Wrestling Slams: the Full Guide

Wrestling slams are an integral part of the sport of wrestling. They can be used to gain control over your opponent, score points, and even finish a match with a decisive victory. Knowing how to use them effectively is essential for any wrestler who wants to compete at the highest level.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about wrestling slams – from the different types available and their uses in matches to tips on how and when to execute them properly. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced wrestler looking for more information on these powerful moves, this guide will give you all the knowledge you need!

a wrestling slam

Table of Contents

What is a Slam in Wrestling?

A wrestling slam is an offensive move in which the wrestler lifts their opponent up and drives them down to the mat with force. The goal of a slam is to gain control over your opponent and be able to pin them or score points for near-fall positions. Wrestling slams are mostly common in professional wrestling, but they can also feature in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling.

Wrestling Slams List

  1. Suplex
  2. Body Slam
  3. Powerbomb
  4. Shoulder Slam
  5. Fireman’s Carry Slam
  6. Chokeslam
  7. Crucifix Powerbomb
  8. Tiger Driver
  9. Spladle
  10. Ankle Lock Slam
  11. Power Slam
  12. Spinebuster
  13. Gutbuster
  14. Piledriver
  15. Fallaway Slam
  16. Scoop Slam
  17. Cobra Clutch Slam
  18. Mat slam
  19. Sleeper Slam
  20. Powerslam
  21. Olympic Slam (Angle Slam)
  22. Full nelson slam
  23. Alabama Slam
  24. Gorilla Press Slam

There are several different types of slams that wrestlers can use, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of slams used in wrestling today:

1. Suplex

The suplex is one of the most common slams used in wrestling today. It involves lifting your opponent up onto your shoulders and then driving them down onto the mat. It’s a relatively easy move to execute and can be used to score points or set up pins. There are many types of suplexes, including the vertical suplex, German suplex, and belly-to-back suplex.

2. Body Slam

This is another move where the wrestler grabs their opponent around their waist but instead of lifting them up into the air, they drive them down to the mat with all their strength. It’s an effective way to score points or set up pins.

3. Poerbomb

This move involves the wrestler grabbing their opponent around the waist and lifting them onto their shoulders before dropping them back down to the mat with force. It’s a powerful move that can lead to a pinfall if used correctly.

4. Shoulder Slam

This is an offensive move where the wrestler grabs their opponent around their shoulders before slamming them down to the mat. It can be used to score points or set up pins, but it also leaves the wrestler vulnerable to counters.

5. Fireman’s Carry Slam

This move involves the wrestler picking up their opponent in a fireman’s carry before flipping them over onto the mat. It can be used to score points or set up pins, but it also leaves the wrestler vulnerable to counters.

6. Chokeslam

This move is similar to a body slam but the wrestler uses one of their arms to grab their opponent around the neck before slamming them down to the mat. It’s a powerful move that can lead to pinfalls if used correctly.

7. Crucifix Powerbomb

This move involves the wrestler grabbing their opponent in a crucifix position before lifting them up and dropping them down to the mat with force. It’s an effective way to score points or set up pins, but it can also leave the wrestler vulnerable to counters.

8. Tiger Driver

This move involves the wrestler grabbing their opponent and lifting them up in a powerbomb position before dropping them down to the mat with force.

9. Spladle

This move involves the wrestler placing their opponent in a bridge before lifting them up and slamming them to the mat. It’s an effective way to score points or set up pins, but it can also leave the wrestler vulnerable to counters.

10. Ankle Lock Slam

This move involves the wrestler grabbing their opponent’s ankle and then flipping them over onto the mat with force. It can be used to score points or set up pins, but it can also leave the wrestler vulnerable to counters.

11. Power Slam

This move is one of the most popular slams which involves the wrestler grabbing their opponent and lifting them up into a powerbomb position before dropping them down to the mat with force.

12. Spinebuster

This move involves the wrestler grabbing their opponent around the waist and then dropping them down to the mat with force. It can be used to score points or set up pins, but it also leaves the wrestler vulnerable to counters.

