Suplex: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Wrestling maneuver}}

A '''suplex''' is an [[offensive]] move used in wrestling, both in competitive [[sport wrestling]], including Olympic and collegiate wrestling, and [[professional wrestling]].

{{More citations needed|date=January 2007}}

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 them on their backs.

The move consists of one wrestler picking up his or her opponent off the ground (or mat) and then using a large portion of his or her own body weight to drive the opponent down on the mat. Nearly all suplexes have the attacker going down to the mat with the opponent landing on his or her back. For example, common in [[professional wrestling]] is the vertical suplex, which has the wrestlers begin face-to-face, then the attacker forces the opponent's head down and locks the opponent's arm around it. The attacker then places his or her opponent's arm around the opponent's own head, seemingly as a way of helping the opponent to stay in mid-air during the next part of the move, in which the attacker grabs the opponent by his or her [[trunks]] and lifts him or her high off the mat, so that the opponent's body is upside-down and vertical above the attacker. The attacker falls backwards onto his or her own back, using his or her body weight to slam the opponent down onto his or her back (the attacker's cradling of the opponent's head helps ensure his or her neck and head will not be damaged by hitting the mat on the landing move). In summary, the opponent has been forced into doing a forward flip onto his or her back.

Professional wrestling features many different varieties of suplexes. These are among the most common, but many more exist, particularly as the signature techniques of individual wrestlers.

In Olympic and amateur wrestling there also exist suplex-like moves, called suu-plays or suplays, a [[Greco-Roman wrestling]] term. During his career, pro wrestling commentator [[Gordon Solie]] used the ''soo-play'' pronunciation (as has the AWA's [[Rod Trongard]] and [[Terry Taylor]]), but almost all other pro wrestling talent pronounces it ''soo-plex''; this suggests the two names define the same kind of move. The origin of the word "suplex" is the French "souplesse" (flexibility), so the pronunciation ''soo-plex'' is more correct.

==Front facelock variants==

[[Image:DelayedVerticalSuplex.jpg|thumb|230px|[[Chris Candido]] holds [[A.J. Styles]] up in a [[#Delayed vertical suplex|delayed vertical suplex]] during an episode of [[TNA iMPACT!]]]]

In these suplexes, the wrestlers begin by facing each other, the attacking wrestler then applies a [[Professional wrestling holds#Front facelock|front facelock]] to the opponent before executing a throw. In most cases, the opponent is suspended upside-down during part of the move. The most common front facelock suplex is the [[#Vertical suplex|vertical suplex]].

==Suplex variants==

Professional wrestling features many different varieties of suplexes. The following are among the most common, but many more exist, particularly as the signature techniques of individual wrestlers.

===FrontFallaway facelock variantssuplex===

Also known as a reverse suplex or an alley-oop. The wrestler lifts their opponent so that they are seated on the wrestler's shoulders, facing away from them, as in a [[powerbomb]]. The wrestler then falls backwards while throwing the opponent the same way, dropping them down to the mat on their chest. Another version sees the wrestler pick the opponent up on to their shoulders in a powerbomb position and dropping backwards while throwing the opponent so that the opponent flips forward and lands on their neck and upper back. A bridging variant is also available.

In these suplexes, the wrestlers begin by facing each other, the attacking wrestler then applies a [[Professional wrestling holds#Front facelock|Front facelock]] to the victim before executing a throw. In most, the victim is suspended upside-down during part of the move. The most common front facelock suplex is the [[#Vertical suplex|vertical suplex]].

====FishermanPackage fallaway suplex====

This variation of the fallaway suplex sees the wrestler lifting the opponent so that they are seated on the attacking wrestler's shoulders as in a [[powerbomb]]. The wrestler then grabs the opponent's head and forces them into a "package" position. From there the wrestler falls backwards, throwing the opponent over their head, forcing them to land on their upper back and neck. A bridging variation is also possible. This move is used by [[Dragon Lee (wrestler)|Dragon Lee]], [[Kota Ibushi]] (both are calling it the ''Phoenix-Plex'') and it was formerly used by [[Kevin Owens|Kevin Steen]].

