Aerial techniques, also known as "high-flying moves" are performance techniques used in
professional wrestling
Professional wrestling, often shortened to either pro wrestling or wrestling,The term "wrestling" is most often widely used to specifically refer to modern scripted professional wrestling, though it is also used to refer to Real life, real- ...
for simulated assault on opponents. The techniques involve jumping from the ring's posts and ropes, demonstrating the speed and agility of smaller, nimble and acrobatically inclined wrestlers, with many preferring this style instead of
throwing or
locking the opponent.
Aerial techniques can be challenging for wrestlers to learn since they learn to trust the other performer, the nominal opponent, to either target the jump correctly or to safely catch their fall. Due to the risk of injury caused by these high-risk moves, some promotions have banned the use of some of them.
The next list of maneuvers was made under general categories whenever possible.
Attacks
187
This move sees a wrestler jumping forward from an elevated position while holding a
steel chair or other weapon, driving the weapon onto an opponent lying prone on the mat. This move was innovated by
New Jack and named in reference to the prison slang term
187.
Diving chops
Arm twist ropewalk chop
The wrestler takes hold of one of the opponent's wrists, twisting the arm into an
arm wrench. The wrestler then climbs up the corner turnbuckles and
takes a walk on the top rope before falling down striking the opponent's head, back, shoulder or nape with a chop. The move combination is better known as ''Old School''. Invented by
Don Jardine and popularized by
The Undertaker
Mark William Calaway (born March 24, 1965), better known by his ring name the Undertaker, is an American retired Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. Widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, Calaway ...
, who was Jardine's protégé. Japanese wrestler
Jinsei Shinzaki uses the move while praying as the ''Ogami Watari''.
Diving overhead chop
Standing on the top turnbuckle, the attacking wrestler proceeds to jump in order to deliver an
overhead chop to a standing opponent's head. This is one of the most recognizable signature moves performed by
Manabu Nakanishi. This was also used by WWE Hall of Famer
Tatanka as a signature move called, "Diving Tomahawk Chop".
Diving clothesline
The attacking wrestler jumps from an elevated position as extending their arm out from the side of the body and parallel to the ground, hitting the standing opponent in the neck or chest, knocking them over. A version of this move, called a
flying lariat, involving the wrestler wrapping the attacking arm around the opponent's neck.
Diving double axe handle
Also known as diving axe handle, diving double axe handle smash, or diving double sledge, this is accomplished by jumping from the top turnbuckle to the mat or floor and striking the opponent with two fists held together in the fashion of holding an axe. This is usually done on a standing or rising opponent. A common variation sees the wrestler standing over the top rope, facing away from the ring. From this point, the wrestler jumps, twisting to face inside of the ring, and quickly clutching both fists together to strike the double axe handle. Used by
Randy Savage
Randy Mario Poffo (November 15, 1952 – May 20, 2011), better known by his ring name "Macho Man" Randy Savage, was an American professional wrestler and professional baseball player, best known for his time in the World Wrestling Federation ( ...
.
Diving drops
Diving leg drop
Also called ''guillotine leg drop'', this move sees a wrestler jumping from a raised platform landing the bottom side of one leg across the opponent's throat or chest. This move was used as the finisher of
Johnny Dango Curtis (JDC), formerly known as Johnny Curtis and Fandango in WWE, calling this move ''Down and Dirty'' (formerly known as the ''Last Dance'').
Moonsault leg drop
This variation sees the wrestler performing a
moonsault
A moonsault, moonsault press, or back flip splash is a Professional wrestling aerial techniques, professional wrestling aerial technique. It was innovated by Mando Guerrero. Much of its popularity in both Puroresu, Japanese and professional wrestl ...
but instead of landing on the opponent in a
splash position, the wrestler continues the rotation to drive a leg across the downed opponent.
2 Cold Scorpio uses this move as a signature called ''Drop The Bomb''.
Ruckus has also used this as an occasional move.
Shooting star leg drop
The wrestler jumps forward from an elevated position following a
full 360° or beyond rotation, driving a leg across the fallen opponent.
Somersault leg drop
The wrestler, standing on an elevated position, jumps and flips forward to land one leg on the opponent lying beneath. This move can also be performed from a standing non-elevated position although this variation is quite rare.
Booker T Booker T or Booker T. may refer to
* Booker T. Washington (1856–1915), African American political leader at the turn of the 20th century
** List of things named after Booker T. Washington, some nicknamed "Booker T."
* Booker T. Jones (born 194 ...
used this move during his time in
WCW naming the move, ''Harlem Hangover.'' 2 Cold Scorpio uses a variation of this move as a finisher which sees him, while facing away from the supine opponent, utilizing a
single corkscrew with the move and calls it the ''Tumbleweed''.
Diving elbow drop

Executed by diving onto a supine opponent with one elbow cocked, driving the elbow into the opponent as the wrestler falls on one of their sides.
The move was popularized by WWE Wrestler
Randy "Macho Man" Savage, It has since been used by a number of
WWE
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is an American professional wrestling promotion. It is owned and operated by TKO Group Holdings, a majority-owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings. A global integrated media and entertainment company, ...
superstars such as
CM Punk
Phillip Jack Brooks (born October 26, 1978), better known by his ring name CM Punk, is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler and actor. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on the Raw (WWE brand), Raw brand. Regarded as ...
,
Bayley who also uses it as a homage to Randy Savage, and
Kairi Sane
is a Japanese professional wrestler and actress. she is signed to WWE, where she performs on the Raw brand under the ring name .
