The Most Devastating Suplex Types in Wrestling History
Wrestling has always been a sport of power and skill, and few moves demonstrate that better than the suplex. The suplex is a classic wrestling move that involves lifting an opponent off the ground and slamming them down on their back. Over the years, wrestlers have developed a wide variety of suplex types, each more devastating than the last. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most impactful suplex types in wrestling history.
Different Suplex Types
Suplex Types: They fill the world of professional wrestling with an array of powerful and impactful moves, but few are as visually stunning and effective as the suplex. From the classic German Suplex to the intricate Rolling Suplex, each type of suplex offers its own unique blend of athleticism and power. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the world of suplexes and explore 28 different types of this iconic wrestling maneuver.
1. German Suplex
The German Suplex is a powerful wrestling move executed from a standing position. Wrestlers grab their opponents around the waist, lift them up, and flip them over their head onto the ground behind them. This move is particularly effective against larger opponents and is a staple in professional wrestling.
2. Belly-to-belly Suplex
The belly-to-belly suplex involves grabbing the opponent, lifting them up, spinning them in midair, and then slamming them down onto the mat. They often used this move as a powerful finisher and can set up other moves.
3. Snap Suplex
Quick and effective, the snap suplex can be executed from a standing or crouching position. Wrestlers grab their opponents, lift them up, flip them over, and slam them onto the ground. This move is versatile and can catch opponents by surprise, often resulting in a quick pinfall victory.
4. Side Suplex (Sambo Suplex)
Also known as the Sambo Suplex, this powerful move involves grabbing the opponent’s arms, spinning them around, and then slamming them down onto the ground. Timing and accuracy are crucial for executing this type of suplex safely and effectively.
5. Front Suplex
In the front suplex, the wrestler lifts their opponent in front of them and slams them down onto the mat. This move is useful for setting up other moves and catching opponents off guard.
6. Vertical Suplex
The vertical suplex involves grabbing the opponent in a vertical position and then slamming them down onto the mat. This move is often used to create a sudden shift in momentum and can be very powerful when performed correctly.
7. Tiger Suplex
Named after Alfonso Dantés, a luchador from Mexico City, the Tiger Suplex is a maneuver where the wrestler gets behind their opponent, grips their arms, and presses their hands flat against the opponent’s upper back before securing them there.
8. Superplex
The superplex involves grabbing the opponent using the ring ropes, lifting them up, and slamming them down onto the mat. This move is often used as a powerful finisher for high-flying wrestlers.
9. Fisherman Suplex
In the Fisherman suplex, the wrestler grabs the opponent’s head using a Guillotine choke and then lifts them up, slamming them down onto the mat. This move can catch opponents off guard and is very effective.
10. Swinging Fisherman Suplex
Similar to the regular Fisherman suplex, the swinging version involves lifting the opponent from the side with a half roll, often used as a transition move to set up other attacks.
11. Brainbuster Suplex
A powerful finisher in professional wrestling, the brainbuster involves putting the opponent into an intense front facelock, hooking their arms or thighs, hoisting them up, and dropping them down onto their back.
12. Fallaway Suplex
Also known as reverse suplex or alley-oop, the fallaway suplex entails lifting the opponent onto the wrestler’s shoulders and throwing them down to the mat on their chest, releasing the grip for an explosive finish.
13. Package Fallaway Suplex
Similar to the fallaway suplex, this version involves lifting the opponent onto the shoulders, contorting their head into a ‘package’ position, and crashing backward to fling them over the backside, creating tremendous impact.
14. Northern Lights Suplex
The attacking wrestler curls underneath their opponent’s arm, grasps them around the waist, and throws them over themselves. This move is often used to chain suplexes together and create unique finishers.
15. Dragon Suplex
In the dragon suplex, the wrestler grabs their opponent from behind in a nelson/chickenwing hold, lifts them up, and throws them over their back. This move is often associated with Chris Benoit.
16. Hammerlock Suplex
Before performing the Hammerlock Suplex, the attacker seizes their opponent in a hammerlock and slips into a front facelock before gently placing their rival’s uninhibited limb over their head.
17. Suplex Slam (Karl Gotch move)
The wrestler stands behind their opponent, grabs and lifts them around their waist before falling backward, forcefully slamming the target onto their shoulder and upper back with a powerful thud.
18. Slingshot Suplex
In the slingshot suplex, the attacker stands in front of the opponent, uses the ring ropes to bounce the opponent up in the air, and flips them over their back
19. Tornado Suplex
The tornado suplex takes the excitement to new heights as the wrestler climbs to the top rope and locks their opponent in a front facelock while still elevated. By propelling themselves forward and executing a flawless suplex from this elevated position, the wrestler delivers a truly extraordinary display of athleticism and skill.
20. Drop Suplex
Also known as the front drop suplex or gourdbuster, the drop suplex involves draping the opponent’s near arm over the shoulder while applying a front facelock. This classic maneuver showcases the wrestler’s ability to seamlessly execute a powerful throw while maintaining control over their opponent.