Also known as a '''fisherman's suplex''', '''cradle suplex''' or '''perfect-plex'''. With their opponent in a [[professional wrestling holds#front facelock|front facelock]] with the near arm draped over the attacker's shoulder, the wrestler hooks the victim's near leg with his/her free arm and falls backwards, flipping the victim onto his/her back. The attacker usually keeps the leg hooked and bridges to pin the victim (while ironically preventing both shoulders from being on the mat, due to the way the neck is held), or applies a [[Professional wrestling holds#Leg locks|leglock submission hold]].

=====SwingingFisherman fishermansuplex{{anchor|Fisherman's suplex==}}===

Also known as a fisherman's suplex or the leg hook suplex, this move has the opponent in a [[professional wrestling holds#Front facelock|front facelock]] with the near arm draped over the attacker's shoulder; the wrestler hooks the opponent's near leg behind the opponent's knee with their free arm and falls backwards, flipping the opponent onto their back. In most cases, the attacking wrestler will keep the leg hooked and bridge to pin the opponent in a cradle-like position, as in the case of [[Curt Hennig|Mr. Perfect]] and [[Curtis Axel]]'s ''Perfect-plex''.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.wwe.com/classics/classic-lists/the-50-coolest-maneuvers-of-all-time/page-45|title=the 50 coolest maneuvers of all time - Perfect-plex|date=2014-02-21|access-date=2014-05-04|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Other times the wrestler will apply a [[Professional wrestling holds#Leglocks|leglock submission hold]] to the hooked leg. It is used by [[Peyton Royce]] as the ''Venus Flytrap'', as well as [[Penelope Ford]].

Also known as '''Swinging fisherman neckbreaker''' and '''Golden Gates Swing'''. A swinging variation of the normal Fisherman Suplex, this move sees a wrestler, with their opponent in a front facelock with the near arm draped over their shoulder, hook the opponent's near leg with their free arm and roll over to one side, flipping the opponent over onto their back.

====RollingSwinging releasefisherman suplex====

More commonly referred to as swinging fisherman neckbreaker, it is a swinging variation of the standard fisherman suplex; this move has a wrestler, with the opponent in a front facelock with the near arm draped over their shoulder, hook the opponent's near leg with their free arm and roll over to the same side of the arm being used to hook the opponent's leg, flipping the opponent over onto their back. This was used by WWE superstar [[Tyson Kidd]] right before his career ended. This move is currently used by [[Tony D'Angelo]] called ''Fuhgeddaboutit''.

This suplex starts with the attacking wrestler applying a front face lock to his/her opponent and draping the opponent's near arm over his/her shoulder, then lifting him/her up in the vertical position, at this point the face lock is partly released as the attacker falls forward, the momentum of the attacker forces the victim to roll out of the face lock and drop back-first down to the mat.

====SlingshotHammerlock suplex====

In this variation of the suplex, the attacker applies a [[Professional wrestling holds#Hammerlock|hammerlock]] on the opponent before applying a front facelock and positioning the opponent's free arm over the attacker's head. The attacker then lifts up the opponent and falls backwards, dropping the opponent down back first, landing with their trapped arm bent behind their back. [[Junji Hirata]] has innovated this move.

The attacker faces a standing victim with one side of the ring immediately behind the victim. The attacker applies a front facelock to the victim, takes hold of the victim with his/her free hand, then lifts the victim until he/she is nearly vertical. The attacker then falls forward so that the torso of the victim bounces off the top ring rope, and uses this momentum to quickly lift the victim overhead once more and falls backwards, driving the back and shoulders of the victim into the ground.

===Slingshot suplex===

[[Tully Blanchard]] was a common user of this move back in the mid/late 80's. [[Stone Cold Steve Austin|Steve Austin]] also used a variation of the move in his WCW tenure in which the shins of the victim rather than the torso bounced off the ring ropes, calling it the '''Stun Gun Suplex'''.

The attacker faces a standing opponent with one side of the ring immediately behind the opponent. The attacker applies a front facelock to the opponent, takes hold of the opponent with their free hand, then lifts the opponent until they are nearly vertical. The attacker then falls forward so that the torso of the opponent bounces off the top ring rope, and uses this momentum to quickly lift the opponent overhead once more and fall backwards, driving the back and shoulders of the opponent into the ground. [[Tully Blanchard]] used this maneuver as his finishing hold during his runs in [[Jim Crockett Promotions]] and the [[WWE|WWF]].

