The Most Impractical Moves in Professional Wrestling

Professional wrestling is a spectacle that combines athleticism, theatrics, and a dash of sheer impracticality—all designed to entertain and captivate an audience. Among the most outlandish and impractical-looking moves in this genre are those that defy the laws of physics and common sense.

Top Impractical Moves

One of the most visually unsettling and impractical-looking moves in professional wrestling is the Wild Tag Team Magic. This complex and dangerous move involves a wrestler flipping their opponent upside down and then driving them headfirst into the mat while using a flip. It appears highly dangerous and unrealistic, as it looks like the receiving wrestler is being spiked directly onto their head. Despite its dangerous appearance, it has become a crowd favorite and is often well-received for its spectacle.

Another impractical move that stands out is Mick Foley's Mandible Claw. This finisher involves Foley sticking his fingers into another wrestler's mouth, sometimes with a sock on his hand, Mr. Socko. When Foley first described this move to a promoter, the promoter retorted, "Why wouldn't I just bite your fucking fingers off?" In a real-life situation, such an action would likely result in severe injury or even amputation.

Other Notable Examples

There are several other highly impractical and theatrical moves that belong in this category:

The Walking Elbow: This move involves a wrestler performing a backflip off the top rope to land on their opponent. It looks more theatrical than functional and can seem out of place in a professional wrestling context. NormRegistry: This move, named after professional wrestler Normпаны, is an extremely impractical sequence that involves a wrestler appearing to be set up for a Jeff Jarrett-style move called the Stroke. Instead, he spins and gently shoves the opponent over, which seems to defy the dynamics of the move. The Rock's People's Elbow: In this move, the wrestler barely seems to sell the impact of the elbow drop, simply going over the top rope and landing on the mat next to the opponent. This move is both impractical and poorly executed. John Cena Punches: John Cena's signature punches appear more theatrical than practical, lacking the force and dramatic flair that might be expected in such a high-impact move. Collar and Elbow Tie-Up: While not a specific move, the collar and elbow tie-up is often performed in an unrealistic manner, resembling more of a choreographed dance than a legitimate fight move. This technique can be seen as a form of impracticality in the context of professional wrestling, especially when performed by inexperienced wrestlers.

Choreography vs. Realism

Professional wrestling is a blend of theater and sports, where the reality of a move might be sacrificed for the sake of entertainment value. However, the impracticality of some moves raises questions about the balance between realistic and theatrical elements. While these moves may be highly entertaining, they often challenge the fundamental principles of physical safety and the verisimilitude of the sport.

Conclusion

The most impractical-looking moves in professional wrestling serve to underscore the genre's focus on spectacle and entertainment. While these moves may defy the laws of physics and common sense, they are a crucial part of the show's appeal. For fans, these moves are often part of the excitement, adding an element of risk and danger to the sport. However, for more discerning viewers, the impracticality of such moves can be seen as a criticism of the sport's reliance on theatrics over realism.