Wrestling

In the world of professional wrestling, the word turn is slang that can mean the plots or gimmicks resorted to by wrestlers to reignite the fans’ interest in them. One example is Hulk Hogan suddenly turning against long time partner Randy Savage in 1996. Also, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was a member of the much hated The Nation Of Domination before turning into the well loved “The Rock”.

In mainstream wrestling, the word turn means the blow or the attack maneuver used by the wrestler to gain control of the opponent and ultimately win the match. The wrestling matches we see today are mostly freestyle wrestling. In freestyle wrestling, all sorts of holds and throws are allowed.

That is why in freestyle wrestling, the wrestlers’ entire body is used for the competition. This permits a greater variety of movements and techniques. And yes, wrestling freestyle turns are adequately and colorfully named, unlike in other fighting sports that all they have are a jab, a punch and a hook.

Wrestling freestyle turns add flavor and charm to the sport. Freestyle turns has helped wrestling become a giant entertainment genre on its own. And sometimes, people are watching the moves rather than the wrestler himself.

Wrestling freestyle turns involve an assortment of martial arts maneuvers. Wrestling freestyle turns are performed on the mat or sometimes even while the wrestler is up in the air as in the case of the luchadores of Mexico. Take a look at some of wrestling freestyle turns.

Spinning Headlock Elbow Drop

Any elbow drop which is done after executing a headlock is referred to as the spinning headlock elbow drop. Sometimes a wrestler puts his opponent into a reverse face lock before turning 180°, and then knocking the opponent’s chest with his elbow driving the opponent down to the mat. Another derivation of this maneuver is made by the wrestler by making use of his whole arm rather than just his elbow.

Back Flip Kick

The wrestler stands with his opponent at his back. The wrestler then makes a back flip while standing and strikes the opponent’s head with one or both legs, with the wrestler landing on his hand or feet.

The Airplane Spin

Basically, the wrestler lifts and spins the opponent up in the air. The spinning around will make the opponent dizzy before the wrestler slams him on the mat. This move is a conventional finishing attack for many wrestlers.

Rolling Wheel Kick

The wrestler rolls on the mat headed for the opponent. The wrestler extends a leg on the last roll. The leg will hit the opponent. It is effective when it connects to the opponent’s back, chest or even face.

Flying Mare Take Down

This move is also referred to as the Flying Head Scissors. The wrestler stands near the opponent; the wrestler soon leaps into the air, catching the opponent’s head between the wrestler’s shins. The wrestler crosses his ankles to lock as he falls down pulling the opponent to the mat head first.

The Stun Gun

The wrestler faces the opponent while they are near the ropes. Wrestler then grabs the opponent’s waist, lifts and releases the opponent up in the air so that the opponent’s neck or chest lands badly on the ropes.

The Senton

The senton basically is a turn where the wrestler will jump over the opponent while falling backwards, thereby landing on the opponent back first. A slight adaptation of the senton technique is seen when the wrestler makes a somersault in the air to land on the opponent back first.

The Suplex

The suplex is one of the most famous moves in wrestling matches. Here the wrestler stands facing the opponent while grabbing the latter’s midsection with both arms. In a flowing motion, the wrestler brings the opponent up into the air while revolving to one side and going down the mat. The opponent should thump down underneath the wrestler.

Another suplex approach is performed when the wrestler places his opponent in a front face lock and in one swift movement, throws the opponent’s arm behind his neck. The wrestler then takes one of the opponent’s legs by the knee; and flexes backwards to throw the opponent over and behind him in a continuous vertical curve, resulting in the opponent hitting the mat back first.

These are just a few examples of wrestling freestyle turns. While people see them being performed during matches, it is a good thing to remember that these moves should never be done at home especially by kids.