====SnapSuplex suplex=slam===

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There is also a sitout version. Also called a suplex [[Professional wrestling throws#Driver|driver]] or a ''Falcon Arrow'', this sees an attacker apply a [[professional wrestling holds#Front facelock|front facelock]] to the opponent and drape the opponent's near arm over their shoulder. The attacker then takes hold of the opponent's torso with their free arm and lifts the opponent to a vertical position. The facelock is loosened so the opponent can be twisted slightly, then the attacker falls to a sit-out position and the victim's back and shoulders are driven into the mat. The opponent lands between the attacker's legs with their head toward them. This variation was innovated by [[Hayabusa (wrestler)|Hayabusa]], and is also used by [[Damian Priest]] and [[Seth Rollins]] among others, with the former calling the move the ''Broken Arrow''.

====Superplex====

[[Image:Superplex.jpg|thumb|Superplex]]

A superplex is a name that comes from the term "[[Professional wrestling aerial attacks#Super|super]] suplex" and refers to any suplex performed by an attacker standing on the second or third rope against an opponent sitting on the top rope or top turnbuckle. The most common suplex used for this top rope move is the standard [[#Vertical suplex|vertical suplex]] variation, in which the attackers apply a front face lock to the opponent, draping the victim's near arm over their respective shoulders, at this point the wrestler falls backwards and flips the victim over them so they both land on their backs. This move was made famous by [[Bob Orton, Jr.|"Cowboy" Bob Orton]], who uses it regularly to finish his matches.

Another variation sees the wrestler perform a [[#Vertical suplex|vertical suplex]], but instead of twisting the upside down opponent to face them, the wrestler turns 180° to face the opponent before sitting down and driving them back-first between their legs.

Most if not all suplex can be performed off the top/middle rope, though they are generally know as "top/middle rope (super) [name of the suplex]" (i.e. [[#Super belly to belly suplex|Super belly to belly suplex]]) and are frequently performed to prevent the opponent from performing a [[Professional wrestling aerial attacks|high-flying technique]].

====Reverse suplex slam{{anchor|Inverted suplex slam|Front suplex|Gourdbuster}}====

====Suplex slam====

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In the sitout version, the attacker applies a front face lock to the opponent and drapes the opponent's near arm over their shoulder. The attacker then lifts the opponent into a vertical position, and falls into a sit-out position, driving the face of the opponent into the ground. In another variation, the wrestler releases the hold just prior to the sitout position, letting the opponent's own momentum force them down head-first. Used by [[Jeff Hardy]] and [[Jay Briscoe]].

=====Sitout suplex slam=====

Also known as '''Falcon Arrow'''. The attacker applies a [[professional wrestling holds#front facelock|front facelock]] to the victim and drapes the victim's near arm over their shoulder. The attacker then takes hold of the victim's torso with their free arm and lifts the victim to a vertical position. The attacker then falls to a sitting position, driving the back and shoulders of the victim to the mat between their legs.

===Superplex===

Another variation sees the wrestler perform a [[#Vertical suplex|Vertical suplex]], but instead of falling on to their back, the wrestler turns 180° when the opponent is upside down, and sits down driving the opponent back first between their legs.

<!--"superplex" and "superplexed" redirect here-->

[[File:Cesaro superplex.jpg|thumb|[[Cesaro (wrestler)|Cesaro]] performing a superplex on [[Jack Swagger]]]]

A superplex (a portmanteau of "[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Super|super]]" and "suplex") refers to any suplex performed by an attacker standing on the second or third rope against an opponent sitting on the top rope or top turnbuckle. The most common suplex used for this top rope move is the standard [[#Vertical suplex|vertical suplex]] variation (known as the suicide-plex), in which the attackers apply a front face lock to the opponent, draping the opponent's near arm over their respective shoulders, at this point the wrestler falls backwards and flips the opponent over them so they both land on their backs. This was invented by the [[Dynamite Kid]] as his finisher. [[Brian Cage]] and [[Cesaro (wrestler)|Cesaro]] version was for them to hoist their opponent from the ring apron. Larger wrestlers that have performed this, such as [[Brock Lesnar]] in 2003 on The [[Big Show]], have broken the ring.

