Professional wrestling throws

Professional wrestling throws are the application of professional wrestling techniques that involve lifting the opponent up and throwing or slamming them down. They are sometimes also called "power" maneuvers, as they are meant to emphasize a wrestler's strength. Many of these moves are used as finishers by various wrestlers, who refer to them by several different names that reflect their gimmick. Moves are listed under general categories whenever possible.

Armbreaker

An armbreaker is any move in which the wrestler slams the opponent's arm against a part of the wrestler's body, usually a knee or shoulder.

Diving armbreaker

A wrestler dives from the ropes and lands on the opponent's arm.

Double knee armbreaker

The wrestler grabs one of the opponent's arms, jumps and connects both their knees against the opponent's stretched arm. As the wrestler falls onto their back they forces the opponent's arm down into both knees, thus damaging it.

Arm drag

A move in which the wrestler uses their opponent's momentum to the opponent's disadvantage. The wrestler hooks the opponent's arm and flips them over on to the mat. The wrestler may roll on to their side to give the move extra momentum.

Japanese arm drag

This move is performed when an opponent runs towards the wrestler facing them. When the opponent is in range, the wrestler hooks the opponent's near arm with both hands and falls backwards forcing the wrestler's own momentum to cause them to flip forwards over the head of the wrestler and on to their back. Despite its name, it actually comes from Mexican '' lucha libre'', not Japanese ''puroresu''.

Over-the-shoulder arm drag

The wrestler grabs their opponent's arm, then turns to face the other direction and pulls the opponent over their shoulder. It is essentially the same as the '' ippon seoi nage'' found in judo.

Tilt-a-whirl arm drag

An arm drag which sees the wrestler being spun in front of the opponent's body in a tilt-a-whirl, and then ending it with an arm drag.

Wheelbarrow arm drag

This arm drag sees the wrestler being held in a wheelbarrow hold by the opponent, and then going for an over the shoulder arm drag as they free their legs off of the opponent's waist. It was used by AJ Lee as a transition move.

Arm wringer

An arm wringer or spinning wristlock is a move in which the wrestler grabs the opponent's wrist with both hands and twists it over the wrestler's head to spin the arm around, either with enough force to flip the opponent to the mat or just to hyperrotate the joints while standing. When used as a hold, the wrestler often yanks the arm for added effect.

Atomic drop

A move in which the wrestler goes behind an opponent, then puts their head under the opponent's shoulder. They then lift their opponent up, and drops them tailbone-first on the wrestler's knee. Known in Mexico's '' lucha libre'' as ''silla eléctrica'' (Spanish for electric chair).

Inverted atomic drop

Periodically called a "Manhattan drop", this is a move in which the wrestler puts their head under the opponent's shoulder and lifts the opponent up and then drops their groin on the wrestler's knee.

Sitout full nelson atomic drop

Better known as a full nelson bomb, this move sees the wrestling apply a full nelson hold to the opponent from behind. The wrestler then lifts the opponent into the air and falls into a seated position, driving the opponent tailbone-first on to the mat. This move is used by Bubba Ray Dudley, who dubbed it the ''Bubba Bomb/Bully Bomb''.

Backbreaker

A backbreaker refers to professional wrestling moves in which a wrestler drops an opponent so that the opponent's back impacts or is bent backwards against a part of the wrestler's body, usually the knee.

Back body drop

A back body drop or backdrop (also sometimes called a shoulder back toss), is a move in which a wrestler bends forward or crouches in front of their opponent, grabs hold of the opponent, and stands up, lifting the opponent up and over and dropping them behind the back. It is applied frequently against a charging opponent. In Japan, a backdrop is the term for what is called a belly-to-back suplex in America, so in Japan, it is called shoulder throw.

Mountain bomb

Innovated by Hiroyoshi Tenzan. This move sees the opponent runs towards the wrestler. The wrestler ducks, hooks one of the opponent's legs with one of their arms, stands up and falls backwards, flipping the opponent and driving them back first down to the mat, with the wrestler landing on top of the opponent.

Biel throw

The wrestler stands slightly to the side of their opponent, grabs the opponent by the nape in a single or double collar tie, and throws them forward, causing the opponent to flip over onto their back. It is considered a very basic technique, so basic that a forward rolling fall is commonly called a biel bump and is mainly used by very large wrestlers to emphasize power and strength over finesse.

Brainbuster

A brainbuster is a move in which a wrestler puts their opponent in a front facelock, hooks their tights, and lifts them up as if they were performing a vertical suplex. The wrestler then jumps up and falls onto their back so that the opponent lands on their head while remaining vertical.

Bulldog

A bulldog, originally known as bulldogging or a bulldogging headlock or the headlock jawbreaker, is any move in which the wrestler grabs an opponent's head and jumps forward, so that the wrestler lands, often in a sitting position, and drives the opponent's face into the mat. This move plus some other variations are sometimes referred to as facebusters.

Cobra clutch bulldog

The wrestler applies a cobra clutch and then leaps forward, falling into a sitting position and driving the face of the opponent into the ground.

Diving bulldog

The wrestler jumps from the turnbuckle behind the opponent, then applies a headlock, driving the opponent's face into the mat. Popularized by Rick Steiner. It is also used by Trevor Murdoch as a finisher.

Diving leg drop bulldog

Also known as a ''diving Famouser''. The wrestler springboards off one of the ropes or jumps from the top turnbuckle, dropping a leg across the nape of a leaning forward opponent. This move was popularized by Billy Gunn as one of his signature moves.

