In the realm of professional wrestling, few moves capture the essence of strength and technique quite like the suplex. A staple in wrestling matches for decades, the suplex is a breathtaking display of power, athleticism, and timing.
A suplex is an offensive move used in sport wrestling as well as amateur wrestling and professional wrestling. The move consists of one wrestler picking up his or her opponent off the ground (or mat) and then using a large portion of his or her own body weight to drive the opponent down on the mat. Nearly all suplexes have the attacker going down to the mat with the opponent landing on his or her back.
The suplex is a fundamental wrestling move that involves lifting an opponent off their feet and throwing them backward, causing them to land on their back. It showcases the wrestler's ability to overpower their adversary and execute a seamless transition from holding to tossing.
Professional wrestling features many different varieties of suplexes. In these suplexes, the wrestlers begin by facing each other, the attacking wrestler then applies a Front facelock to the opponent before executing a throw. In most cases, the opponent is suspended upside-down during part of the move.
In the international wrestling community, one of the go-to icebreaker questions is asking a fellow fan about their Mt. Rushmore of professional wrestlers. While my Mt. Rushmore shifts from month to month, I’ll never change my mind on the wrestling move I fuck with more than the other 1,000 holds in wrestling: the suplex.
A suplex is a wrestling maneuver where a wrestler lifts their opponent into a bridging position before slamming them onto the mat. While it might seem like a basic throw, its deceptive simplicity allows for a wide range of physical expression.
Wrestling moves - like words on a webpage - come in different fonts, each infused with a unique style. Before I wax poetic about my favorite suplexes, I will set the stage explaining how wrestling moves come in more permutations than Fanta flavors.
Suplexes and fundamental moves like drivers, powerbombs, busters, and splashes are the bedrock of a wrestler’s arsenal. While anyone can do them, how they're delivered truly sets them apart. A performer’s gimmick, technical prowess, and artistic flair can turn one of these simple maneuvers into a spectacle worth popping out of your chair in unbridled excitement.
Types of Suplexes
There are various iterations of the suplex, each requiring a unique blend of strength and technique. Here's a look at some of the most popular suplex variations:
If a wrestler executes a suplex from the top turnbuckle, it transforms into an “avalanche” suplex. If they burst into the suplex without a drawn-out wind-up, prioritizing speed over theatrics, it’s classified as a “snap” suplex. Sitting between these two variants is the Brainbuster, a suplex with a distinctly brutal twist.
The Brainbuster, often called a Delayed Vertical Suplex, begins with the wrestler locking their opponent in a front face lock - one hand gripping their hip, the other tucked behind their neck. Unlike a standard suplex that follows a graceful arc, a Brainbuster cuts the rotation short. Instead of rolling into a controlled fall, the wrestler delays the drop and spikes their opponent straight down onto their head in a sheer whiplash-inducing impact.
Here are some other variations of the move:
- Vertical Suplex: For example, common in professional wrestling is the vertical suplex, which has the wrestlers begin face-to-face, then the attacker forces the opponent's head down and locks the opponent's arm around it. The attacker then places his or her opponent's arm around the opponent's own head, to force opponent up and over. At the zenith the opponent's body is upside-down and vertical above the attacker.
- Fisherman's Suplex: Also spelled as a fisherman's suplex and also known as a cradle suplex. With their opponent in a front facelock with the near arm draped over the attacker's shoulder, the wrestler hooks the opponent's near leg behind the opponent's knee with his/her free arm and falls backwards, flipping the opponent onto his/her back. The attacker usually keeps the leg hooked and bridges to pin the opponent in a cradle-like position, or applies a leglock submission hold.
- Swinging Fisherman Neckbreaker: Also known as Swinging Fisherman Neckbreaker and the Golden Gate Swing. The attacker faces a standing opponent with one side of the ring immediately behind the opponent. The attacker applies a front facelock to the opponent, takes hold of the opponent with his/her free hand, then lifts the opponent until he/she is nearly vertical.
- Snap Suplex: This move sees the attacker apply a front face lock to their opponent, draping the opponent's near arm over their shoulder, the attacker stomps down hard and suplexes the opponent stiffly, resulting in a quicker throw. Bret Hart and The Dynamite Kid used this move as one of their signature moves. Dynamite would frequently twist his hips as he took his opponent over so as to add impact to the maneuver.