====InvertedTornado suplex slam====

In a set-up similar to a [[DDT (professional wrestling)#Tornado DDT|tornado DDT]], a wrestler goes to the top rope and applies a front facelock on their opponent from an elevated position, draping the opponent's near arm over their shoulder. The wrestler then jumps forward and swings around, but lands on their feet and performs a suplex on their opponent.

The attacker applies a front face lock to the victim and drapes the victim's near arm over his/her shoulder. The attacker then lifts the opponent into a vertical position, and proceeds to throw the victim back to the mat, driving his/her face into the ground. This move is also known as the '''Gourdbuster''' and the '''Front Suplex'''.

=====ReverseVertical suplex=====

The[[File:Ryze attackersuplex on Hooker.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A wrestler performing a vertical suplex on an opponent]]In a set-up similar to a snap suplex, the attacking wrestler applies a front face lock to the victim andopponent, drapesdraping the victimopponent's near arm over his/hertheir shoulder. The attacker, then liftswhen the opponent intois a verticalin position, andthey fallsare lifted to theiran stomach,upside-down drivingposition before the faceattacking ofwrestler falls backwards slamming the victimopponent's back into the groundmat. This is also known as a front suplex or simply as a suplex.

The delayed variation of a vertical suplex, also known as the hanging suplex, standing suplex or stalling suplex, sees the attacking wrestler holds an opponent in the upside-down position at the peak of the arc for several seconds before completing the maneuver, thereby (in [[kayfabe]]) causing blood to pool into the head of the opponent. This move is a staple of larger and powerful wrestlers as it gives an aura of dominance over their opponents who can do nothing but wait to drop in the suplex. In the WWF, this variant was commonly used first by [[Davey Boy Smith|The British Bulldog]], and then by [[Bobby Lashley]].

=====Sitout inverted suplex slam=====

The attacker applies a front face lock to the victim and drapes the victim's near arm over his/her shoulder. The attacker then lifts the opponent into a vertical position, and falls into a sit-out position, driving the face of the victim into the ground. This move is also known as a '''sitout Gordbuster''' or '''Inverted Falcon Arrow'''.

The rotating variation of a vertical suplex, also sometimes known as the rotation suplex, rotary suplex, or twisting suplex, sees the attacking wrestler lift the opponent as in a normal vertical suplex, but turn around as they fall back to twist the opponent into the mat.

====Vertical suplex====

[[Image:CandidoSuplex.jpg|thumb|[[Chris Candido]] performs a vertical suplex on [[Virgil Runnels III|Dustin Rhodes]]

]]

Known as '''Brainbuster''' in [[Japan]], while the Western [[Brainbuster]] is known as '''Vertical Brainbuster''' or '''Sheer Drop Brainbuster''' in Japan.

====Drop suplex====

In a set up similar to a snap suplex, the attacker applies a front face lock to his/her opponent, draping the victim's near arm over his/her shoulder, when the victim is in position he/she is lifted up and held upside-down before the attacker falls backwards slamming the opponents back into the mat. The late [[Eddie Guerrero]] adapted the move from close friend Chris Benoit and used it as one of his signature maneuvers in which, after falling to the ground with his opponent, he flipped himself over while maintaining his hold, pulled the victim back into the original position, and performed another vertical suplex. He ended once he performed three suplexes. After Eddie's death, his nephew [[Chavo Guerrero, Jr.|Chavo Guerrero]] and his best friend [[Chris Benoit]] began using the sequence as an obvious tribute to Eddie. WWE announcers have dubbed the sequence '''Three Amigos'''; some fans have taken to calling this '''rolling verticals''' (a take on '''rolling [[#German suplex|Germans]]''').

This variation of a [[#Vertical suplex|vertical suplex]] sees the attacking wrestler lift the opponent as in a normal vertical suplex, but then simply drop them flat to the mat instead of falling backwards with them. The move was first popularized in [[World Championship Wrestling|WCW]] by [[Kevin Nash]], who began to use it instead of a standard suplex to avoid aggravating a back injury.