Fireman's carry bulldog

The attacking wrestler picks up the opponent in a fireman's carry. The wrestler then proceeds by holding their opponent's legs with one arm and applying a headlock with their other arm in a similar fashion to an air raid crash. From here, the attacking wrestler twists the opposite way and quickly switches back, throwing the opponent's legs out backwards and drops down to the mat while holding the opponent's head, forcing them to fall face first into a bulldog position. This move is used by TNA wrestler James Storm, who dubbed it the ''eight second ride''.

Full nelson bulldog

Begins with the wrestler holding the opponent in a full nelson. The wrestler then falls forward onto their back or into a sitting position, driving the opponent face-first. The move was popularized by Jillian Hall.

Half nelson bulldog

The wrestler hooks a half nelson hold on their opponent with one arm and their opponent's waist with the other, then leaps forward into a sitting position, driving the face of the opponent into the ground. This move is a signature of Edge who calls it ''Winning Edge''.

Inverted bulldog

The attacking wrestler stands side-to-side and slightly behind the opponent, facing in the opposite direction, then leaps in the air and drops to a seated position, driving the opponent neck- and back-first to the mat. In another variation, the attacker runs to the opponent and executes the move. This is usually referred to as a lariat takedown.

Knee drop bulldog

A version that involves the wrestler placing one knee against the base of a bent over opponent's neck, then dropping to force the opponent down to the mat, landing on the opponent's upper body. There is also a diving version.

Leg drop bulldog

The wrestler jumps in the air and uses one leg to push down on the head of an opponent who is leaning forward, which drives the opponent face-first into the mat. The move was innovated by Johnny Ace, calling it the ''Ace Crusher II'' and later popularized by Billy Gunn, who called it the ''Famouser'' (which was also used by Dolph Ziggler) or ''Fame-Ass-Er'', the latter name used when he wrestled as "Mr. Ass." Marty Jannetty performed a version of the move where he applied a wristlock to the opponent first, which became known as the ''Rocker Dropper''. Kelly Kelly later adopted the same variation as her finishing maneuver, calling it ''K2''.

Inverted leg drop bulldog

An inverted version of this sees the attacking wrestler drop the opponent on the back of their head, as done in a reverse bulldog. This can be achieved by first holding an opponent in an inverted facelock or by simply grabbing the opponent and forcibly leaning them back before lifting their far (or sometimes inside) leg, rotating so the leg is over the opponent's head, and dropping to a sitting position, kneeling, or a split-legged position and maintained into a pin. WWE wrestler Melina popularized this move.

One-handed bulldog

The one-handed bulldog is in fact more of a facebuster than an actual bulldog has used a variation, called the ''Kotaro Krusher,'' where he performed a jump from the canvas to 6 feet before hitting the bulldog.

Reverse bulldog

Standing next to or diagonally behind an opponent, the attacking wrestler leaps up, grabs the opponent's head and pulls backwards, resulting in both individuals landing supine. WWE wrestler Dolph Ziggler uses this move, which he calls the ''Zig Zag''.

Slingshot bulldog

Similar to a hangman, where the wrestler catches the opponent in a side headlock, running towards any set of ropes. The wrestler then jumps over them and bulldogs the opponent, driving the chin/face of the opponent into the top rope. The wrestler would eventually either land standing or seated on the apron or the outside of the ring.

The same maneuver can be used on a cornered opponent (who is facing away from the ring) to drive their face into the top turnbuckle.

Spinning bulldog

The wrestler stands to the side of the opponent and applies a side headlock. The wrestler then spins around in a circle and drops into a seated position, driving the opponent face-first into the mat.

Springboard bulldog

The wrestler applies a headlock on the opponent, then runs towards the ropes and bounces off, driving the opponent face-first into mat as they land. WWE Hall of Fame member Trish Stratus popularized this move and is known as ''Stratusfaction'' and by Bo Dallas as the ''Bo-Dog''.

Two-handed bulldog

The wrestler places both hands behind the opponent's head, then falls into a seated position, slamming the opponent's face into the canvas. Another variation sees the wrestler placing one hand behind the opponent's head and the other behind the back, then falling backwards into a bulldog. WWE Hall of Fame member Mick Foley used this move as his signature move.

Wheelbarrow bulldog

This bulldog sees the opponent clutching the wrestler in a wheelbarrow bodyscissors. The wrestler then falls downwards while still scissoring their legs around the opponent's waist, and pushes by hitting their palms against the canvas. As they gets rebounded back to the opponent, the attacker releases their legs, quickly places their hand behind the opponent's head, and goes for a bulldog. The bulldog is usually one-handed rather than a headlock bulldog.

Catapult

A catapult or slingshot catapult is a throw that typically starts with the opponent on their back, and the wrestler standing and facing them. The wrestler hooks each of the opponent's legs in one of their arms, then falls backwards to slingshot the opponent into a turnbuckle, ladder, rope, mat, etc. This can also be held for a backbreaker.

Chokeslam

A chokeslam is any body slam in which the wrestler grasps their opponent's neck, lifts them up, and slams them to the mat, causing them to land on their back. The move is used by numerous wrestlers, often larger ones who portray "monster" characters.

Armpit slam

This move is performed in the same style as a chokeslam, but instead the wrestler grabs the opponent by their armpit and slams them to the mat, causing them to land on their back. Two examples of this move are the "Rock Bottom" as performed by The Rock and the "Book End" by Booker-T.