From 2012 to 2017, she wrestled for the Japanese promotion World Wonder Ring Stardom under the ring name . E ...
who uses the move as her finisher and refers to it as the ''InSane Elbow''.
Diving 450 elbow drop
The wrestler dives forward from an elevated position performing a
450 somersault landing on the supine opponent with the elbow drop. Independent wrestler Flip Kendrick has used the move.
John Morrison uses a modified version of this move which sees him utilizing a
diving cartwheel motion during the move and uses this as a finisher calling it the ''Countdown to IMPACT'', ''IMPACT Elbow'' (using both names while in
Impact Wrestling
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (abbreviated as TNA Wrestling or TNA) is an American professional wrestling promotion based in Nashville, Tennessee. It is a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment, a Canadian media company owned by busine ...
), and ''Thursday Night Delight'' respectively.
Diving back elbow drop
This less common variation sees a wrestler stand facing away from a standing or supine opponent and in an elevated position (usually the top turnbuckle). The wrestler then dives backwards to strike the opponent.
Ted DiBiase
Theodore Marvin DiBiase Sr. (; born January 18, 1954) is an American retired professional wrestler, manager, and color commentator. He is signed to WWE as of 2024, where he works in their Legends program. DiBiase achieved championship succ ...
has used this move against a supine opponent as a finisher.
Diving pointed elbow drop
The wrestler sits on the top turnbuckle with a foot on each second rope facing a supine opponent. The wrestler then leaps forward while clasping both forearms together, landing on their knees, driving an elbow into the opponent. It was used by
Bret Hart
Bret Sergeant Hart (born July 2, 1957) is a Canadian retired professional wrestler. A member of the Hart wrestling family and a second-generation wrestler, he has an amateur wrestling background at Ernest Manning High School and Mount Royal U ...
and
Stone Cold Steve Austin
Steve Austin (born Steven James Anderson and later Steven James Williams; December 18, 1964), better known by his ring name "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, is an American media personality, actor, producer and retired Professional wrestling, profes ...
.
Shooting star elbow drop
This move sees a wrestler jumping forward from an elevated position followed by executing a
mid-air backflip to land elbow first on an opponent lying on the mat.
Diving fist drop
A move in which a wrestler jumps down from the turnbuckle on an opponent, driving their fist into the opponent's head. While doing it, wrestlers have their front four knuckles out, and their thumb to the side. This move was popularized by
Jerry Lawler
Jerry O'Neil Lawler (born November 29, 1949), better known as Jerry "the King" Lawler, is an American retired color commentator and professional wrestler signed to WWE under a Legends contract.
Prior to joining the World Wrestling Federati ...
as his finisher.
Diving headbutt
Also known as a Diving
headbutt drop or a Flying headbutt, it is delivered from the turnbuckle with the wrestler leaping forward into the air head-first to fall and strike anywhere on the opponent's prone or supine body.
The move was accidentally invented by
Harley Race
Harley Leland Race (April 11, 1943 – August 1, 2019) was an American professional wrestler, professional wrestling promotion, promoter, and trainer.
Race wrestled in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), the American Wrestling Association (AW ...
,
[ who adapted it as a signature move and it was then further popularized by The Dynamite Kid, ]Chris Benoit
Christopher Michael Benoit ( ; May 21, 1967 – June 24, 2007) was a Canadian Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. He worked for various pro-wrestling promotions during his 22-year career, but is notorious for Chris Benoit double-murd ...
, Bam Bam Bigelow
Scott Charles Bigelow (September 1, 1961 – January 19, 2007) was an American professional wrestler, better known by the ring name Bam Bam Bigelow. Recognizable by his close-to-400-pound frame and the distinctive flame tattoo that spanned mo ...
, D-Von Dudley
Devon Hughes ( ; born August 1, 1972) is an American retired Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, under a legends contract. He is best known for performing in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) from 1995 to 1999 a ...
, Tomoaki Honma
is a Japanese people, Japanese professional wrestler primarily working for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). In NJPW, he is a former List of IWGP Tag Team Champions, one-time IWGP Tag Team Championship, IWGP Tag Team Champion and a two-time G1 Ta ...
and recently Bryan Danielson
Bryan Lloyd Danielson (born May 22, 1981) is an American semi-retired professional wrestler. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he performs on a part time basis. He is also known for his tenure in WWE, where he performed under t ...
and Chad Gable. The wrestler will sometimes use this move with a swan diving motion by spreading their arms outwards while arching their legs backwards midair while performing the move. Benoit and Danielson are best known to use this technique. Benoit also used a version of this move by simply falling forward off the turnbuckle, with his arms spread up and outwards, to hit an opponent at close range. Honma also uses this version that he calls the ''Kokeshi'' while keeping his arms to his sides. This move, popular in lucha libre, can also be used to hit a standing opponent as demonstrated by Rey Mysterio
Óscar Gutiérrez Rubio (born December 11, 1974), better known by his ring name Rey Mysterio, is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on the Raw brand. Widely regarded as both one of the greatest '' luch ...
who has used diving and springboard versions of this move earlier, and rarely at later parts in his career, as a signature and finisher. It was later publicized that the move in general could cause severe spine,[ brain, leg or chest damage.]
Diving knee drop
A move in which a wrestler jumps from the top turnbuckle, top rope, or the apron, landing one knee across a supine opponent. There is also a variation where a wrestler jumps from the elevated position and lands both knees across the supine opponent, referred to as a ''diving double knee drop''. Bob "Spark Plug" Holly used this as a finisher, calling it the ''Pitstop Plunge''.