=====DelayedRolling verticalrelease suplex=====

This variation of a [[#Vertical suplex|vertical suplex]], also known as the X-plex as well as the ''[[E. Z. Money#Professional wrestling style and persona|Crash Landing]]'', sees the attacker lift the opponent up with the standard suplex lift, but instead of falling backwards and having the opponent drop down onto their shoulders and back, the attacker turns the opponent and releases them from the [[Professional wrestling holds#Front facelock|front facelock]] at the apex of the lift. Both the attacker and the opponent fall forward, with the opponent landing on their neck, shoulders, and back. Used by [[Pete Dunne]].

This variation, also known as the '''Hanging Suplex''', '''Standing Suplex''' or '''Stalling Suplex''', sees the attacker hold his opponent in an upside-down position at the peak of the arc for several seconds before completing the maneuver, thereby causing blood to pool into the head of the victim.

=====RotatingRolling verticalnon-release suplex=====

Also known as triple rolling verticals, or triple rolling vertical suplexes, this variation of a [[#Vertical suplex|vertical suplex]] sees the attacking wrestler perform a single vertical or [[#Snap suplex|snap]] suplex to the opponent, but the attacking wrestler does not release the hold, instead rolling their legs and body into a standing position to execute a second suplex, then repeats the process for a third suplex. This was popularized by [[WWE]] Hall of Famer [[Eddie Guerrero]], who used this move, calling it the ''Three Amigos''. Many other WWE superstars used this move to pay tribute to him, such as his nephew [[Chavo Guerrero Jr.|Chavo Guerrero]], [[Rey Mysterio]] and [[Seth Rollins]].

The attacker lifts the opponent as in a normal vertical suplex, but turns around in place as he falls back. This variation also goes by the name '''Rotation suplex''', '''Twisting suplex''' and '''Rotary suplex'''

====UnderhookRunning suplex====

AlsoThis knownvariation asis '''Half-hatchsimilar to a classic suplex'''., Theincluding wrestlerthe appliesattacking wrestlers beginning with a standard [[Professional wrestling holds#Front facelock|Frontfront facelock]], withand onethen arm andwhen underhooksthey onestarts oflifting the opponent's arms with his other, placingthey hismake handa palmfew downrunning onsteps theforward backwhile ofcontinuing the opponent. The wrestler then lifts the opponent up while bridging backwards and slightlysuplex twistingrotation, bringingslamming the opponent over him andback-first onto their back. The wrestler bridges their back and legs to hold the opponent's shoulders against the mat.

====Snap suplex====

The wrestler may also release the opponent mid arch, throwing them onto their back. This variation is called '''Release underhook suplex'''.

[[File:Brie Bella Suplex.jpg|upright|thumb|[[Brie Bella]] setting up a snap suplex on [[Aksana (wrestler)|Aksana]] at [[WrestleMania XXX]]]]

This move sees the attacker apply a front face lock to their opponent, draping the opponent's near arm over their shoulder. The attacker stomps down hard and suplexes the opponent stiffly, resulting in a quicker throw. It can also be used to toss them into the turnbuckles.

===Belly=Swinging tovertical back variantssuplex====

This variation of a [[#Vertical suplex|vertical suplex]] sees a wrestler holding their opponent in a front facelock with the near arm draped over their shoulder, lifts the opponent then roll over to one side, flipping the opponent over onto their back. This move is also somewhat similar to a Whiplash Neckbreaker but without the usage of the ring ropes. Used by [[Dustin Rhodes]] as the ''Final Cut'' in [[WWE]] or the ''Final Reckoning'' in [[All Elite Wrestling|AEW]].

In these variants, the attacker stands behind his victim and applies a hold before falling backwards, dropping the victim on his or her upper back. The most common belly to back variants are the [[#German suplex|German suplex]] and the [[#Belly to back suplex|back suplex]].

====Belly to backJumping suplex= ===

Instead of just falling down onto their own back, the attacking wrestler jumps up and uses their momentum to drive the opponent down to the mat back first.

[[Image:Backdropsuplex.jpg|thumb|[[Monty Brown]] performs a Belly to back suplex on [[Sean Waltman]]]]

Sometimes shortened to '''back suplex'''. The wrestler stands behind his opponent and puts his head under the arm of the opponent. He then lifts the opponent up using both of his arms wrapped around the torso of the opponent. The wrestler finally falls backwards to slam the opponent flat on his back.