Iron claw slam

This move is performed in the same style as a chokeslam, but instead the wrestler grabs the opponent with a clawhold. Rowan uses this move as a finisher and Lars Sullivan uses it as a signature.

Cobra clutch slam

In this slam a wrestler places the opponent in a cobra clutch and then lifts the opponent into the air by their neck before jumping backwards, falling face down or into a sitting position, driving the opponent back first down to the mat. This move was used by “The One” Billy Gunn and nicknamed “The One and Only” and later popularized by Ted DiBiase Jr., who named it the ''Dream Street''. Jinder Mahal uses this move calling it the ''Khallas''.

DDT

The DDT is a move innovated by Jake "The Snake" Roberts, performed by putting the opponent's head underneath the attacker's arm in a front facelock and then falling back, driving the opponent's head into the mat.

Driver

A driver is a move in which the wrestler clutches the opponent's body in some form before falling into a sitout position while dropping the opponent on their back, neck, and/or shoulders.

Black fire driver

Used as a finisher by Rey Fenix, this move starts with the wrestler having their opponent up on their shoulders as if they are going to perform a muscle buster, but then spin their opponent around into a Michinoku driver II-B.

Cobra clutch driver

The wrestler stands behind an opponent and applies a cobra clutch on their opponent, placing one of their hands against the opponent's neck after hooking the opponent's arm with it. They then scoop the opponent's near leg with their other arm and lift the opponent up, flip the opponent upside down, and then either kneel or sit down, driving the opponent down to the mat on their neck. Another variation has the attacking wrestler apply a pumphandle prior to executing this technique and is used by wrestlers like Jinder Mahal.

Electric chair driver

Also known as a ''joker driver'', In this variation of a driver, the wrestler lifts the opponent on their shoulders in an electric chair sitting position and then takes hold of the opponent and pulls them over their shoulder and down to the mat while falling to a sit out position so that the opponent lands on their upper back and neck between the legs of the wrestler, facing towards them, usually resulting in a pin. A one-handed variation is used by Kenny Omega, known as the ''one-winged angel''. Chris Hero has also used this move as well, calling it the ''Rubik's Cube''.

Fisherman driver

This move was innovated by Shiro Koshinaka and it was called a ''samurai driver '94'' as a finisher. The wrestler places the opponent in a front facelock and hooks one of the opponent's legs with their free arm. The wrestler then lifts the opponent upside down or on to their shoulders, and then sits down, driving the opponent between their legs, head and shoulder first. A wrist-clutch variation of this driver exists which sees the wrestler lift the opponent on to their shoulders, and while the opponent is on their shoulders, he/she uses the hand hooking the opponent's leg to reach upwards and clutch the wrist of the arm opposite the hooked leg. While maintaining the wrist-clutch, they then perform the driver. There is a further variation that does not include the shoulder lift that sees the wrestler hook the leg and wrist while the opponent is standing in front of him/her, lift the opponent upside down and then fall to the sitout position. This move was made popular by wrestler Low Ki who calls it the "Ki Krusher". A cross legged version is used by CIMA, who calls it the "perfect driver".

Wrist-clutch fisherman driver

This variation involves grabbing and pulling by the opponent's wrist, then lifting them up into the air, before falling to their back, driving the opponent to the ground on the back of their head/neck. This was popularized by Shingo Takagi as ''the last falconry'', now used as ''the last of the dragon''.

Half nelson driver

This was invented by Kensuke Sasaki. The wrestler stands behind an opponent and applies a half nelson hold on their opponent, placing one of their hands against the opponent's neck after hooking the opponent's arm with it. They then scoop the opponent's near leg with their other arm and lift the opponent up, flip the opponent upside down, and then either kneel or sit down, driving the opponent down to the mat on their neck. Another variation has the attacking wrestler apply a pumphandle prior to executing this technique. This variation has been used by Jordynne Grace (''Grace driver''), Pénta El Zero M (''Pénta driver''), Yoshi-Hashi (''karma)'', Shingo Takagi (''made in Japan'') and several other wrestlers.

Michinoku driver II

Innovated by Taka Michinoku, and technically known as a sitout scoop slam piledriver. Facing their opponent, the wrestler reaches between their opponent's legs with their right arm and reaches around the opponent's neck from the same side with their left arm. They then lift the opponent up and turn them around so that they are held upside down, as in a scoop slam, before dropping down into a sitout position, driving the opponent down to the mat neck and shoulder first. Many people call it the Michinoku Driver because it is used more often than the original Michinoku Driver.

Michinoku driver II-B

A variation of the Michinoku Driver II in which the wrestler stands behind the opponent, applies an inverted facelock, lifts them upside down, and then drops down to a sitting position, driving the opponent down to the mat between the wrestler's legs upper back first. The move was also used by Vampiro with the name ''nail in the coffin''.

Samoan driver

The attacking wrestler drapes an opponent over their shoulders in a fireman's carry position and then takes hold of the opponent and pulls them over their shoulder and down to the mat while falling to a sitting position so that the opponent lands on their upper back and neck between the legs of the wrestler, facing towards them. A cross-legged and wrist-clutch version of this move also exists. It is used as finishing moves by wrestlers such as Chris Sabin (''cradle shock''), Santos Escobar (''phantom driver)'' and Susie (''panic switch''). Former WWE diva Ivory and current WWE superstar Dana Brooke use this as a signature move and finisher move respectively. Shinsuke Nakamura formally used the move as a finisher as ''Landslide'', only to later change his finisher to ''Bomaye/Kinsasha'', although he would still use the move as a signature.

