Professional wrestling aerial techniques

Aerial techniques, also known as "High-flying moves" are maneuvers in professional wrestling using the ring's posts and ropes as aids, in many cases to demonstrate the speed and agility of smaller, nimble and acrobatically inclined wrestlers preferring this style instead of throwing or locking the opponent. Due to injuries 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[edit]

Diving chops[edit]

Arm twist ropewalk chop[edit]

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. This is more known as old school, the name used by The Undertaker, who popularized it.^[1]

Diving overhead chop[edit]

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 Tatanka called the tomahawk chop.

Diving clothesline[edit]

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[edit]

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 his body (now facing inside of the ring) quickly holding clutching both fists together to strike the double axe handle.

Diving drops[edit]

Diving elbow drop[edit]

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.

Diving back elbow drop[edit]

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.

Diving pointed elbow drop[edit]

The wrestler sits on the top turnbuckle with a foot on each second rope facing a supine opponent, the wrestler then leaps towards clasping both forearms together, landing on their knees, driving an elbow into the opponent.

Shooting star elbow drop[edit]

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[edit]

A move in which a wrestler jumps down from the turnbuckle on an opponent driving his 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 popularised by Jerry Lawler as his finisher.^[2]

Diving headbutt[edit]

Also known as a diving headbutt drop, it is delivered from the turnbuckle to anywhere on the opponent's body,^[3] the move was accidentally innovated by Harley Race,^[3] who adapted it as a signature move and it was then further popularized by The Dynamite Kid, Chris Benoit and Daniel Bryan.^[4] It was later discovered that this move could cause severe spinal,^[3] brain, legs, or chest damage. Regarded nowadays as one of the most dangerous moves in professional wrestling.^[5]

Diving knee drop[edit]

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 prone opponent, referred to as a diving double knee drop.

Meteora[edit]

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, slingshot, 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. Sasha Banks is also known to use the meteora in WWE as a transitional move, being a Dragon Gate fan.

Shooting star knee drop[edit]

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.

Diving leg drop[edit]

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.^[6]

Diving leg drop bulldog[edit]

Also known as diving Famouser, sees the wrestler springboarding off one of the ropes or jumping from the top turnbuckle dropping a leg across the nape of a leaning forward opponent.

Moonsault leg drop[edit]

This variation sees the wrestler performing a moonsault but instead of landing on the opponent in a splash position, the wrestler continues the rotation to drive a leg across the downed opponent.

Shooting star leg drop[edit]

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[edit]

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.

Diving senton[edit]

This diving variation for a senton sees the wrestler landing back or buttocks first on the opponent's stomach or chest.^[7]

630° senton[edit]

The attacker on the top turnbuckle jumps and flips mid-air into a double front somersault to land sitting on the opponent below.

Corkscrew 630° senton[edit]

In this version, the wrestler facing away from the ring on the top turnbuckle performs a 180° mid-air turn while executing the maneuver.

Diving seated senton[edit]

This variant has the wrestler using the tailbone and lower back to fall in a seated position forcing an 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 banzai drop 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. Popularized by Yokozuna.

Molly-go-round[edit]

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.^[8]

Moonsault senton[edit]

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 version of this move.

Senton bomb[edit]

In this variation, the attacking wrestler executes a quick front somersault 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.

Corkscrew senton bomb[edit]

Another variant where the attacking wrestler facing to the ring does a 360° twist in the air before impact. A.J. Styles popularised this by calling it the spiral tap.

High-angle senton bomb[edit]

A variant which sees a wrestler leaping off the top turnbuckle keeping the body straight and arms out-stretched, resembling a swan dive^[7] 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. Innovated by The Great Sasuke calling it Senton Atomico, Jeff Hardy popularized this move in North America, calling it Swanton bomb.

Rolling senton bomb[edit]

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 calling it whisper in the wind.

Shooting star senton[edit]

Jumping forward from an elevated position, the attacking wrestler executes a mid-air backflip ending in a senton.

Diving shoulder block[edit]

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[edit]

A diving version of the takedown known as a spear. 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[edit]

This basic maneuver involves a wrestler jumping forward from a raised platform, landing stomach first horizontally across an opponent lying on the ground below.

450° splash[edit]

Also known as firebird splash, involves an attacker facing the ring from on top the turnbuckles, then performing a "Rudolph" (front somersault with 1½ twists) to land sitting on the opponent.

Corkscrew 450° splash[edit]

The move was innovated and popularized by Hayabusa, 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.

Imploding 450° splash[edit]

Also known as flaming star press or inverted / reverse 450° splash,^[9] 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, this is Mustafa Ali´s finisher, called 0-5-4 (oh-five-four).

Imploding corkscrew 450° splash[edit]

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[edit]

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.^[10]

Diving crossbody[edit]

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.^[11] There is also a reversed version, called a reverse crossbody, where the wrestler faces away from the prone opponent before executing the maneuver.

Frog splash[edit]

This move is performed by leaping from the top rope, stretching out to a horizontal position,^[12] and bringing one's feet and hands inward and outward before landing.

Eddie Guerrero made the frog splash famous in the mid-1990s and early 2000s. However, the move itself was innovated by La Fiera in Mexico in the early 1980s.^[13] 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.^[14][15][16]

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 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.