===Underhook suplex{{anchor|Half hatch suplex|Half-hatch suplex}}===

This move is referred to as a '''backdrop''' in [[Japan]]. The backdrop name is also used in the western world, usually by people who follow [[Puroresu|Japanese wrestling]]. Not to be confused with a [[Professional wrestling throws#Back body drop|back body drop]].

Also known as a half-hatch suplex. It is performed in similar fashion to a [[#Snap suplex|snap suplex]]. The wrestler applies a [[Professional wrestling holds#Front facelock|front facelock]] with one arm, but instead of draping the arm over their shoulders as seen in most suplexes, the attacker [[underhooks]] one of the opponent's arms with their other, placing their hand palm-down on the back of the opponent. The wrestler then lifts the opponent up while bridging backwards, bringing the opponent overhead and onto their back. This can be performed with or without a pinning combination in which the wrestler bridges their back and legs to hold the opponent's shoulders against the mat. It can also be done with a kick for an added snap effect.

==Belly-to-back variants==

Many wrestlers perform the back suplex into a bridging position, simultaneously arching their own back and legs to elevate themselves, gaining leverage and [[Pinfall (professional wrestling)|pinning]] their opponent.

In these variants, the attacker stands behind their opponent and applies a hold before falling backwards, dropping the opponent on their upper back. The most common belly-to-back variants are the [[#German suplex|German suplex]] and the [[#Belly-to-back suplex|back suplex]].

====LegBelly-to-back hook bellysuplex{{anchor|Belly to back suplex=|Back suplex}}===

[[File:Pepper Parks belly-to-back suplex.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.2|[[Pepper Parks]] (bottom) performing a belly-to-back suplex on RJ City.]]

The attacker stands behind his/her opponent and puts his/her head under the arm of the victim. He/she then lifts the opponent up using one arm around the waist of the opponent and another under one of his/her legs. The attacker finally falls backwards to slam the opponent flat on his/her back.

For the belly-to-back suplex, the wrestler stands behind their opponent and puts their head under the arm of the opponent. The wrestler then lifts the opponent up grabbing the waist and thigh of the opponent, so the opponent is on the attacker's shoulder. The attacker finally falls backwards, dropping the opponent flat on their back.<ref name=toa>[http://www.otherarena.com/nCo/finish/finish.html Finishing move list, from TheOtherArena.com]</ref><ref name=bbowm>[http://www.deathvalleydriver.com/bbbowm/part1.htm Big Book of Wrestling Moves, from DeathValleyDriver.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130506000024/http://www.deathvalleydriver.com/bbbowm/part1.htm |date=2013-05-06 }}</ref> Standing release versions of this move also exist with the attacker dropping the opponent behind them or to the side back first. Another version where the opponent is thrown forwards is called an ''Atomic Throw''.

Some wrestlers perform the back suplex into a bridging position, simultaneously arching their own back and legs to elevate themselves, gaining leverage and [[Pinfall (professional wrestling)|pinning]] their opponent. Very popular in [[Mexico]]'s [[Lucha Libre]], where this bridging version is known as a '''Puente Griego''' or Greek Bridge in [[English language|English]]. In 2018, the Colombian referee [[Wilmar Roldan]] announced a campaign to introduce this variant of the suplex to international soccer.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Spostamento di wrestling da introdurre nel calcio internazionale? |trans-title=Wrestling move to be introduced to international soccer? |newspaper=Gazzetta Dello Sport|___location=Milan |date=2018-01-22}}</ref>

=====Bridging leg hook belly to back suplex=====

The attacker stands to one side of and slightly behind a standing opponent. The attacker then drapes the near arm of the victim over their neck and uses their own near arm to encircle the waist of the victim. The attacker then reaches under one of the victims legs with their free arm, and lifts, forcing the opponent to bend into a right angle. Finally, the attacker falls backwards, driving the neck and shoulders of the victim into the ground, simultaneously arching their own back and legs to elevate themselves, gaining leverage and placing the victim in a pinning predicament.