13. Gutbuster

Wrestlers use gutbusters to lift their opponents up and drop or jump them, so the opponent’s stomach comes into contact with part of the wrestler’s body – usually their knee. This move is often referred to as a ‘stomach breaker’. Gutbuster variations are closely related to backbreakers; in fact, any inverted gutbuster can become a backbreaker and vice versa.

14. Piledriver

Wrestlers grab their opponent, flip them upside-down and drop into a sitting or kneeling position to execute the feared piledriver move. This maneuver forces the head of their adversary squarely onto the mat below.

15. Fallaway Slam

In a bold maneuver, the wrestler grasps their opponent between their legs and around the back with both arms then boldly lifts them up horizontally. The fighter falls backward, throwing their foe over themselves to forcefully land onto the mat on their back. This technique can either be used for pinning or transitioning into another fallaway slam.

16. Scoop Slam

The wrestler boldly grasps their adversary, taking one arm between the challenger’s legs and the other around their back. Next, they powerfully lift up and flip them upside down before throwing to the ground onto their back. To ensure a successful slam, adversaries typically place an arm on the slammer’s thigh for support.

17. Cobra Clutch Slam

When executing the cobra clutch slam, a wrestler will first grip their opponent’s neck and then lift them into the air. With incredible power, they’ll plummet down with great force either face-down or in a seated position to decisively drive the adversary backfirst onto the mat below.

18. Mat Slam

When a wrestler performs a mat slam, they forcefully drive the opponent’s head into the ground but are not employing any type of lock or hold. This is unlike DDTs and bulldogs where locks and holds are utilized by attackers to bring down their opponents.

Neckbreakers also commonly involve slamming backs onto the floor, however, it differs from mat slams as wrestlers face away from each other during this move. To complete a standard mat slam maneuver, wrestlers should secure their grip on their target’s hair or head before rapidly pulling back while simultaneously bringing down the person’s skull towards the center of the ring ropes.

19. Sleeper Slam

In this punishing rendition of a headlock takedown, an athlete applies a sleeper hold to their adversary before forcefully slamming down onto the ground with their opponent firmly in tow. This effectively drives the back and cranium of the opposition into the floor beneath them.

20. Powerslam

A powerslam is a powerful slam that involves the wrestler falling face-down onto their opponent. The “powerslam” moniker usually refers to both front and scoop versions of the move. Executing this technique perfectly can lead to an electrifying moment in any wrestling match, as it leaves opponents stunned!

21. Olympic Slam (Angle Slam)

The legendary Angle Slam – an attack used by some of the most formidable wrestlers to ever step into the ring. To execute, you start behind your opponent and take hold of one wrist while tucking your head under that arm’s armpit and wrapping your free appendage around their near leg. From this position, elevate them up onto your shoulders as you spin 90 degrees in order to bring them crashing down back-first onto the mat for a devastating finish.

22. Full Nelson Slam

The Full Nelson Slam is an aggressive wrestling move that involves placing the opponent in a full nelson hold and lifting them off the ground. At this point, one arm of the aggressor is removed so their opponent is now held only by a half-nelson before being slammed down onto the mat. Another variation known as double chicken wing slam requires both arms to be used for holding rather than just one with a full nelson.

23. Alabama Slam

This wrestling maneuver requires the wrestler to place their head either between an opponent’s knees or under their arm. They then stand up, securing onto the other person’s legs while handling them in a reverse position towards themselves.

Afterward, they bring both hands downward and fling the rival back-first onto the ground with great force. An optional move after this is spinning around several times while still keeping hold of them before finally throwing them down on the mat for good measure.

24. Gorilla Press Slam

This move begins with the wrestler lifting their rival over their head, arms completely extended in a similar fashion to military press lifts from weightlifting.

Subsequently, they lower one arm so that the opponent flips onto their back after falling on one side. To emphasize power and dominance, this attack may be repeated multiple times before finally dropping them down.

