Pay closer attention to how the moves are performed. Watch (rewatch) body and hand positioning, takeoff and landing methods, and how wrestlers “sell” the move. Keep an eye out for the safety measures hidden within the moves. Watch videos of older wrestling shows as well. Watch for similarities and differences in technique and style. [1] X Research source Go to live wrestling shows. Even if it is a local or regional circuit with a lower caliber of performance, watching wrestlers perform in person gives you a truer sense of the complexity and power of pro wrestling maneuvers. Watch for how these ostensible opponents work in concert to complete the moves successfully and safely. Talk to some of the wrestlers if you get the chance, and let them know about your interest in learning. They may have valuable advice.
Improving your physical conditioning will give you some added protection against injury. If you’re in high school, joining the wrestling team might make sense, but playing sports in general will help with conditioning and body control. Some strength training exercises to consider include: bench presses; chin-ups; dips; biceps curls; hand grips; wrist rolls; leg curls; leg extensions; squats; leg presses; shoulder shrugs; and 4-way neck presses. [2] X Research source Some cardio workouts to consider include: 3-mile timed runs; 10 x 400 meter interval runs; 30 minute recovery jogs;[3] X Research source and other cardio activities such as swimming and biking. Train hard, but allow time for recovery. This is when your muscles (including your cardiovascular system) heal and in the process become stronger.
Training, preparation, and practice will make doing wrestling moves safer, but even seasoned professionals can meet a tragic end when attempting them. [4] X Research source
Seek out a school with a track record of effective, safe training. Here’s an instance where striking up that conversation with wrestlers at a local show might pay off. Be realistic with your goals. If you’re dreaming of becoming a WWE superstar, your local wrestling school almost certainly won’t cut it. Most pros train at large schools in Florida, run by former pros with a long track record. But that doesn’t mean a local wrestling school can’t provide an instructive and fun experience that could turn into something bigger if you prove you have the right stuff.
Expect, and in fact demand, honest opinions on your skills. [6] X Research source Wrestling instructors are unlikely to be shy about giving their opinion, so you’ll need a thick skin. Think of it as tough love – doing these moves safely and effectively requires precision every time.
Pro wrestlers tend to think of their ring mates more as teammates than opponents. [7] X Research source They need to practice and execute together in order to succeed, just like a basketball team.
Think of this section as reading user manuals before having a knowledgeable friend teach you to use power tools. It is a preparation aid, not an alternative to expert guidance regarding something that can cause harm to you or others.
From behind, lock your arms around your opponent’s waist Bend your knees, pop your hips out and lift your opponent. Arch your back and throw him over your head onto his back as you fall. For more detailed steps with images, see also Perform Suplexes in Pro Wrestling.
Run toward your standing opponent. Lower your body and launch into his midsection. Try to hit him in the abdomen with your shoulder while keeping your head to the side. Use your arms to help drive him into the mat. See also Spear Like a Wrestler.
Facing your standing opponent, grab an arm with your weak hand and lift him with your strong arm between his legs. Duck your head as you lift him onto your shoulders. Rotate him onto your strong arm side and continue the turn as you slam him down. See also Perform an Andreslam in Pro Wrestling.
Facing your opponent, put him in a front headlock, wrapping your arm around his head to the side of one of your hips. Fall backward and drive his face into the mat. Add some flair to your fall to make it unique. See also Perform a DDT in Pro Wrestling.
Place your hand on the back of your standing opponents neck. Twist so that you are in front of him and your arm is around his head. Pull his chin onto the shoulder of the arm around his head. Kick your legs out forward, falling on your back and slamming his face into the mat in the process. See also Perform a Cutter Move in Pro Wrestling.
With you opponent on his stomach, stand over him, straddling his hips and facing his feet. If he’s on his back, lift his legs while facing him, and step over him while flipping him over and turning yourself around. Grab each leg and pin each at the calf between your biceps and upper ribs. Lift and pull each leg up and towards you while squatting down on his lower back. See also Do a Boston Crab.
Follow the steps for the Boston Crab, except instead of straddling your opponent’s legs, place one leg between his at the knees. Cross his legs over that knee and start lifting, pulling, and squatting. See also Do the Sharpshooter.
With your opponent slouched in a corner of the ring, run at him and strike him in the jaw with your knee or lower leg. You can launch off his knee with your other foot. This move alone constitutes the Shining Wizard. [15] X Research source Put your arm around his neck, placing his head to your side with his crouched body behind you. Run a few steps forward, dragging him along. Kick your legs out forward, and as you fall, drive his face into the mat. See also Perform a Shining Wizard Combo Move in Pro Wrestling.
Run at your standing opponent and leap up and out so that your legs each land on one of his shoulders. As this happens, cross your ankles behind his head and twist your body to one side. Use this twisting motion to rotate him as he falls on his back while you also fall. See also Perform a Hurricanrana in Pro Wrestling.
Put your opponent into the position where he is draped over the middle rope, facing the crowd. Run towards him but to one side or the other. Leap feet-first between the top and middle ropes. Grab the top rope with one hand and the middle rope with the other as you pass through. Use the elasticity of the ropes to sling you back towards the ring. Position and tuck your legs so that your knees strike your opponent in the face. See also Perform a 619 Move in Pro Wrestling. If the point has not been sufficiently made already, this move, as well as the others described here, is no joke. You can be seriously injured or killed, even if you know what you’re doing. [17] X Research source