Wheelbarrow driver

Similar to the wheelbarrow facebuster but instead of dropping their opponent face first, they drop their opponent so that the opponent lands on their upper back and neck between the legs of the wrestler, facing towards them, usually resulting in a pin.

Electric chair drop

The wrestler lifts the opponent on their shoulders in an electric chair sitting position and then falls backwards driving the opponent back-first into the mat. There is also a driver, a facebuster and a suplex variation of the move.

Facebreaker

A facebreaker is any move in which the wrestler slams their opponent's face against a part of the wrestler's body, usually the knee.

Double knee facebreaker

This facebreaker involves an attacking wrestler, who is standing face-to-face with an opponent, hooking both hands around the opponent's head and then leaping to bring both knees up to the face of the opponent. The wrestler then falls backwards to the mat, thus forcing the opponent to fall forwards and impact the exposed knees. The move was originated by Phillip Michael Grant, and later popularized by Chris Jericho, who named it the ''Codebreaker''. Bushi uses a diving variation called ''MX'' where he dives from the top rope to hit the double knee facebreaker. Liv Morgan's ''201'' is a variation where she stands 90 degrees from the opponent, and delivers the double knees or shins while she is landing on her back.

Fireman's carry facebreaker

This move is performed in a manner similar to the TKO, but instead of dropping their opponent face first on the mat, they would be dropped face first on the knee of the wrestler performing the move. Austin Theory is currently using this move as a finisher ever since he moved up to the Main Roster. Shawn Spears also used this move as a finisher during his second tenure in the WWE as "Tye Dillinger" calling it the "Tye-Breaker".

Inverted stomp facebreaker

Also known as the ''Foot Stunner''. The user applies a standing wrist lock on their opponent, then places their foot on the opponent's face and falls backwards, forcing the opponent's face into their foot. This move is used as a finishing move by Gail Kim (''Eat Defeat''), Chuck Taylor (''Sole Food''), Xavier Woods (''Lost in the Woods'') and Enzo Amore (''JawdonZo''). Colt Cabana (''Eat The Feet'') and Mia Yim (''Seoul Food'') also used it as their signature move.

Knee smash facebreaker

The move is a standard facebreaker which involves the wrestler facing an opponent and grabbing him or her by the head or hair and pulling the opponent's face down, dropping it on to the wrestler's knee. Often used by a wrestler to stun an opponent and set him or her up for another move. Many other facebreakers use the knee to inflict the damage; one variation sees the wrestler apply a standing side headlock, and simultaneously pull the opponent forward and smash the wrestler's knee to the opponent's head. Triple H popularized this move.

Shoulder facebreaker

Also described as a hangman's facebreaker or an over the shoulder facebreaker, this facebreaker is performed when an attacking wrestler, who is standing in a back to back position with an opponent, reaches back to pull the opponent's head over their shoulder before (while keeping a hold of the opponent's head) spinning round to twist the opponent's head over as they drop down to one knee forcing the opponent face-first into the wrestlers exposed knee in one quick fluid motion.

Single knee facebreaker

Similar to the double knee facebreaker, but with only one knee. Shawn Spears used this move during his second tenue in the WWE as "Tye Dillinger", calling it ''Perfect 10''. Ricochet uses this move, calling it ''Recoil'' and Gregory Helms also uses it

Facebuster

A facebuster, also known as a faceplant, is any move in which the wrestler forces their opponent's face down to the mat which does not involve a headlock or facelock.

Fallaway slam

Also known as the S.O.S. or table-top suplex. The wrestler lifts the opponent up so the opponent is horizontal across the wrestler's body then falls backward, throwing the opponent over their head down to the mat back-first. This slam can be either bridged into a pin, or the wrestler can float over into another fallaway slam. This move is sometimes used as a continuation move from catching the opponent's high-cross body, to emphasize the wrestler's strength. John "Bradshaw/JBL" Layfield and Scott Hall are notable examples for the use of this move.

Fallaway moonsault slam

This moves shows the wrestler grab an opponent like a fallaway slam but instead of just throwing them backwards the wrestler, while hanging onto the opponent, does a backflip slamming the opponent back first into the mat while landing on top of them chest first. The attacker may also choose to maintain their hold on the opponent after the landing in an attempt to score a pinfall. This move was innovated by Scott Steiner and is currently used by Cameron Grimes primarily as a counter to a charging opponent performing a running crossbody. Grimes calls it the 'Collision Course'. This move requires a great deal of lower body strength and agility to perform as it can be dangerous to the wrestler performing the backflip as he/she can land head first and risk serious injury from failing to rotate properly. "Hangman" Adam Page and Mandy Rose are also known to use this move.

Fireman's carry throws

A fireman's carry involves the wrestler holding the opponent in place over both shoulders. From this position, various throws can be performed.

Airplane spin

A wrestler lifts the opponent on to their shoulders and spins around and around until they get dizzy and crash to the ground. This move has been made famous notably by WWE Hall of Famer Gorilla Monsoon and NXT UK's Tyler Bate. This move was the finisher of Mike Rotunda during his time in the WWF in the mid-80s.