Diving stomp[edit]

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, this move is usually executed by the inaugural Universal Champion Finn Balor as his signature move, coup de grace.^[17]

Moonsault double foot stomp[edit]

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. Also known as a moonstomp

Mushroom stomp[edit]

While situated on the middle turnbuckle, a wrestler jumps over a charging opponent driving one or both feet into the opponent's back, pushing them into the turnbuckle or down to the ground before landing on his feet, the technique's name is a reference to the stomping attacks used by video game character Mario.

Flying body press[edit]

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.^[18]

Falling Thesz press[edit]

Sitting on the top turnbuckle, the attacking wrestler rests both feet with spread legs on the second ropes waiting for an incoming opponent. Then jumping forward as springboarding to sit on the opponent's midsection as in a standing Thesz press.

Shooting star press[edit]

A technique invented by Jushin Thunder Liger,^[19] 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 and is Matt Sydal'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.^[20]

Corkscrew shooting star press[edit]

This move sees a wrestler jump forward while twisting 360° and performing a backflip, this move is used and has been popularized by Neville who called it red arrow, who now calls it black arrow.

Flying kicks[edit]

Several attacks taken from eastern martial arts to lucha, these are widely popular maneuvers amongst fans worldwide.^[21]

Diving calf kick[edit]

Standing over the top turnbuckle or top rope, the attacking wrestler jumps off and twisting slightly so as soaring midair faces the opponent away, connecting the side of their lead leg's calf-heel cord area to the opponent's face or chest.

Diving leg lariat[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

Executed when a wrestler jumps from a raised platform (usually the top turnbuckle), and performs a mid-air back kick on a standing opponent.

Throws[edit]

Diving bulldog[edit]

A variant for a bulldog performed by a wrestler from an elevated position, the wrestler applies a basic mid-clinch, a headlock or a face lock to the opponent as leaping forward, then the wrestler lands on his back or in a sitting position as driving the opponent's face into the mat.

Springboard bulldog[edit]

A variation of where the attacking wrestler steps up each of the ropes, rather than simply rebounding off one of them or jumping from a turnbuckle.

Diamond dust[edit]

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 leaps forward, somersaulting, to roll the inverted facelock into a ¾ 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.

Diving DDT[edit]

The wrestler stands on an elevated position (usually the top rope) facing a standing or bent-over opponent, as they dive, the wrestler wraps their near arm around the opponent's head and swings themselves backwards mid-air, landing back-first and simultaneously forcing the opponent's head to the mat.

Shooting star DDT[edit]

With the opponent facing the wrestler on the turnbuckle, the latter flips back towards catching the opponent into a DDT on the way down.

Diving hurricanrana[edit]

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.

Frankensteiner[edit]

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.^[22] The name comes from Scott Steiner, who popularized the move.^[23]

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.

Reverse Frankensteiner[edit]

Also known as inverted 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[edit]

In this variant the wrestler performs a front flip from the top rope before executing a true hurricanrana into a pin, the technique is named by and after Dragon Kid, who popularized the maneuver.^[24]

Phoenixrana[edit]

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.

Diving neckbreaker[edit]

The attacking wrestler jumps from a raised platform (usually the second turnbuckle) and grabs an opponent's neck while in midair, thereby taking them down.

Blockbuster[edit]

In this variation, the wrestler will climb to the top rope waiting for the opponent to face them, the wrestler then jumps and performs a mid-air somersault catching the opponent's head and neck with both hands performing a falling neckbreaker as landing. Popularized by Buff Bagwell, who also gave the name to this maneuver.

Shiranui[edit]

A backflip inverted facelock drop where a wrestler puts the opponent into a ¾ 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 and used by many other wrestlers.^[25][26] 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[edit]

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,^[27] and rolls into a sitting position landing onto the mat. As the wrestler rolls over, pulls the opponent over backwards landing back first in a rana.^[27]

Transition moves[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

A wrestler executes a backflip and lands torso first on the opponent.^[28][29] A basic moonsault is generally attempted from the top turnbuckle, though a myriad of variations exist.

Ropewalk[edit]

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[edit]

When a wrestler jumps forward from an elevated position and executes a mid-air backflip. Many techniques can be performed.^[30]

Springboard[edit]

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.^[31] 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.

Slingshot[edit]

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.

Somersault[edit]

A gymnastics term used to describe a simple front-flip used to modify an aerial technique. A corkscrew is often added to the somersault to further modify a move.

Modifiers[edit]

Plancha[edit]

An accepted term in American wrestling for a springboard crossbody where the wrestler goes from the inside of the ring over the top ring rope to the outside; in lucha libre, 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.^[32]

Standing[edit]

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[edit]

Often referred to in Spanish, suicida, is a term 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").^[33][34] When a somersault 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.^[35]

Super[edit]

This term (often exchanged for diving, elevated or top-rope) is placed before any move performed normally on the mat but when executed off the top-or second rope. The term avalanche is especially used in Japan for the same purpose.^[36]

Topé[edit]

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.

See also[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Professional wrestling aerial techniques.

• Professional wrestling holds
• Professional wrestling throws
• Professional wrestling attacks
• Professional wrestling double-team maneuvers
• Glossary of professional wrestling terms

Notes[edit]