Since the wrestler taking the move is falling backwards, the potential for injury is significant if it is not performed properly. Japanese wrestler [[Mitsuharu Misawa]] suffered a spinal injury which triggered a fatal cardiac arrest during his last match in 2009 after [[Akitoshi Saito]] gave him the belly-to-back suplex.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/9617/|title=Misawa Passes Away After Backdrop In Hiroshima Match|publisher=Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online|date=2009-06-13|access-date=2009-08-08}}</ref><ref name="Slam">{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/06/13/9788666.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716163739/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/06/13/9788666.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 16, 2012|title=Japanese legend Mitsuharu Misawa dies in the ring|author=Schramm, Chris|work=Slam! Wrestling|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|date=2009-06-13|access-date=2009-06-13}}</ref>

=====Spinning leg hook belly to back suplex=====

The attacker stands behind his opponent and puts his head under the arm of the victim. He then lifts the opponent up using one arm around the waist of the opponent and another under one of his legs. The attacker then turns 180 degrees while falling backwards, slamming the opponent flat on his back.

====High -angle belly -to -back suplex====

Also known as '''Backdropa backdrop driver'''./suplex, Thethe attackerattacking wrestler stands behind his/hertheir opponent and puts his/hertheir head under the arm of the victimopponent. He/sheThey then liftslift the opponent up using both of histheir arms wrapped around the torso of the opponent. The attacker finally falls backwards to drive the opponent to the mat on their neck and shoulders. Used by [[Steve Williams (wrestler)|"Dr. Death" Steve Williams]] and [[Takeshi Morishima]].

====Leg hook belly-to-back suplex====

Sometimes referred to as a leg lift back suplex or leg lift backdrop, it is applied just as a back suplex would be, except that the wrestler wraps only the near arm or no arm around the torso of their opponent. With the free {{not a typo|arm(s)}}, the wrestler then hoists their opponent's knees or thighs and throws them backwards in that manner. [[William Regal]] uses a bridging version called the ''Regal-plex'' while [[Baron Corbin]] and [[Kevin Owens]] uses a spinning version called the ''Deep Six'' (Corbin) and the ''Sidewinder Suplex'' (Owens). Former indie wrestler [[Human Tornado]] uses a flipping version called the ''DND - Dat Ninja Dead''.

A wrist-clutch variation exists used by [[Jushin Liger|Jushin Thunder Liger]] as the Liger-Plex.

Another version of this move sees the attacking wrestler, while standing a facing opponent, hooks a near arm under the opponent's near armpit and around their neck with inside of the hand. Then the wrestling uses their far hand to grab the opponent's near leg and lifts if off of the ground. The wrestling then falls backwards throwing the opponent onto their head, neck, and upper back. This move best is used by both [[Drew Gulak]] calling it the ''Southern Lights Suplex'' (sometimes while holding the opponent into a [[Pin (professional wrestling)#Background|bridge]] to attempt to score a [[Pin (professional wrestling)|pinfall]]) and [[Joker_(wrestler)|Joker]] as the ''JokerPlex'' respectively.

====Cobra clutch suplex====

The attacker places the victimopponent in a [[Professionalprofessional wrestling holds#cobraCobra clutch|Cobracobra clutch hold]]. The attackerThey then liftsproceed to lift the victimopponent up and fallsfall backwards, driving the victimopponent to the mat on their head.

====Crossface chickenwing suplex====

The wrestler stands behind the opponent. HeThey lockslock one of the opponent's arms in a [[Professional wrestling holds#Chickenwing|Chickenwingchickenwing]], and [[professional wrestling holds#Crossface|wraps histheir other arm around the opponent's head]]. HeThey then liftslift the opponent up and falls backwards, driving the opponent on to the top of their head, down to the mat. Notable users include [[Tiger Mask IV]] who calls it the '''Millennium Suplex'''.

====FullCrotch nelsonclutch suplex====

This move involves the attacking wrestler approaching an opponent from behind, reaching down and grasping their crotch with both forearms, with hands together and facing upwards into their groin, and lifting him overhead into a belly-to-back release suplex. The opponent reacts to both the suplex and being grabbed and lifted by their crotch, to humorous effect.