Inverted Airplane Spin

Also known as the UFO (Unidentified Flying Opponent), this move is performed from an Argentine Backbreaker Rack Hold. Occasionally, the person doing the move can do it without their hands on their opponent, typically on the hips. Used by Cesaro.

Death Valley driver

Also known as the '' Death Valley Bomb'' in Japan, this move is performed from a fireman's carry. The wrestler throws the opponent off their shoulders and falls in the direction that the opponent's head is facing, driving the opponent's head or back into the mat. Similar to the fireman's carry takeover, with more of an emphasis on targeting the neck. The Death Valley driver was innovated by Louie Spicolli (although he credited Etsuko Mita as the DVD originator). Kazuchika Okada uses this move as ''Heavy Rain.'' Buddy Murphy uses a pumphandle lift version called "Murphy's law". Velveteen Dream uses a cartwheel version of the move itself called the "Dream valley driver". A reverse-thrown variation exists, which sees the wrestler drop the opponent in the opposite direction feet-first. This variant was used by former NXT Rookie Lucky Cannon which he called "Lucky Break" and by the late former WCW and WWF star Sean O'Haire as the ''Widow Maker''.

Inverted Death Valley driver

Also known as the '' Victoria Driver'' or '' Burning Hammer'', this move is executed from an Argentine backbreaker rack position. The wrestler then falls sideways, driving the opponent's head to the mat. This is considered an extremely dangerous move, as the opponent's body cannot roll with the natural momentum of the move to absorb the impact. In a cut-throat variation of this driver, instead of holding the body of the opponent, a wrestler holds the far arm of the opponent across the opponent's own throat and maintains it by holding the opponent's wrist before performing the inverted Death Valley driver. The Inverted Death Valley Driver was innovated by Kotetsu Yamamoto in the 1970s but popularized by Kenta Kobashi as the ''Burning Hammer''. Michael Elgin uses a sit-out variation of the ''Burning Hammer'' so as not to hurt the head or neck of his opponent allowing them to roll left or right, while Tyler Reks' ''Burning Hammer'' saw her flip the opponent onto their stomach before impact (as in an inverted Fireman's Carry Takeover).

Side Death Valley driver

A variation between the regular Death Valley driver and the inverted one. The opponent lies on their side on the shoulders of the wrestler, facing either the opposite or the same direction as the wrestler, with the wrestler holding the opponent by the lower leg and either the head or lower arm. The wrestler then falls sideways, driving the opponent down to the mat shoulder and neck first. Cesaro used this move a few times and now uses it as his signature move, named the ''Swissblade''.

Fireman's carry drop

The attacking wrestler first lifts their opponent over their shoulders in a fireman's carry position. The attacking wrestler then pushes the opponent forward and off their body, slamming the opponent face-down onto the mat. The wrestler may land in a kneeling or squatting position. This move was used by Mojo Rawley.

Fireman's carry Emerald Flowsion

The wrestler performs the fireman's carry from a standing position, then swings the opponent around and drops them into a ''Emerald Flowsion''. The move is used by Hiromu Takahashi as the ''Dynamite Plunger'' and Jordan Devlin as ''Ireland's Call.''

Fireman's carry headlock elbow drop

The wrestler performs the fireman's carry from a standing position, then tosses the opponent off their shoulders and drops the opponent into a Headlock Elbow Drop. It is currently used by Hirooki Goto as the ''GTW.''

Fireman's carry slam

The wrestler first drapes an opponent over their shoulders in a fireman's carry position. The wrestler then takes hold of the thigh and arm of the opponent, which are hung over the front side of the wrestler, and leans forward, pulling the opponent over their head and shoulders, slamming them down on their back in front of the wrestler. A rolling fireman's carry slam is a variation that sees the wrestler keep hold of the opponent and run forward before slamming the opponent to the ground, using the momentum to roll over the opponent. A swinging leghook fireman's carry slam is another variation that involves a wrestler holding the wrist of the opponent while putting their head under the opponent's chest. Then after grabbing the opponents nearest leg, the wrestler lifts the opponent's leg outward before swinging forward using the opponent's momentum and slamming them down back-first. A neckbreaker variation also exists where the wrestler lifts the opponent on their shoulders in a fireman's carry, then lifts their opponent over and grabs the head before slamming them down in a neckbreaker slam. Bobby Roode used the neckbreaker version as a finisher, which he calls ''Roode Bomb''. Keith Lee uses a powerslam or jackhammer version as a finisher which is called the "Big bang catastrophe".

Fireman's carry takeover

There are two versions of the fireman's carry takeover used in professional wrestling. The first is borrowed from amateur wrestling and sees the wrestler kneel down on one knee and simultaneously grab hold of one of the opponent's thighs with one arm and one of the opponent's arms with their other arm. The wrestler then pulls the opponent onto their shoulders and rises up slightly, using the motion to push the opponent off their shoulders, flipping them to the mat onto their back. The other closely resembles a Death Valley driver. The wrestler performs the fireman's carry from a standing position, then tosses the opponent off their shoulders as they drop down to their knees, causing the opponent to land on their back. The standing variant is a higher impact version of the move because the wrestler falls from a greater height, and is a move closely associated with John Cena through his use of it as his finishing maneuver, which he calls the ''Attitude Adjustment'' (formerly the ''F.U.''). Another variation sees the move done from the top or middle rope, used occasionally by Cena as the ''Super Attitude Adjustment''.

