9 Submissions In Pro Wrestling That Are "Rest Holds"

The art of wrestling isn’t just the name of Colt Cabana’s podcast. There really is an art to the craft of how a match gets put together and how things get acted on and spoken about in the ring. We all assume that the boys in WWE or AEW chat with each other during the matches and more often than not, a rest hold is a great opportunity to have a conversation about what’s going on for the rest of the match.

It’s also a great time to snatch a hold-on after a big sequence and catch your breath and let your opponent catch theirs as well before you tackle, drop, hip toss, and get it again. When you do a rest hold, part of that great art is to make it look like you're not "resting" or talking. You've cinched in the hold while your opponent is doing their best to wriggle free of it.

9 Headlock

One of the great things about any rest hold is that they are technically based in reality. Any rest move on this list and elsewhere can be applied by anyone anywhere - how many times have you snatched your friend or little brother up in a headlock to give a good noogie? As for how devastating a headlock can really be?

Watch any performer cinch one in, they practically pull off a handstand before swinging back into their opponents for dramatic effect. Paul Heyman once told a story about a guy like Mark Henry, just due to the World's Largest Man's strength.

8 Wristlock

The beginning of a lot of matches tends to start with a lock-up and a tussle around the ring. Someone more often than not grabs a wristlock and starts twisting on that wrist to control the arm and then the body of their opponent.

It would be how a legend like Owen Hart would set up his patented sit down on the ropes, backflip off, and arm drag spot. For the less athletic it’s still a good spot to do some “damage,” while working out the next several spots of the match or talking over what time to head to Waffle House after the show.

7 Test Of Strength

After failing to get an advantage over a babyface during the early moments of any match, a heel might frustratingly call for a Test Of Strength. After the babyface accepts, the heel will start to play like he didn’t want to really get into it, but they will begrudgingly.

Sometimes they’ll immediately get a kick to the gut to drop him. The Test Of Strength has also given the internet a hilarious WrestleMania 6 meme for those inclined to look for it.

6 Figure Four

More so than any other move on this list, the Figure Four is iconic. It might be the most iconic move in wrestling, thanks to The Nature Boy Ric Flair. It is one of the simplest moves to put on. Yet, if spun the wrong way, it looks completely ridiculous.

But once applied, both superstars involved give it everything they’ve got to sell how much pain is being inflicted. Once it starts getting reversed is the big moment in nearly every match that the fans like Pavlovian dogs start rallying behind the babyface for the big reversal.

5 Nerve Holds

Much like Spock and the Vulcan Neck Pinch a Nerve Hold looks simple to apply but in the world of Kayfabe, can take years to master.

It’s why only the most skilled Martial Artists and island-type wrestlers like Haku have utilized it over the years. At least in Haku’s case, he probably can really hurt a human being with a Nerve Hold.

4 Sleeper

From guys like Dolph Ziggler all the way to The Hot Rod Rowdy Roddy Piper, snapping on the Sleeper Hold can either be a rest hold or a way to end a match. Piper even defeated Hollywood Hulk Hogan at Starrcade with The Sleeper (despite the nWo erasing the tape a day later).

Of course, of all the wrestlers to really get the Sleeper over was actually Brutus The Barber Beefcake, who would use the move prior to giving his opponents a trim.

3 Chinlock

What’s the big difference between a Headlock and a Chinlock? First, it’s the placement of the applier’s arm. It's only a Chinlock if its under the chin.

A great color commentator can describe that difference as well, speaking to the various pressure points underneath the chin and how it can really do some damage. It also gives a guy like Kevin Owens a chance to jaw-jack with fans in the front row.

2 Bear Hug

It doesn’t get much more old school than moves like a Bear Hug. You embrace your opponent and squeeze the air out of him as hard as you can.

Meanwhile, your opponent struggles to get a hand through your arms to break that grip before losing consciousness for enough time for the referee to raise an arm for a count of three, usually only two since the babyface then comes alive to mount a comeback.

1 Ankle Lock

No, not Kurt Angle’s or even Jake Hager’s aggressive attempt to remove an opponent’s ankle and bludgeon them with it. But most other sane individuals attempt to just twist their opponents’ ankles ever so slightly to give everyone a breather.

Usually, they are standing above their opponents when doing so. They also can utilize the Indian Deathlock version to get on the mat as well.