21. Saito Suplex (Backdrop)
The Saito suplex, also known as the backdrop suplex, requires precise timing and coordination. By lifting the adversary while falling back simultaneously, the attacker sends their opponent crashing onto their neck and shoulders, leaving them vulnerable and disoriented.
22. Gutwrench Suplex
The gutwrench suplex is a formidable throw that demonstrates the wrestler’s raw strength and dominance. By locking both arms around the opponent’s midsection and lifting them up before driving them back first onto the mat, the wrestler asserts their authority in the ring.
23. Butterfly Suplex
The butterfly suplex demands a high level of technical proficiency and precision. By leveraging a butterfly lock and arching their back to the side, the wrestler executes a complex throw that can effectively take down an opponent, although it carries a risk of injury if not executed properly.
24. Capture Suplex
The capture suplex is a dynamic move that allows the wrestler to seize the initiative in the midst of an opponent’s attack. By capturing the opponent’s leg and seamlessly transitioning into a suplex, the wrestler creates an electrifying moment that can shift the momentum of the match in their favor.
25. Head-and-arm Suplex
The head-and-arm suplex combines the precise grappling technique with raw power. By grabbing the opponent’s head and arm together and executing a powerful throw, the wrestler sets the stage for a potential pin or submission, showcasing their versatility in the ring.
26. Inverted Suplex (Reverse)
The inverted suplex, also known as the reverse suplex, is a potent move that allows the attacker to lift their opponent upside-down before driving them face down into the mat. This impactful maneuver requires superb timing and strength to execute effectively.
27. Super Flying Suplex
The super flying suplex is a show-stopping move that demands exceptional skill and experience. By jumping over the opponent and executing a seamless throw, the wrestler delivers a high-flying spectacle that can leave the audience in awe. However, caution must be exercised due to the potential danger associated with this maneuver.
28. Rolling Suplex
The rolling suplex is a versatile technique that can disorientate an opponent and set the stage for follow-up attacks. By lifting the opponent and rotating in quick succession while falling back onto the mat, the wrestler showcases their agility and strategic prowess in the ring.
FaQs
What are the different types of suplexes?
Suplexes come in various forms, each with its unique mechanics and applications. From the classic German suplex to the explosive snap suplex, understanding the different types can elevate your wrestling game to new heights.
How do I perform a German suplex?
The German suplex is a powerful and impactful move that is a favorite among many wrestlers. To perform a German suplex, the wrestler starts by gripping their opponent around the waist from behind, then using a quick and explosive motion, lifts the opponent off the ground and bridges backward to slam them onto their back. It’s a visually stunning move that requires precision and strength to execute effectively.
What is the difference between a belly-to-back suplex and a belly-to-belly suplex?
While the names may sound similar, there is a distinct difference between a belly-to-back suplex and a belly-to-belly suplex. In a belly-to-back suplex, the wrestler lifts their opponent while facing their back, then falls backward to drive them into the mat. On the other hand, in a belly-to-belly suplex, the wrestler locks up with their opponent chest-to-chest before lifting and throwing them backward. Both variations have their own strategic advantages and require precise timing and technique.
Are there any variations of the traditional suplex?
In addition to the classic suplex variations, there are numerous other iterations of the traditional suplex, including the fisher suplex, T-bone suplex, and exploder suplex, to name a few. Each variation offers its own unique flair and requires wrestlers to master different setups and movements to execute them effectively in the ring.
Can you explain the mechanics of a snap suplex?
The snap suplex is a quick and explosive maneuver that involves the wrestler trapping their opponent’s arm and then using a sudden upward motion to lift and throw them over their shoulder. This move demands speed and agility to catch opponents off guard and execute the snap suplex with precision.
What are some famous wrestlers known for using suplexes in their moveset?
Throughout wrestling history, many iconic wrestlers have made suplexes a centerpiece of their moveset. From Kurt Angle’s picture-perfect German suplex to Brock Lesnar’s devastating belly-to-belly suplex, these wrestlers have showcased the power and artistry of suplexes in their matches, earning them a place in wrestling lore.
Are there any safety precautions to consider when executing a suplex?
While suplexes are thrilling to watch, they also require careful consideration of safety precautions. Wrestlers must ensure they have proper training and conditioning to execute suplexes safely, as any mishap could result in serious injury. Additionally, communication and trust between the wrestlers involved are essential in preventing accidents during the execution of suplexes.
How can I improve my technique for executing suplexes?
For aspiring wrestlers looking to improve their suplex technique, consistent practice and focused training are key. Strengthening the core, perfecting lifting mechanics, and refining the timing of the execution are crucial aspects that can elevate a wrestler’s suplex game. Seeking guidance from experienced coaches and studying the techniques of renowned suplex specialists can also help wrestlers enhance their proficiency in executing suplexes.
Conclusion
Suplexes are a diverse and impactful wrestling technique that provide both entertainment and strategic advantage in the ring. With variations such as the German suplex, belly-to-belly suplex, and others, wrestlers have a wide range of options to execute this powerful maneuver. Whether used to excite the audience or to gain the upper hand in a match, suplexes remain a staple of professional wrestling and a testament to the athleticism and skill of the competitors.