=Meteora
=
This version of the diving double knee drop sees the attacker performing the maneuver from an elevated platform, jumping forward onto a standing or seated upright opponent with each knee striking both of their shoulders simultaneously. Springboard
A springboard or diving board is used for diving and is a board that is itself a spring, i.e. a linear flex-spring, of the cantilever type.
Springboards are commonly fixed by a hinge at one end (so they can be flipped up when not in use), and ...
, slingshot
A slingshot or catapult is a small hand-powered projectile weapon. The classic form consists of a Y-shaped frame, with two tubes or strips made from either a natural rubber or synthetic elastic material. These are attached to the upper two ends ...
, and standing or running versions of this move are also possible with the latter being used while the attacker is charging towards an opponent, against a charging opponent, or a combination of both. Innovated by CIMA, who has used both a springboard and top rope version as finishing maneuvers in Dragon Gate, and named it after the Greek landmark where he proposed to his wife. American wrestlers Sasha Banks
Sacha, Sasha, or Sascha may refer to:
People
* Sasha (name), includes list of people with the name and the variants Sascha or Sacha
Musicians
* Sacha (singer), born Sacha Visagie, Canadian singer and songwriter
* Sasha (DJ) (born 1969), born Alex ...
and Matt Sydal
Matthew Joseph Korklan (born March 19, 1983), better known by the ring name Matt Sydal, is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). He is also known for his tenure with WWE from 2008 to 2014 under the ring nam ...
also use it as a signature move, the latter having also performed in Dragon Gate.
=Shooting star knee drop
=
This move sees the wrestler jumping forward from the second turnbuckle, executing a mid-air backflip, landing knee first on an opponent down all on fours. It is a finishing move used by "Speedball" Mike Bailey as ''Ultima Weapon''.
Diving senton
This diving variation for a senton sees the wrestler landing back or buttocks first on the opponent's stomach or chest.
Backwards facing diving senton
The move sees an attacking wrestler jumping to the top turnbuckle or top rope facing away from the ring before falling down backwards onto the lying opponent. Popularized by Darby Allin who uses it as a finisher as the ''Coffin Drop''. He's also known to use this move to hit a standing opponent.
630° senton
The attacker on the top turnbuckle jumps and flips mid-air into a double front somersault to land sitting on the opponent below. It was innovated by Jack Evans and popularized by Ricochet
A ricochet ( ; ) is a rebound, bounce, or skip off a surface, particularly in the case of a projectile. Most ricochets are caused by accident and while the force of the deflection decelerates the projectile, it can still be energetic and almost ...
who uses a corkscrew version of this move.
=Corkscrew 630° senton
=
In this version, the wrestler facing away from the ring on the top turnbuckle performs a 180° mid-air turn while executing the maneuver. Jack Evans and Ninja Mack uses this move.
Diving seated senton
This variant has the wrestler using the tailbone and lower back to fall in a seated position forcing a standing opponent to the mat rather than using their whole back. Performed by jumping forward off a raised platform or springboarding on to the opponent's shoulders, forcing them to the ground. This can also be performed onto an opponent prone or supine on the mat.
A variation of this move known as the ''Banzai Drop'', popularized by Yokozuna
, or , is the top division of the six divisions of professional sumo. Its size is fixed at 42 wrestlers ('' rikishi''), ordered into five ranks according to their ability as defined by their performance in previous tournaments.
This is the o ...
and by Rikishi
A , or, more colloquially, , is a sumo wrestler. Although used to define all wrestlers participating in sumo wrestling matches, the term is more commonly used to refer to professional wrestlers, employed by the Japan Sumo Association, who par ...
as the ''Rump Shaker'', sees the wrestler standing over a fallen opponent next to the turnbuckle, then climbing up to the second rope and jumping down, landing on the opponent's stomach or chest.
=Molly-Go-Round
=
This variant, which is technically described as a diving somersault seated senton is performed by flipping forward off a raised platform on to the shoulders of a standing opponent, forcing them to the ground into a pinning position. Innovated by Molly Holly. Tegan Nox uses this move.
Moonsault senton
The attacker jumps to the top turnbuckle or top rope facing away from the ring, and executes a moonsault, landing in an ordinary senton position. There is also a standing
Standing, also referred to as orthostasis, is a position in which the body is held in an upright (orthostatic) position and supported only by the feet. Although seemingly static, the body rocks slightly back and forth from the ankle in the ...
version of this move.
Senton bomb
In this variation, the attacking wrestler executes a quick front somersault
A somersault (also ''flip'', ''heli'', and in gymnastics ''salto'') is an acrobatics, acrobatic exercise in which a person's body Rotation#Sports, rotates 360° around a horizontal axis with the feet passing over the Human head, head. A somersau ...
off the top turnbuckle, landing on the opponent back-first. Popularized by Jim Fullington and renaming it as ''Rolling Rock''. The standing, running variation is known as a cannonball
A round shot (also called solid shot or simply ball) is a solid spherical projectile without explosive charge, launched from a gun. Its diameter is slightly less than the bore of the barrel from which it is shot. A round shot fired from a lar ...
.
=Corkscrew senton bomb
=
Another variant where the attacking wrestler facing to the ring does a 360° twist in the air before impact. A.J. Styles popularized this by calling it the ''Spiral Tap''.
