissions than others.
Technical Wrestling
Technical wrestling is a style that focuses on grappling, mat work, and submission holds. Wrestlers in this style often use a variety of holds to wear down their opponents and secure a submission victory.
Key Characteristics:
- Emphasis on chain wrestling.
- Use of a wide range of submission holds.
- Focus on strategy and technique.
Examples: Bryan Danielson, Zack Sabre Jr.
High-Flying Wrestling
High-flying wrestling is a style that emphasizes aerial maneuvers and high-risk moves. While submissions may still be used, they are often less emphasized than in technical wrestling.
Key Characteristics:
- Emphasis on aerial moves.
- Fast-paced action.
- Less focus on mat work.
Examples: Rey Mysterio, The Young Bucks (See Also: Can I Start Wrestling At 22 )
Strong Style Wrestling
Strong style wrestling, popular in Japan, is a style that emphasizes hard-hitting strikes and realistic grappling. Submissions play a significant role in this style, with a focus on realism and intensity.
Key Characteristics:
- Emphasis on hard strikes and grappling.
- Realistic style.
- Focus on intensity and emotion.
Examples: Kazuchika Okada, Minoru Suzuki
The Psychology of Submissions
Submissions aren’t just about physical pressure; they’re also about psychological warfare. The wrestler applying the hold often uses taunts, trash talk, and facial expressions to create a sense of drama and tension.
Building Tension
The use of submission holds can build tension in a match. As the hold is applied, the audience is left wondering if the wrestler will be able to escape or if they will succumb to the pressure.
Creating Drama
Submissions add drama to a match. The struggle to escape a hold can create exciting and memorable moments.
Enhancing Storytelling
Submissions can be used to tell a story. They can be used to show a wrestler’s dominance, resilience, or vulnerability. The use of submissions can also be used to build a rivalry between two wrestlers.
The Future of Submissions in Wrestling
Submission holds will likely remain a crucial component of professional wrestling. As the sport evolves, we can expect to see new holds and techniques introduced, as well as continued innovations in the art of selling and the psychology of submissions.
Innovations and Trends
The wrestling world is constantly innovating, and we may see the following trends:
- Increased focus on realism: Wrestlers might incorporate more realistic grappling techniques and submission holds.
- More diverse submission styles: Expect to see wrestlers pulling from different martial arts disciplines.
- Sophisticated storytelling: Submissions will continue to be used to tell compelling stories and develop rivalries.
The Importance of Safety
The safety of wrestlers will remain a top priority. As the sport evolves, wrestling promotions will continue to implement safety protocols and training programs to minimize the risk of injury.
Final Verdict
The use of submission holds is a fundamental aspect of professional wrestling, adding depth, excitement, and realism to the sport. From the basic principles to the complex techniques and the psychological aspects, submissions are a core component of the drama and storytelling. By understanding the rules, the techniques, and the importance of safety, you can truly appreciate the art of submission wrestling.
Professional wrestling submissions are a blend of athleticism, technique, and theater. They require skill, training, and a deep understanding of the human body. The effectiveness of a submission hold lies not just in the physical pressure applied, but also in the ability of the wrestler to sell the move and create a compelling narrative.
The role of the referee is vital, ensuring both the rules are followed and the safety of the participants is prioritized. The variety of holds, from the armbar to the sharpshooter, provide a dynamic range of strategic options within a match. The future of submissions in wrestling will likely see the continued development of new holds, techniques, and a greater emphasis on safety and storytelling.
Ultimately, when you watch a match and see a submission applied, remember that it’s a carefully choreographed dance of pain, strategy, and drama. It’s a testament to the skill and dedication of the wrestlers involved. The next time you watch a match, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for the art of submissions.