Olympic slam

The wrestler holds the opponent's wrist while putting their head underneath the opponent's chest, grabs the inside of one of the opponents legs, then lifts the opponent up onto their shoulders while falling backwards. This move was popularized by and named in reference to Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle, who also dubbed it the ''Angle Slam'' as an alternate name.

Samoan drop

The wrestler drapes an opponent over their shoulders in a fireman's carry position then falls backwards, driving the opponent down to the mat on their back. A one-handed, swinging leg hook, and a twisting version are also possible. This move is most often performed by wrestlers of Samoan heritage (typically from the Anoa'i family, including The Rock, Rikishi, Umaga, and Roman Reigns (who uses the one-handed variant), as well as a pop-up version used by Nia Jax and The Usos. A top rope variant was also regularly performed by Scott Steiner, while Ronda Rousey uses the twisting version as a finisher, calling it ''Piper's Pit.'' This move was not only used just by wrestlers of Samoan heritage. Wrestlers such as Terry Gordy and Viscera (wrestler), Viscera have used this move as well. Mike Rotunda also used this move as a finisher during his run as VK Wallstreet and I.R.S., calling it the "Stock Market Crash". WWE Legend Tatanka (wrestler), Tatanka also uses this as a finisher, calling it "End of the Trail".

Flapjack

Also can be called a pancake slam, this maneuver involves the attacking wrestler lifting their opponent up in a quick motion while holding a single leg or both legs. Usually, the opponent's upper body and head is lifted above a shoulder of the attacker, while the legs have been caught. The attacker then falls on their back, bringing opponent's legs with them. The opponent lands face-first into the mat, with their upper body damaged. The Single-leg version is more commonly used. Former NXT Rookie Percy Watson used a variant in which he holds his opponent in a fireman's carry before transitioning into a flapjack, dubbing this move ''Percycution''.

Pop-up

Also called a "free-fall" or "push-up flapjack". A pop-up is a flapjack where the attacker, upon facing an opponent rushing towards them, flings the opponent vertically up into the air without holding on to the opponent. The standing attacker or the airborne opponent is free to carry out an attack after the pop-up. Examples of attacks from the standing wrestler include performing a Professional wrestling attacks#European uppercut, European uppercut to the falling opponent, or catching the opponent and then performing a Powerbomb#Sitout powerbomb, sitout powerbomb. Examples of attacks from the airborne opponent include executing a dropkick on the standing opponent. Tag teams may also utilize the pop-up by throwing an opponent to a teammate who would execute an attack.

Full nelson

Full nelson slam

In this move, the attacker places their opponent in a Nelson hold#Full nelson, full nelson hold and uses it to lift them off the ground. With the opponent in the air, the attacker removes one arm (so their opponent is now in a half nelson) and slams the opponent back-first into the mat. Another similar variation, known as a double chickenwing slam, sees the wrestler apply Professional wrestling holds#Double chickenwing, double chickenwing instead of a full nelson before slamming the opponent. Damien Sandow, Aron Stevens used the full nelson version.

Inverted full nelson slam

Also known as the reverse full nelson slam, this variation sees the attacker tuck and slide their arms under the opponent's armpits and then clutch the opponent's lower jaw. Then, the attacker lifts the opponent before falling forward to slam the opponent back-first into the mat. This move is used as a finisher by Luke Gallows, dubbed the "Gallows Pole"

Half nelson slam

The wrestler stands behind, slightly to one side of and facing the opponent. The wrestler reaches under one of the opponent's arms with their corresponding arm and places the palm of their hand on the back of the opponent's neck, thereby forcing the arm of the opponent up into the air to complete the Professional wrestling holds#Half nelson, half nelson. The wrestler then lifts the opponent up, turns, and falls forward, slamming the opponent back-first into the mat.

Giant swing

A giant swing starts with an opponent lying on the mat, face up, and the wrestler at the opponent's feet. The wrestler takes the opponent's legs up under their arms, similar to the setup for a #Catapult, catapult, but instead pivots, spinning around to lift the opponent off the mat. The attacker may release the opponent to send them flying, or simply slow until the back of the opponent returns to the ground. WWE's Cesaro uses the giant swing as a signature move.

Guillotine drop

This move sees the attacking wrestler lift the opponent in a Professional wrestling holds#Guillotine choke, standing guillotine choke and drop the opponent to the mat, lower spine first. This causes an effect to the whole spine and neck. A variation involving a Professional wrestling holds#Butterfly, standing double underhook rather than the guillotine choke also exists. It is used by Angel Garza as the ''Wing Clipper.''

Gorilla press

Also known as a ''Military press'', the attack sees the wrestler lift their opponent up above their head with an overhead press as used in weight training, weight lifting. The attacking wrestler may repeatedly press the opponent overhead to show their strength prior to dropping them.

Gorilla press drop

The wrestler lifts their opponent up over their head with arms fully extended, then drops the opponent down face-first in front or back. This was the finisher for wrestlers Chyna and the Ultimate Warrior. It is a popular technique for very large wrestlers because it emphasizes their height and power.

Gorilla press slam

This slam sees a wrestler first lift their opponent up over their head with arms fully extended, before lowering the arm under the head of the opponent so that the opponent falls to that side, while flipping over and landing on their back. This move is also called the military press slam. Some wrestlers perform this maneuver doing a lifting motion up and down before dropping the opponent as a way to emphasize their raw strength. Davey Boy Smith, The British Bulldog used it regularly as signature move.