=High-angle senton bomb
=
A variant which sees a wrestler leaping off the top turnbuckle keeping the body straight and arms out-stretched, resembling a '' swan dive''[ and then waiting until the last moment to execute the flip, so is just barely complete when the attacker impacts the opponent with upper back/shoulders. Invented by The Great Sasuke calling it ''Senton Atomico'', ]Jeff Hardy
Jeffrey Nero Hardy (born August 31, 1977) is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. He is signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and also appears on partner promotion WWE on its NXT (WWE brand), NXT brand.
He is re ...
popularized this move in North America, calling it the ''Swanton Bomb''. It would be used by Kevin Owens, as well as British professional wrestler Amir Jordan, who calls the move ''Swanton Bombay''.
=Rolling senton bomb
=
Another variant where the attacking wrestler, facing away from the ring, does a 180° twist followed by the senton bomb. This was popularised by Jeff Hardy
Jeffrey Nero Hardy (born August 31, 1977) is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. He is signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and also appears on partner promotion WWE on its NXT (WWE brand), NXT brand.
He is re ...
calling it ''Whisper in the Wind''. This can be done with the opponent standing up or laying. Matt Riddle is also a notable user of this move, who calls it the ''Floating Bro''.
Shooting star senton
Jumping forward from an elevated position, the attacking wrestler executes a mid-air backflip ending in a senton.
Sky Twister Press
Created by Chaparita Asari, the Sky Twister Press sees the attacking wrestler somersault backwards from an elevated position, twisting their body around in mid air so as to land back first on the opponent.
Diving shoulder block
The wrestler dives from an elevated position tucking both arms in, and striking a standing opponent with one shoulder to the upper body.
Diving spear
A diving version of the takedown known as a spear
A spear is a polearm consisting of a shaft, usually of wood, with a pointed head. The head may be simply the sharpened end of the shaft itself, as is the case with Fire hardening, fire hardened spears, or it may be made of a more durable materia ...
. A wrestler will jump from a raised platform driving a shoulder into the torso as pulling both the opponent's legs, forcing them down to the mat.
Diving splash
This basic maneuver involves a wrestler jumping forward from a raised platform, landing stomach first horizontally across an opponent lying on the ground below. This move was popularized by Jimmy Snuka
James Reiher Snuka (born James Wiley Smith; May 18, 1943 – January 15, 2017) was a Fijian and American professional wrestler, better known by the ring name Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka.
Snuka wrestled for several promotions from the 1970s to 2010s ...
, naming it the ''Superfly Splash'', for his “Superfly” gimmick, and is currently used by his daughter Tamina Snuka as a tribute to her father. The Usos
The Usos were a Samoan-American professional wrestling tag team which consisted of twin brothers Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso. They are signed to WWE, where Jey performs on the WWE Raw, Raw brand while Jimmy performs on the SmackDown (WWE brand), Sma ...
also use this move as their finishers called the ''Uso Splash'', and is also occasionally used by Solo Sikoa called ''Flying Solo''. Bronson Reed also uses this as a finishing move called the ''Tsunami''.
450° splash
Also known as '' firebird splash'', involves an attacker facing the ring from the top of the turnbuckles, then performing a "Rudolph" ( front somersault with 1 twists) to land the upper body's front on the opponent. This move was innovated by Scott Steiner
Scott Rechsteiner (born July 29, 1962), better known by the ring name Scott Steiner, is an American professional wrestler.
Steiner is perhaps best known for his time in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and has also wrestled for Jim Crockett ...
in 1987 before 2 Cold Scorpio popularized the move in the 1990s. It can also be dangerous when it cannot be executed properly, as WWE previously banned it in 2005 after Juventud Guerrera
Eduardo Aníbal González Hernández (born November 23, 1974), better known by his ring name Juventud "Juvi" Guerrera, is a Mexican Professional wrestling, professional wrestler performing on the independent circuit.
Guerrera is best known for ...
broke Paul London
Paul Michael London (born April 16, 1980) is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. He is currently signed to Major League Wrestling (MLW), where he performs as a wrestler and a producer. He is best known for his tenure in WW ...
's face before they allowed Justin Gabriel to use it in 2010. It is often used by high-flying wrestlers, but has also been used by mat-based wrestler Kris Statlander as her finisher, which is dubbed the ''Friday Night Fever'' (formerly known as ''Area 451'').
=Corkscrew 450° splash
=
The move was innovated and popularized by Hayabusa
was a robotic spacecraft developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to return a sample of material from a small near-Earth asteroid named 25143 Itokawa to Earth for further analysis.
''Hayabusa'', formerly known as MUSES-C ...
, who named it the ''Phoenix splash''. The wrestler facing away from the ring on the top turnbuckle performs a 180° turn in mid-air while performing a 450° splash onto a lying opponent. Kota Ibushi and Rich Swann
Richard Anthony Swann (born February 15, 1991) is an American professional wrestler. he is best known for his tenure in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). He is a former Impact World Champion, TNA World Heavyweight Championship (2020–2021), ...
are notable users of the move.
=Imploding 450° splash
=
Also known as ''flaming star press'' or ''inverted / reverse 450° splash'', sees the attacking wrestler standing on the top turnbuckle facing away from the ring. Then jumping backwards executing a 450° splash inwards (facing the turnbuckle) onto a downed opponent on the mat. Mustafa Ali
Adeel Alam (born March 28, 1986) better known by his ring name Mustafa Ali ( ), is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where he is a former TNA X Division Champion. He also makes appearances ...
once used this move, naming it the ''054''.
