When professional wrestling initially burst onto the scene, primarily due to the rivalry between Frank Gotch and George Hackenschmidt at the turn of the 20th century, it was seen as a battle of strength, resilience and fortitude.
Many brave men stepped up to challenge these icons, and professional wrestling - then known as the ‘Circus’ - started gaining momentum and popularity.
As years rolled by, the “sport” became more popular. However, when Vince McMahon ousted the business in the 80s, thus breaking a century-old tradition, the industry was no longer confined to the rules and regulations of unarmed combat sports.
In turn, it led to the birth of the concept of ‘sports entertainment’, and became a global phenomenon.
However, with the industry still going through an identity crisis, the performers had to walk a fine line, that separates reality from kayfabe. One such example is WWE’s recent booking of Brock Lesnar, pushing him as a ‘legitimate fighter’ in the world of ‘nuanced athletic competition’.
As such, numerous WWE Superstars have incorporated MMA moves into their arsenal, so as to make their holds/strikes look legitimate. Today, we take a look at five MMA moves that are used in the WWE.
#5 Rear Naked Choke
One of the most lethal submissions in the fight game is the rear naked choke. A basic yet effective submission hold, taught even to the novices in jiu-jitsu, an RNC when locked right can be devastating.
A fighter usually takes his opponent’s back, applies the body scissors and uses his hands to apply the choke, which, when applied correctly results in the opponent losing their consciousness.
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While a sleeper hold is very similar to a chokehold, there is a major difference - a choke hold is applied to the trachea, thus preventing air from going into to the lungs, while a sleeper hold puts pressure on the carotid artery, thus preventing the blood flow to the brain, resulting in a person “going to sleep”.
An RNC can be compared to a sleeper hold if we ignore the positioning of the ‘choking’ arm.
Samoa Joe uses the RNC to perfection in WWE. Although it isn’t synched in, he makes it look legitimate by using body scissors to trap his opponent, while locking in the submission.
#4 Hell’s Gate
Known as the Gogoplata in MMA terms, this chokehold is executed using the aggressor’s shin bone. Known to be one of the more advanced techniques in submission grappling, it is an effective move while being in a defensive guard.
BJJ practitioners are known for their ability to throw submissions whilst laying on their backs; the fighter pulls his opponent in his rubber guard and proceeds to slip his shin under the chin of his opponent, with his arm behind the opponent’s head.
Another version of this submission is called Locoplata, with the fighter locking in the hold while using his free foot to apply more pressure on his shin - thus the trachea of his opponent. WWE Superstar, The Undertaker, has used Gogoplata - termed the Hell’s Gate submission hold, to win numerous matches.
The Undertaker has always been a big fan of mixed martial arts, and has previously said that he would’ve dabbled in MMA if he was still in his prime.
#3 Cross Arm Breaker
In MMA, a split second can be the difference between a broken arm and a safe tap. One of the more dangerous submission holds is the armbar, where a fighter puts pressure on their opponent’s elbow joint.
Ronda Rousey has perfected her armbar technique - known as Juji Gatame, thanks to her extensive background in judo. The armbar or armlock is also one of the most commonly used submission holds and can have devastating effects if the opponent doesn’t escape or tap out in time.
Former WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio uses this technique - called the Cross Arm Breaker as his finisher.
Former SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch uses a variation of the armlock called the Dis - arm - her, which is a seated Fujiwara armbar. One other Superstar that frequently uses the armbar submission hold is the current NXT Women’s Champion, Asuka.
#2 Kimura
Much like the Gogoplata, which can be used when you’re in a defensive position (on your back), the Kimura is an important weapon in a fighter’s arsenal. Kimura is a double wrist lock, and can be slapped on from various positions.
Kazushi Sakuraba is perhaps the most famous fighter to have used the Kimura to perfection, often slapping it from various angles and positions - from the guard, side control and even while standing up!
Brock Lesnar, since his return to WWE, has often been booked to utilise his expertise in MMA to gain the upper hand.
One of such techniques is the Kimura, which Lesnar used to “break” (kayfabe) the arms of Shawn Michaels and Triple H. Lesnar, with his massive frame and power can apply enough torque to break anyone’s arm, which lent legitimacy to the move in the WWE.
#1 Ankle Lock
Leg locks and heel hooks are very important when it comes to MMA or jiu-jitsu competitions. One of the most lethal submission holds is the ankle lock, which is a variation of a leg lock.
The practitioner has different entry points to trap the opponent’s leg, after which they “reap” the ankle, and provide enough torque with the hip movement, that it forces the opponent to tap.
The WWE’s version of an ankle lock is a little different, as it doesn’t require much scientific analysis.
Ken Shamrock, who was a UFC veteran signed up with Vince McMahon’s company in the late 90s and used the ankle lock to great effect. However, the Superstar that made the submission hold famous was Kurt Angle, who used the ankle lock as his finisher.
Kurt took it one step further, by grape-vining his opponent’s leg, so that the opponent couldn’t escape from the predicament. One other WWE Superstar that uses the ankle lock as his finisher is Jack Swagger.
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