Another variation of this move called a ''Deadly driver'' sees the attacker performing this move to opponent who is positioned on top rope as a counter to an attempted diving attack.

Gutbuster

A gutbuster is any move in which the wrestler lifts their opponent up and jumps or drops him/her so that the opponent's stomach impacts against part of the wrestler's body, usually the knee. A basic gutbuster is often called a stomach breaker and is essentially the same as a Backbreaker#Pendulum backbreaker, backbreaker but with the opponent facing the opposite direction. This similarity with backbreakers is reflected in almost every gutbuster variation, which if inverted would become backbreakers and vice versa.

Elevated gutbuster

This variation of a gutbuster sees an opponent first elevated into a high lifting Professional wrestling holds#Transition holds, transition hold before being dropped down for a gutbuster. Taiji Ishimori uses a Underhook#Single underhook, Single underhook version of the move as his finisher calling it the ''Bloody Cross'' while T. J. Perkins uses a Professional wrestling holds#Double chickenwing, double chickenwing version.

Fireman's carry gutbuster

This is the most common version of the elevated gutbuster and sees the attacking wrestler first lift the opponent up across their shoulders; a position known as a fireman's carry, before then dropping down to one knee while simultaneously elevating the opponent over their head forcing them to drop down and impact their exposed knee. Wrestler Kaitlyn (wrestler), Kaitlyn uses this as one of her signature move. A slight variation of this uses a modified double knee gutbuster and sees the attacking wrestler drop down to their back while bringing ''both'' knees up for the opponent to land on. Darren Young used the move as his finisher calling it ''Gutcheck''. WNA wrestler Kyle Mckayal uses a jumping version of it as his second hand finisher calling it The Project Mckayal.

Gutbuster drop

An elevated gutbuster in which an attacking wrestler would lift an opponent up, stomach-first, across one of their shoulders before dropping down to their knees forcing the opponent's stomach to impact on the wrestler's shoulder.

Gorilla press gutbuster

A maneuver in which the user drops the opponent directly in front of them while putting their own knee out in front of them. The victim lands stomach or ribs first on the knee, made more impactful by the long drop. the double-knee variant was popularized by Xavier Woods.

Rib breaker

A rib breaker is a version of a gutbuster that involves the wrestler scooping the opponent up by reaching between the legs of the opponent with one arm and reaching around their back from the same side with their other arm. The wrestler then lifts their opponent up so they are horizontal across the wrestler's body. From here the wrestler drops down to one knee, forcing the opponent to drop stomach/rib-first against the wrestler's raised knee.

Headlock takedown

Also known as a spinning headlock takedown. This throw starts with the wrestler catching the opponent in a side headlock. The wrestler turns and twists their body so their back is horizontally against the opponent's torso. The wrestler turns to one side (depending on which hand is used to catch the opponent) while still catching the opponent with the headlock. Therefore, the opponent is slammed back-first into the mat after being almost "forcibly flipped" over the wrestler's back (as the wrestler turns to their sides).

Headlock driver

Similar to the #Snapmare driver, snapmare driver, the wrestler applies a side headlock before dropping down on either their chest or their knees and driving the opponent's head down to the mat forehead first, with the side headlock. This was the original version of the finisher used by Jon Moxley (formerly as Dean Ambrose), known as ''Dirty Deeds'' before reusing as a regular move in 2019. Ethan Carter III (EC3) uses this as his finisher and he calls it the ''One Percenter''. WWE superstar Bayley utilized this move during her indies days dubbing it the ''Rose Plant.'' She started using a variant of this move where she hooks the opponents arm around the leg and planting the opponent in the canvas. She started using this move again in late 2019.

Headscissors takedown

The move is performed with the wrestler's legs scissored around the opponent's head, dragging the opponent into a forced forward somersault as the wrestler falls to the mat. It is often erroneously called the Hurricanrana in American wrestling, but due to the lack of a double leg cradle pinning combination, it is a standard headscissors takedown.

Handstand headscissors takedown

This move is performed when the attacking wrestler, in a handstand position, scissors their legs around the opponent's head and follows with the headscissors takedown. There are multiple variations of the handstand headscissors takedown. For example, in one variation, the attacking wrestler rolls forward after scissoring their legs around their opponent's head; in another, the opponent rolls backwards into a handstand position to follow with a headscissors and the takedown.
It is commonly used by Kalisto (wrestler), Kalisto and Cedric Alexander. This move was also popularized by Trish Stratus, who used it as a signature move, called the ''Stratusphere''.

Tilt-a-whirl headscissors takedown

This move is actually a counter. Usually, the opponent grabs the attacking wrestler (as if he were performing a Powerslam#Sidewalk slam, sidewalk slam), the attacking counters and swings their body upwards, then scissors their legs around the opponent's head, spins around the opponent's body, and swings their legs downwards, resulting in the headscissors takedown.

Hurricanrana

Though it is commonly referred to as a ''Hurricanrana'', the original Spanish name for this maneuver is the ''Huracánrana''. The name was taken from its innovator, Mexican luchador Huracán Ramírez. Sometimes referred to as a reverse victory roll, it is a headscissors takedown that ends in a Pin (professional wrestling)#Rana, double leg cradle pinning hold. (A rana is any double-leg cradle.) A Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Dragonrana, somersault version also exists, called the Dragonrana.