=Imploding corkscrew 450° splash
=
The attacking wrestler stands on the top turnbuckle facing towards the ring and performs a 180° turn in mid-air while performing a 450° splash inwards.
Corner slingshot splash
The wrestler places the opponent lying supine perpendicular to the turnbuckle. Then approaching to the turnbuckle in the same corner, grabbing a hold both hands on the top rope and climbing to the first or second rope, the wrestler bounces on the ropes before throwing both legs backwards and placing the body parallel to the mat as releasing the ropes, thus falling inwards and downwards to the ring squashing and pinning the opponent. Often referred to as ''Vader Bomb'', for it was (Big Van) Vader who popularized it. Jack Swagger
Donald Jacob Hager Jr. (born March 24, 1982) is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler and former Amateur wrestling, amateur wrestler and Mixed martial arts, mixed martial artist. He currently performs on the independent circ ...
used a running variation as his signature in WWE, calling it a ''Swagger Bomb'' and is currently being used by Otis as the ''Dozer splash''.
Moonsault
A wrestler executes a backflip and lands torso first on the opponent. A basic moonsault is generally attempted from the top turnbuckle, though myriad variations exist.
Diving crossbody
To perform the move, the wrestler jumps from an elevated position (usually the top turnbuckle) onto an opponent, landing horizontally across the opponent's torso, forcing them to the mat and usually resulting in a pinfall attempt. There is also a reversed version, called a ''reverse crossbody'', where the wrestler faces away from the prone opponent before executing the maneuver. This move is one of the basic moves of lightweight wrestlers. This move was made famous as the finisher of WWE Hall of Famer Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat. The Hurricane used diving crossbody as his finisher and named it the ''Cape''.
Frog splash
This move is performed by leaping from the top rope, stretching out to a horizontal position, and bringing one's feet and hands inward and outward before landing.
Eddie Guerrero
Eduardo Gory Guerrero Llanes (October 9, 1967 – November 13, 2005) was an American professional wrestling, professional wrestler. He was best known for his tenures in WWE, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and World Championship Wrestling ...
made the frog splash famous in the mid-1990s and early 2000s. However, the move itself was innovated by La Fiera
Arturo Casco Hernández (March 17, 1961 – September 12, 2010) was a Mexican '' luchador'', or professional wrestler, best known under the ring name La Fiera, which is Spanish for "The Wild Beast". Hernández was a second-generation wrestler, ...
in Mexico in the early 1980s. Later it was used by Art Barr in the late 1980s and was named by 2 Cold Scorpio who remarked Barr looked "like a frog" whilst performing the move which resulted in Barr naming it. After Barr's death in 1994, Guerrero used the move in tribute to his fallen tag team partner. After Guerrero's death in 2005, Christian Cage
William Jason Reso (born November 30, 1973) is a Canadian Professional wrestling, professional wrestler and actor. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he performs under the ring name Christian Cage and is the leader of The Patriarch ...
began using the move as a tribute to Guerrero. The legendary Hiroshi Tanahashi
is a Japanese professional wrestler, sports executive and Podcast, podcaster. He is signed to
New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he serves as the president and representative director of the promotion, and is also an active wrestler.
Widel ...
uses this move as ''High Fly Flow''. T.J. Perkins uses this move since 2020 and calls it the ''Mamba Splash'' in honor of the late basketball player Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bean Bryant ( ; August 23, 1978 – January 26, 2020) was an American professional basketball player. A shooting guard, he List of NBA players who have spent their entire career with one franchise, spent his entire 20-year career with t ...
, of whom Perkins is a fan. Cedric Alexander
Cedric Alexander Johnson (born August 16, 1989) is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. He is performing on the independent circuit. He is best known for his tenures in WWE and Ring of Honor (ROH).
Alexander worked for ROH ...
uses this as one of his finishing moves, called ''Overtime''.
There is a high-angle turning variation named the '' Five-Star Frog Splash'' where the opponent is not placed perpendicular to the corner. Instead, the attacker turns mid-air to land on the opponent in the splash position, regardless of which direction the opponent is lying in. It was made famous by ECW, WWF/E and TNA superstar Rob Van Dam
Robert Szatkowski (born December 18, 1970) better known by his ring name Rob Van Dam (frequently abbreviated to RVD) is an American professional wrestler. Known for his unique ring style—which includes his variety of kicks, acrobatic movemen ...
as it was used as his finisher. He also uses a regular version, generally going halfway or more than halfway across the ring to hit his opponent. Lio Rush uses a split-legged version called the ''Final Hour''. The split-legged version was popularized by D'Lo Brown, who dubbed his version the ''Lo Down''. Montez Ford
Kenneth Crawford (born May 31, 1990) is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on the SmackDown (WWE brand), SmackDown WWE brand extension, brand under the ring name Montez Ford. He is one ...
uses a spinning version of this move called ''From the Heavens'', as well as Mike Santana, who calls the move the ''Puppy Splash''.
Diving stomp
The wrestler jumps down from a raised platform onto an opponent, dropping one foot onto the opponent's body. A variation known as a ''diving double foot stomp'' sees the attacking wrestler jumping down from a raised platform on an opponent, driving both feet into the opponent. Finn Balor uses this as his finishing move called the ''Coup de Grâce''. Cameron Grimes uses a running variation of this move called the ''Cave-In'', formerly known as the ''Caveman Stomp''. Swerve Strickland uses a variant where he stomps an opponent on a seated position called ''Swerve Stomp''.