- Superplex: A superplex is a name that comes from the term "super suplex" and refers to any suplex performed by an attacker standing on the second or third rope against an opponent sitting on the top rope or top turnbuckle. It was innovated by The Dynamite Kid. The most common suplex used for this top rope move is the standard vertical suplex variation (known as the suicide-plex), in which the attackers apply a front face lock to the opponent, draping the opponent's near arm over their respective shoulders, at this point the wrestler falls backwards and flips the opponent over them so they both land on their backs.
- Falcon Arrow: This move is similar to most suplexes and starts with the attacker applying a front face lock to his/her opponent and draping the opponent's near arm over his/her shoulder, then lifting him/her up and holding the opponent in the vertical position. This is where the move differs from most of its counterparts with the attacker not falling with the opponent, but rather shifting themselves slightly and throwing their opponent to the mat.
- Sitout Gourdbuster: The attacker applies a front face lock to the opponent and drapes the opponent's near arm over his/her shoulder. The attacker then lifts the opponent into a vertical position, and falls into a sit-out position, driving the face of the opponent into the ground. This move is known as a sitout gourdbuster or an inverted falcon arrow.
- Stalling Suplex: This variation of a vertical suplex, also known as the hanging suplex, standing suplex or stalling suplex, sees the attacking wrestler holds an opponent in the upside-down position at the peak of the arc for several seconds before completing the maneuver, thereby (in kayfabe) causing blood to pool into the head of the opponent. This move is a staple of larger and powerful wrestlers as it gives an aura of dominance over their opponents who can do nothing but wait to drop in the suplex.
- Half-Hatch Suplex: The wrestler applies a Front facelock with one arm and underhooks one of the opponent's arms with his other, placing his hand palm down on the back of the opponent. The wrestler then lifts the opponent up while bridging backwards and slightly twisting, bringing the opponent over him and onto their back.
- Back Suplex: Sometimes shortened to back suplex, the wrestler stands behind his opponent and puts his head under the arm of the opponent. He then lifts the opponent up using both of his arms wrapped around the torso of the opponent. The wrestler finally falls backwards and drops the opponent flat on his back. This move is referred to as a backdrop in Japan.
- Electric Chair Slam: Also known as an electric chair slam or a Japanese Ocean Cyclone Suplex. Also known as a dragon suplex, this belly to back suplex variation sees the wrestler apply a full nelson and then bridges his back, lifting the opponent over him and onto their shoulders down to the mat.
- German Suplex: Innovated by Lou Thesz, it is technically known as a belly to back waist lock suplex, the wrestler stands behind the opponent, grabs them around their waist, lifts them up, and falls backwards while bridging his back and legs, slamming the opponent down to the mat shoulder and upper back first. The wrestler keeps the waistlock and continues bridging with their back and legs, pinning the opponent's shoulders down against the mat. The regular pinning variation can be referred to as the German suplex pin. The wrestler can also release the opponent in mid arch, which is referred to as a release German suplex.
In recent years, wrestling has witnessed the rise of innovative moves that challenge the boundaries of what is deemed possible in the ring. Among these is the UFO, an acronym for Unidentified Flying Object. This maneuver involves spinning the opponent around on one's shoulders while maintaining a vertical position. The UFO is a testament to the wrestler's extraordinary strength, balance, and showmanship.
When it comes to showcasing sheer dominance and leaving an indelible impact, few wrestling throws rival the power drive. This move entails hoisting the opponent onto the wrestler's shoulders, holding them in a seated position, and then forcefully driving them into the mat. The power drive emphasizes the wrestler's strength and ability to control their opponent's body.
For those wrestlers who relish in taking calculated risks and showcasing pinpoint precision, the brain buster is a move that allows them to shine. This throw involves lifting the opponent onto the wrestler's shoulders and then dropping them head-first onto the mat. The brain buster demands a delicate balance between control and impact. Wrestlers must maintain a firm grip on their opponent while executing the slam safely, prioritizing the well-being of their rival.
While many wrestling throws originate from traditional wrestling techniques, others have been adapted from various martial arts disciplines. Judo throws, in particular, have found their way into professional wrestling, adding a unique flair to the array of moves.
Judo throws typically rely on using an opponent's momentum and balance against them, redirecting their force and throwing them to the ground. Examples of judo throws incorporated into professional wrestling include the hip throw (O-goshi) and the shoulder throw (Seoi-nage). These moves showcase the fusion of styles and techniques, creating a dynamic and captivating display in the wrestling ring.
Hardcore Holly completing a vertical suplex on Mr. Kennedy.