Tips for Using Wrestling Slams

Now that you know what wrestling slams are and the different types available, let’s take a look at some tips on how to use them effectively:

1. Timing is key

When executing any slam, timing is crucial in order for it to be effective. You need to make sure that your opponent isn’t expecting it so you can gain control of the match quickly.

2. Use your weight

Many slams require you to lift your opponent off the ground, so be sure to use your weight and strength to your advantage.

3. Mix-up moves

Don’t rely on just one move. Mix up your slams by using a variety of techniques so you can keep your opponent guessing and off balance.

4. Practice

As with any wrestling maneuver, practice makes perfect. Make sure you’re familiar with all the different slams and how to execute them properly.

5. Don’t forget the basics

Even if you’re executing a more complex move, make sure you use basic wrestling principles such as leverage and positioning to your advantage.

Wrestling Slams in MMA

Many wrestlers have made successful transitions from the wrestling mat to MMA, bringing with them some of their signature moves. Wrestlers use a variety of slams to bring down their opponents in MMA, such as the suplex and German suplex.

These moves require a combination of strength, speed, and technique in order to be successful, and can be game changers if used correctly. Wrestlers can also use other wrestling slams such as the powerbomb and full nelson slam to take down their opponents. With the correct technique, these slams can be devastating for MMA fighters, so it’s important that wrestlers use them to their full advantage.

What Are the Rules of Slamming in Wrestling?

When performing a slam, the wrestler must ensure that the opponent’s head and neck are held securely throughout the maneuver, to prevent any potential injury. Additionally, slams should be performed in a controlled manner and with care, to avoid any unnecessary contact with the opponent’s body. Also, slams must be performed with the intention to take down an opponent and not as a form of aggression or punishment.

Is Slamming Allowed in High School Wrestling?

No. Slamming is strictly prohibited in high school wrestling and it is considered an illegal move. Wrestlers found performing a slam could be disqualified or even suspended from the match. Additionally, it is important that wrestlers are aware of how to perform a slam safely, as any uncontrolled movement could result in injury.

Are Slams Allowed in Folkstyle Wrestling?

No, slams are not allowed in Folkstyle and colligate wrestling. They are considered illegal moves and can result in disqualification for the wrestler performing them.

What makes a slam illegal in wrestling?

A slam is considered illegal when it is performed with the intention of causing harm or damage to the opponent. Additionally, any move that puts excessive pressure on the opponent’s neck or head is also considered illegal.

Slamming performed without proper care and control could result in serious injury, so it is important that wrestlers take extra care when executing any type of slam.

Hardest Wrestling Slams

The hardest wrestling slams are usually the most dangerous, so they must be performed with caution. Some of the hardest and most impressive slams include:

1. Suplex

2. Powerbomb

3. Full Nelson Slam

4. Brainbuster

5. Piledriver

6. Body Slam

How to Fake Slams in Wrestling?

Since pro wrestling is fake, the purpose of a slam is to make it look as real and impressive as possible for the audience. To fake slams effectively, wrestlers must have good timing, practice the move beforehand to ensure it looks realistic and maintain good posture throughout the maneuver. Additionally, wrestlers should use their weight to their advantage when executing a fake slam, so that it looks more believable.

Overall, learning how to execute wrestling slams effectively can be an invaluable skill for any wrestler. With the right technique and practice, wrestlers can use their slams to dominate the competition and take down their opponents with ease.

Conclusion

Wrestling slams are powerful and effective moves that can be used to take down opponents in MMA, pro wrestling, and amateur wrestling (especially Greco roman). There are a variety of wrestling slams available, including suplexes, powerbombs, full Nelson slams, and more.

Additionally, slams are illegal in high school wrestling and folkstyle wrestling and must be performed with caution to avoid injury. Knowing how to fake slams in pro wrestling can also help wrestlers create an impressive show for the audience. With practice and dedication, wrestlers can use slams to their full advantage and dominate the competition.