Moonsault double foot stomp
Also known as the ''Moonstomp'', this variation sees the wrestler perform a moonsault, but instead of landing on a fallen opponent in the splash position, the wrestler continues the rotation driving both feet into the opponent. Innovated by Hikari Fuokoka while Sonjay Dutt
Retesh Bhalla (born April 7, 1982) is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a Glossary of professional wrestling terms#agent, producer and Glossary of professional wrestling terms#manage ...
and IYO SKY occasionally use this as an finishing move.
Mushroom stomp
While situated on the middle turnbuckle, a wrestler jumps over a charging opponent, driving one or both feet into the opponent's back, pushing the opponent into the turnbuckle or down to the ground, before landing on their feet. The technique's name is a reference to the stomping attacks used by video game character Mario
Mario (; ) is a Character (arts), character created by the Japanese game designer Shigeru Miyamoto. He is the star of the ''Mario (franchise), Mario'' franchise, a recurring character in the ''Donkey Kong'' franchise, and the mascot of the Ja ...
.
Flying body press
Differentiating themselves from a splash or a senton, these maneuvers are performed from an upright position, using momentum and weight to run over a standing opponent or pin a fallen one.
Falling Thesz press
Sitting on the top turnbuckle, the attacking wrestler rests both feet with spread legs on the second ropes waiting for an incoming opponent, then jumps forward through springboarding to sit on the opponent's midsection as in a standing Thesz press.
Shooting star press
A technique invented by Jushin Thunder Liger
, better known as and later , is a Japanese retired Professional wrestling, professional wrestler and mixed martial artist, signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) as a trainer. He is the longest-tenured member of the NJPW roster, having work ...
. The wrestler jumps forward from an elevated position and presses their knees to their own chest, executes a backflip and lands on the opponent as if performing a body press. This move was used by Brock Lesnar
Brock Edward Lesnar ( ; born July 12, 1977) is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler and former Mixed martial arts, mixed martial artist, Amateur wrestling, amateur wrestler and professional American football player. As a ...
and is Matt Sydal
Matthew Joseph Korklan (born March 19, 1983), better known by the ring name Matt Sydal, is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). He is also known for his tenure with WWE from 2008 to 2014 under the ring nam ...
's finisher, but was popularized by Billy Kidman in WCW. The move was previously banned in WWE in 2005 for safety reasons, as the move can easily be botched and cause serious injuries, much like the piledriver
Piledriver or pile driver may refer to:
*Pile driver, a person trained to use the diesel hammer that drives piles into the ground for foundations and bridges
*Piledriver (professional wrestling), a move used in professional wrestling
Entertainme ...
. Mark Andrews of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (abbreviated as TNA Wrestling or TNA) is an American professional wrestling promotion based in Nashville, Tennessee. It is a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment, a Canadian media company owned by busines ...
(TNA) uses this as a high-flying move called ''Fall to Pieces''.
=Corkscrew shooting star press
=
This move sees a wrestler jump forward while twisting 360° and performing a backflip. This move is used and has been popularized by PAC
Pac or PAC may refer to:
Aviation
* IATA code PAC Albrook "Marcos A. Gelabert" International Airport in Panama City, Panama
* Pacific Aerospace Corporation, New Zealand, manufacturer of aircraft:
** PAC 750XL
** PAC Cresco
** PAC CT/4
** PA ...
who called it the ''Red Arrow'', and later the ''Black Arrow''. It is also known for being used by Will Ospreay
William Peter Charles Ospreay (born 7 May 1993) is an English professional wrestler. , he is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is a former two-time AEW International Champion. He is also known for his eight year tenure with New Japa ...
and Komander.
Flying kicks
Several attacks taken from eastern martial arts to ''Lucha libre
''Lucha libre'' (, meaning "freestyle wrestling" or literally translated as "free fight") is the term for the style of professional wrestling originating in Mexico. Since its introduction to Mexico in the early 20th century, it has develope ...
'', these are widely popular maneuvers amongst fans worldwide.
Diving calf kick
Standing over the top turnbuckle or top rope, the attacking wrestler jumps off and twists slightly so as soaring midair faces away from the opponent, connecting the side of their lead leg's calf- heel cord area to the opponent's face or chest.
Diving leg lariat
A leg lariat in which a wrestler jumps from a raised platform towards an opponent and wraps one leg around the opponent's head or neck, knocking them down to the ground.
Flying spinning heel kick
A move in which the wrestler jumps from an elevated position (usually the top turnbuckle) and strikes a standing opponent with a spinning heel kick mid-air.
Flying thrust kick
Executed when a wrestler jumps from a raised platform (usually the top turnbuckle), and performs a mid-air back kick on a standing opponent.
Missile dropkick
A move in which the wrestler jumps from an elevated position (usually the top turnbuckle) and strikes a standing opponent with the soles of both feet, essentially executing a diving version of a dropkick
A dropkick is an Professional wrestling strikes, attacking maneuver in professional wrestling. It is defined as an attack where the wrestler jumps up and kicks the opponent with the soles of both feet; this sees the wrestler twist as they ju ...
. Shane McMahon
Shane Brandon McMahon ( ; born January 15, 1970) is an American businessman and retired Professional wrestling, professional wrestler best known for his tenures in WWE.
The son of Vince McMahon, he is a fourth-generation wrestling promoter as a ...
uses a variation where he leaps from the one corner of the ring to the adjacent side before executing the maneuver to the cornered opponent, naming it the ''Coast-to-Coast''.