Frankensteiner

This move is derived from the original #Hurricanrana, hurricanrana. It is described as a head scissors take down that is performed against a running opponent. The wrestler jumps on the shoulders of the charging opponent and performs a back flip. The move varies from the hurricanrana as when the opponent lands - he/she would land on their head as opposed to their back.

It was named the "Frankensteiner" by Scott Steiner, who used it as a finishing move. The move also has a variation where the opponent is sitting on the top rope, that variation is also referred to as Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Frankensteiner, frankensteiner. Rey Mysterio and Último Dragón uses a spinning version of this move which sees the wrestling positioned on the top rope behind the opponent seated on the same top rope facing the ring inward. The wrestler then places themselves on both the opponents shoulders, spins around 180 degrees, and executes the backflip to land chest first to flip the opponent onto their back. Último Dragón uses this move as a finisher and calls it the ''Dragonsteiner''.

Another variation of the Frankensteiner sees a grounded wrestler first "kip-up" on to a standing opponent's shoulders, this is where a wrestler rolls on to the back of their shoulders bringing their legs up and kicking forward to build momentum to lift themselves off the floor and on to the standing opponent.

Hurricanrana driver

The wrestler performs a #Headscissors takedown, headscissors takedown to a seated or kneeling opponent, driving them head first into the mat. Ruby Riott, Ruby Soho and Kalisto (wrestler), Kalisto use this move in some of their matches.

=Reverse frankensteiner

=
Also known as an inverted frankensteiner or a poison rana, this move uses a standard Frankensteiner, but instead of performing the move facing the opponent's face, it is done facing the back of the opponent.

Rope-aided hurricanrana

This maneuver is also known as ''swinging hurricanrana''. The attacking wrestler, beginning on the corner, uses the top ropes for leverage to scissor their legs around the opponent (usually an oncoming opponent) and swings to perform the hurricanrana. This hurricanrana variation was popularized by Mickie James, as she named the move herself ''Mick-a-rana''.

Hip toss

The wrestler stands next to the opponent with both facing the same direction, and the wrestler hooks their closest arm underneath and behind the opponent's closest armpit. The wrestler then quickly lifts the opponent up with that arm and throws them forward, which would lead the wrestler to flip the opponent on to their back to end the move. There is also a sitout variation, in which the wrestler performs a normal hip toss and then lands in a seated position.

Iconoclasm

This top rope flipping slam sees a wrestler stand under an opponent, who is situated on the top turnbuckle, turn their back to this opponent while taking hold of the opponent's arms from below, often holding underneath the opponent's arm pits. The wrestler would then throw the opponent forward while falling to a seated position, flipping the opponent over in midair, and slamming them down to the mat back first. Cima (wrestler), CIMA uses both this move as well as a Professional wrestling holds#Straight jacket, straight jacket version called the ''Goriconoslasm''. The wrestler may fall forward, kneel down, or remain standing while executing this move also.

Lance Archer, while using the original move as well, also uses a variation of this move referring to both called the ''Blackout''. From a standing position, he reaches between an opponent's legs with his stronger arm and reaches around their back from the same side with their weaker arm before then lifting the opponent up over his shoulder. He then lifts the opponent holding underneath their armpits to execute a kneeling version of the slam.

Irish whip

Also called a hammer throw. A move in which the wrestler grabs one of their opponent's arms and spins, swinging the opponent into an obstacle such as the ring ropes, a turnbuckle, or the stairs leading into the ring. An Irish whip into the ring ropes is usually used to set the opponent up for another technique as he/she bounces off. An Irish whip into the turnbuckles usually sees the opponent remain in the corner, allowing a follow-up attack from the wrestler; the opponent may remain standing or slump to the ground, usually in a seated position, which will vary the attack. One occasional use of the Irish whip is to try to "hit for the cycle" by whipping one's opponent into each corner in turn. Some professional wrestlers can use this move as an advantage by running up the turnbuckle and using a Professional wrestling aerial techniques, high flying move.

The move acquired its name due to its association with Irish wrestler Danno O'Mahony.

Jawbreaker

A jawbreaker is any move in which the wrestler slams their opponent's jaw against a part of the wrestler's body, usually their knee, head or shoulder.

Shoulder jawbreaker

Also known as an inverted Stunner (professional wrestling), stunner, the wrestler stands facing the opponent, places their shoulder under the jaw of the opponent and holds the opponent in place before falling into a sitting or kneeling position, driving the jaw of the opponent into their shoulder.

Sitout jawbreaker

A standard jawbreaker is seen when a wrestler (either stands facing or not facing opponent) places their head under the jaw of the opponent and holds the opponent in place before falling into a sitting or kneeling position, driving the jaw of the opponent into the top of their head. Sometimes it is also used to counter a headlock by the opponent.

Stunner

A stunner is a professional wrestling holds#Three-quarter facelock, three-quarter facelock #Jawbreaker, jawbreaker. It involves an attacking wrestler applying a three-quarter facelock (reaching behind the head of an opponent, thus pulling the opponent's jaw above the wrestler's shoulder) before falling to a seated position and forcing the defender's jaw to drop down on the shoulder of the attacking wrestler. This move was innovated by Mikey Whipwreck and popularized by Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Mat slam

A mat slam is any move in which the wrestler forces the back of the opponent's head into the mat which does not involve a headlock or facelock. If these are used then the move is considered a type of DDT (professional wrestling), DDT (if the wrestler falls backwards) or bulldog

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