My Favorite Suplexes
Now that I’ve thoroughly explained the ins and outs of wrestling throws and the variations of suplexes, here are my all-time favorite suplexes in no particular order.
- Northern Lights Suplex
Key qualities for a grade-A Northern Lights Suplex are how fluid the rolling motion of the throw is, how high the arch of the offensive wrestler’s bridge is, and most importantly, whether they point their toes into the ground and maintain their balance while executing the move. My favorite Northern Lights Suplex belongs to WWE’s Alicia Fox. Her bridge is beautiful, and she makes the move look like a walk in the park.
- German Suplex
I said I wasn’t picking favorites here, but the German Suplex is my favorite. I pop off when I see it in other media, like Kratos taking an impromptu German Suplex from Baldur in God of War. I’m such a slut for a German Suplex that I hoot any time any wrestler executes any kind of variation of this suplex. It can be a deadlift German Suplex, a pop-up German Suplex, or a rolling German Suplex, I don’t care. It’s just something about watching a wrestler slipping under their opponent’s guard, locking their arms around their waist, and snapping their hips into a golden ratio arc into the mat that pleases the caveman wrinkles in my brain. It fucks. Though if I were to pick a favorite wrestler’s German Suplex, it would be my Cinanbon-loving son, Konosuke Takeshita, who wrote a 20-page college thesis on the move.
- Dragon Suplex
The Dragon Suplex is synonymous with Former Stardom-turned Marigold Ace Joshi pro wrestler Mayu Iwatani. The move is like a standard German suplex but has stages like the Power Rangers assembling the Megazord. First, she props her opponent up in a belly-to-back suplex position. While having them suspended in the air, she locks them in a full nelson and snaps them back, neck-first into the mat. Sometimes, if she’s feeling fancy, Iwatani will bridge her back and point her toes into the ground. However, it doesn’t happen often because Iwatani is a sicko who goes incredibly hard in her matches, often crumpling into a heap after delivering super kicks, so she’ll sometimes just settle for hitting the move and crumpling in exhaustion until the three-count sounds her victory.
- Tiger Suplex
The Tiger Suplex is another variant of the German Suplex. Its uniqueness lies in how wrestlers set up their opponents before slamming them into the mat. Instead of locking their opponents from their waist or from a full nelson position, the Tiger Suplex has an offensive wrestler lock their adversary from the inside of their elbow, the cubital fossa if you will, from the belly-to-back position before foisting them from the earth and dropping them from a high angle on their shoulders and neck. The kayfabe psychology of the suplex, and other moves restricting an opponent's arms, is that it would prevent them from breaking their fall, making the impact more devastating. I think it’s neat that suplexes are an equal opportunity naming convention for animals.
- C4 Bakudan Suplex
AZM (pronounced Azumi)’s suplex is so complex that it has its unique name. In fighting game lingo, the C4 Bakudan Suplex (or C4 Bomb) is like a command grab counter move. After deflecting a front kick from her opponent, AZM dips under their guard while folding their kicking leg to their hip like they were crossing their legs like a cool guy. After which, she performs a German Suplex. Yes, it's just a German Suplex with the bare minimum of extra steps, but the velocity with which “High Speed Bomb Girl” executes the move gets all the brownie points from me.
- Twilight Dream
The Twilight Dream is one of the more complicated suplexes on this list. Still, the fluidity of its chain wrestling-eque use case from retired Stardom wrestler Tam Nakano makes it one of those stunning wrestling flourishes in technicality that it makes the list. The move sees the “Top Kawaii of the Cosmos” wrestler place her opponent in a combination of a hammerlock and seatbelt wrist hold, fastening their arms to the front and back of their waist, leaving no room to escape, before hoisting them up for a suplex. She typically punctuates the move by holding her back in a bridge and anchoring her tippy toes into the mat like the showoffy idol she is, and I love her for it.
- Ocean Cyclone Suplex
Minami Toyota’s Ocean Cyclone Suplex is what happens when a German Suplex meets an Electric Chair (the wrestling move). After crossing her opponent's arms like a straitjacket while holding them in a belly-to-back position, then she lifts them, tucking her head between their thighs. The moment she has them up, she slams them back into the mat.
In conclusion, the suplex wrestling move remains an iconic staple of professional wrestling, embodying power, technique, and spectacle. From the classic suplex to the innovative UFO, the power drive, the brain buster, and the infusion of judo throws, wrestling throws continually evolve, mesmerizing audiences worldwide.