Throws
Diamond dust
This maneuver is performed by an attacking wrestler standing or sitting on an elevated platform facing the back of a standing opponent while applying an inverted facelock. From this position, the attacking wrestler somersaults forward to roll the inverted facelock into a facelock. As they fall, the wrestler either drops to a seated position driving the opponent's jaw into their shoulder, or back-first forcing the opponent's face into the mat. Innovated by Masato Tanaka
is a Japanese Professional wrestling, professional wrestler, best known for his appearances with Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling (FMW) in Japan where he was a FMW Brass Knuckles Heavyweight Championship#Title History, one-time FMW Brass Knuckle ...
.
Diving hurricanrana
This move is executed by jumping forward off the top rope with legs apart, then straddling on a standing opponent's shoulders and using the momentum to snap off, rolling and throwing the opponent forward. This move was popularized by Lita as the ''Litacanrana''. Rey Mysterio
Óscar Gutiérrez Rubio (born December 11, 1974), better known by his ring name Rey Mysterio, is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on the Raw brand. Widely regarded as both one of the greatest '' luch ...
popularized a springboard version called the ''West Coast Pop'', but rarely uses it in his later years due to knee injuries.
Frankensteiner
This variant is executed on an opponent sitting on the top turnbuckle. With the attacking wrestler's legs scissored around the opponent's head while they face each other, the wrestler backflips to swing through the opponent's open legs, dragging the opponent into a forced somersault that distances the wrestler from the opponent, who lands back-first. The name comes from Scott Steiner
Scott Rechsteiner (born July 29, 1962), better known by the ring name Scott Steiner, is an American professional wrestler.
Steiner is perhaps best known for his time in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and has also wrestled for Jim Crockett ...
, who possibly invented the move.
A handstand variation can also be used. With the opponent seated on the top turnbuckle facing the ring, the wrestler performs a handspring on the bottom turnbuckle, wrapping both shins or feet around the opponent's neck. The wrestler then throws both legs forward towards the ring, pulling and flipping over the opponent to the mat back first.
Rey Mysterio
Óscar Gutiérrez Rubio (born December 11, 1974), better known by his ring name Rey Mysterio, is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on the Raw brand. Widely regarded as both one of the greatest '' luch ...
and Último Dragón
, better known by his ring name , is a Japanese Professional wrestling, professional wrestler signed to Dragon Gate (wrestling), Dragon Gate, where he acts as an in-ring talent, trainer and senior advisor. In addition to having trained in Japan, ...
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''.
=Reverse Frankensteiner
=
Also known as ''Inverted Frankensteiner'' or ''Poisoned Frankensteiner'', this is executed on an opponent sitting on the top turnbuckle. However, the opponent is facing away from the ring on the top turnbuckle thus the opponent backflips over and lands face first. This move can also be performed to the outside of the ring if the opponent is facing the inside of the ring or sitting on one edge of the corner turnbuckle facing the audience both legs outside of the ring on the same side. There is also a standing variation of this move in which the wrestler jumps onto the opponent's shoulders from behind and then flips backwards driving the opponent's head or chest onto the mat.
Dragonrana
In this variant the wrestler performs a front flip from the top rope before executing a true hurricanrana
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 wrest ...
into a pin. The technique is named by and after Dragon Kid
is a Japanese professional wrestler currently working for Dragon Gate as .
Nakamura initially broke into the wrestling business with Frontier Martial Arts Wrestling (FMW), but was not allowed to be a wrestler by owner Atsushi Onita and instead ...
, who popularized the maneuver.
Phoenixrana
With this variant the wrestler, facing away from the ring and situated on the top turnbuckle, performs a 180° turn in mid-air and then performs a front flip before executing a pinning hurricanrana.
Shiranui
Invented by Naomichi Marufuji. A backflip inverted facelock drop where a wrestler puts the opponent into a facelock, then runs up the corner turnbuckles or ring ropes and jump backwards performing a backflip, and landing face down driving the opponent down to the mat back-first. Sometimes a standing variant is performed by wrestlers with adequate leaping ability or when assisted by a tag team partner. The move is popularly known, especially in North America, as ''Sliced Bread No. 2'', a name created by wrestler Brian Kendrick
Brian David Kendrick (born May 29, 1979) is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. He is best known for his tenure in WWE. He is also known for his time in Ring of Honor (ROH), Impact Wrestling, Total Nonstop Action Wrestlin ...
. In a slight variation named ''sitout shiranui'' the wrestler lands into a seated position instead, driving the opponent's head between the legs.
Sunset flip
A pinning move where wrestler and opponent face each other, with the wrestler on higher ground (such as the top turnbuckle). The wrestler dives over the opponent, catches them in a waistlock from behind, and rolls into a sitting position landing onto the mat. As the wrestler rolls over, the opponent is pulled over backwards, landing back first in a rana
Rana may refer to:
Astronomy
* Rana (crater), a crater on Mars
* Delta Eridani or Rana, a star
Films
* Rana (2012 film), an Indian Kannada-language action drama
* Rana, a 1998 Telugu-language action film directed by A. Kodandarami Reddy
* R ...
.[
]
Transition moves
Some moves are meant neither to pin an opponent, nor weaken them or force them to submit, but intended to set up the attack on the opponent.
Corkscrew
The term implies adding a spiral resembling a corkscrew to a maneuver. It can also refer to the motion when a backflip is twisted around so the attacker faces the inside of the ring instead of the outside when the maneuver ends.
Moonsault
A wrestler executes a backflip and lands torso first on the opponent. A basic moonsault is generally attempted from the top turnbuckle, though myriad variations exist.
Ropewalk
As the name implies, this term is used to refer to any move which sees the attacking wrestler walking along the top rope before performing a move.
Shooting star
When a wrestler jumps forward from an elevated position and executes a mid-air backflip. Many techniques can be performed.
Slingshot
When a wrestler, standing on the ring apron, pulls on the top rope using the momentum to hurl over the ropes and into the ring. Alternatively, a wrestler may use the ropes to bounce the opponent off of them to power a throw or attack such as a powerbomb
A powerbomb is a professional wrestling throw in which an opponent is lifted (usually so that they are sitting on the wrestler's shoulders) and then slammed back-first down to the mat. The standard powerbomb sees an opponent first placed in a s ...
or a suplex
A suplex is an Offense (sports), offensive move used in Wrestling, sport wrestling as well as amateur wrestling and professional wrestling. It is a throw that involves lifting the opponents and Bridge (grappling), bridging or rolling to slam the ...
.
Somersault
A simple front-flip used to modify an aerial technique. A corkscrew is often added to the somersault to further modify a move.
Springboard
When a wrestler using any of the ring ropes bounces upward. Most high-flying techniques can be performed after a spring board. Sometimes wrestlers will bounce off one set of ring ropes then off another to perform a move, this is referred to as a ''double springboard''. A variation of a springboard is the rope run or climb, in which a wrestler runs up, effectively with one foot off each ring rope.
Step-through
A variation of the springboard, the wrestler starts by standing on the ring apron. As they start entering the ring, the wrestler springboards off of the bottom rope with one leg and performs a hold or attack on the opponent. The most common move performed out of the step-through is a tornado DDT, which Xavier Woods used for a brief time. It is also possible to perform it from the inside of the ring into the outside on an opponent on the apron or on the ground.
Modifiers
Plancha
An accepted term in American wrestling for a slingshot
A slingshot or catapult is a small hand-powered projectile weapon. The classic form consists of a Y-shaped frame, with two tubes or strips made from either a natural rubber or synthetic elastic material. These are attached to the upper two ends ...
crossbody where the wrestler goes from the inside of the ring over the top ring rope to the outside. In ''lucha libre
''Lucha libre'' (, meaning "freestyle wrestling" or literally translated as "free fight") is the term for the style of professional wrestling originating in Mexico. Since its introduction to Mexico in the early 20th century, it has develope ...
'', this variant is often called a "''pescado''" (Spanish for "fish") since a proper ''plancha'' is referring to any kind of crossbody. In America, however, a move from the top turnbuckle to a standing opponent on the outside where the chests impact each other is commonly referred to as such. It is also used to refer to any attack from the ring to the outside in which the wrestlers' chests impact each other. For example, a shooting star press to the outside onto a standing opponent is referred to as a ''shooting star plancha''.
Standing
The term is used to refer to any move performed at the same level the opponent, usually right on the mat, rather than most aerial moves where the attacking wrestler performs them from a raised platform.
Suicide
Often occurring in Spanish as ''suicida'', this term is placed before any move that goes from any of the ring parts to the outside of the ring. The most common example is the suicide dive known as ''topé suicida'' (Spanish for "suicide headbutt").
When a somersault
A somersault (also ''flip'', ''heli'', and in gymnastics ''salto'') is an acrobatics, acrobatic exercise in which a person's body Rotation#Sports, rotates 360° around a horizontal axis with the feet passing over the Human head, head. A somersau ...
is performed after leaping through the ropes, or by jumping over the top rope, to land on the opponent back first, the move is known as a ''suicide senton'' or ''topé con giro'' (Sp. spinning headbutt). Outside Mexico, the move is incorrectly referred to as ''topé con hilo'', for it was mistranslated in Japan (Since ''hilo'' in Spanish actually means ''thread'') and the term has remained as such.
Super
This term (often exchanged for ''diving'', ''elevated'', ''top-rope'', or ''avalanche'') is placed before any move performed normally on the mat but when executed off the top or second rope.
Topé
A ''topé'' (from the original Spanish ''tope'', meaning ''headbutt''), like the plancha, is a move most often performed by jumping from the inside of the ring and out, but instead of going over the top rope, the ''topé'' is performed by leaping forward through the ropes in order to strike the opponent with the head. In Mexico, ''topé'' also refers to any variation of a battering ram
A battering ram is a siege engine that originated in ancient times and was designed to break open the masonry walls of fortifications or splinter their wooden gates. In its simplest form, a battering ram is just a large, heavy log carried ...
.
See also
* Professional wrestling holds
Professional wrestling holds include a number of set moves and pins used by performers to immobilize their opponents or lead to a Submission wrestling, submission. This article covers the various pins, stretches and transition holds used in the ri ...
* 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 wrest ...
* Professional wrestling strikes
* Professional wrestling double-team maneuvers
In professional wrestling double-team maneuvers are executed by multiple wrestlers instead of one and typically are used by tag teams in tag team matches. Many of these maneuvers are combination of two Professional wrestling throws, throws, or Pro ...
* Glossary of professional wrestling terms
Professional wrestling has accrued a considerable amount of jargon throughout its existence. Much of it stems from the industry's origins in the days of Traveling carnival, carnivals and circuses. In the past, professional wrestlers used such term ...
Notes
{{DEFAULTSORT:Professional Wrestling Aerial Techniques
Professional wrestling moves
Jumping sports