Also known as '''Dragon Suplex''', after [[Tatsumi Fujinami|"Dragon" Tatsumi Fujinami]] who popularized the move. A belly to back suplex variation where the wrestler applies a [[Professional wrestling holds#Full nelson|full nelson]] and then bridges his back, lifting the opponent over him and onto their shoulders down to the mat. The wrestler keeps his back arched and the hold applied, [[Pinfall (professional wrestling)|pinning]] the opponent's shoulders down to the mat.

====Dragon suplex{{anchor|Full nelson suplex}}====

The wrestler may also release the opponent mid-arch, throwing them down to the mat shoulders and neck first, in a variation known as '''release full nelson suplex'''. There is also a slight variation used by [[Jay Lethal]] where he flips the opponent over, dropping them down face first on their chest, and not on their shoulders. This move depends on the opponent to perform a backflip, and is thus not viable on less agile, often bigger, opponents.

Invented by [[Tatsumi Fujinami]], this belly-to-back suplex variation sees the wrestler apply a [[nelson hold#Full nelson|full nelson]] and then bridge their back, lifting the opponent over him and onto their shoulders down to the mat. The wrestler keeps their back arched and the hold applied, [[Pin (professional wrestling)|pinning]] the opponent's shoulders down to the mat. The wrestler may also release the opponent mid-arch, throwing them down to the mat shoulders and neck first, in a variation known as release dragon suplex.

====GutwrenchElectric chair suplex====

AAlso known as an [[professionalProfessional wrestling holdsthrows#GutwrenchElectric chair drop|gutwrenchelectric chair slam]]. suplex involves aThe wrestler standinglifts over anthe opponent lockingon his/hertheir armsshoulders aroundin thean victim's[[Professional waistwrestling andholds#Electric liftingchair|electric him/herchair]] upsitting position and slammingthen him/herbridges overtheir back-first, slamming the opponent down to the mat shoulder and upper back first.

=====Karelin Lift=====

A gutwrench suplex which begins with the opponent laying on the mat. The wrestler locks his arms around the opponent's waist and stands up, lifting the opponent. He then throws the opponent to his side, dropping them to the mat face up on to their shoulders or face down on their chest. Named after the [[Greco-Roman wrestling|Greco-Roman]] [[amateur wrestling|amateur wrestler]] [[Alexander Karelin]], who was the only person to use the suplex in his weightclass.

====German suplex====

[[ImageFile:GermanSuplex1German-suplex-animation.jpggif|thumb|[[Chris Sabin]] performs a [[Suplex#German suplex|German suplex]] on [[A.J. Styles]]animation]]

AFormally known as a '''reverse gutwrench suplex''' or '''waist-lock belly-to-back waistlock suplex.''', Theand abbreviated as a '''German,''' this move sees the wrestler standsstand behind the victimopponent, grabsgrab them around their waist, liftslift them up, and fallsfall backwards while bridging histheir back and legs, slamming the opponent down to the mat shoulder and upper back first. The wrestler keeps the waistlock and continues bridging with their back and legs, pinning the opponent's shoulders down against the mat. The regular pinning variation can be referred to as the German suplex pin or German suplex hold. The wrestler can also release the opponent in mid arch, which is referred to as a release German suplex. The move is named after the innovator of the [[KarlBridge Istaz(exercise)|bridging]] version of the move, [[Karl Gotch]], awho had originally coined the move to be known as the '''Atomic suplex''', but had to be scrapped by Japanese promoters due to the taboo nature of the [[GermansAtomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki|GermanJapanese atomic bombings]] wrestlerpost-[[World War II|Second World War]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=The Phantom Of The Ring |title=Wrestling Perspective: Karl Gotch: Hooker ... Outsider |url=http://wrestlingperspective.com/articles/phantom/gotch.html |access-date=2024-11-27 |website=wrestlingperspective.com}}</ref>

[[File:Ikeda-Walter vs. Ishikawa-Thatcher 16 Carat Gold 2020 N3 (14).jpg|thumb|295x295px|[[Gunther (wrestler)|Walter]] performing a German suplex on [[Timothy Thatcher]]]]

Sometimes, rather than bridging for a pin, the wrestler may roll himself into another position to perform the move again, often referred to as ''multiple, rolling, or non-release German suplexes'', in which the attacking wrestler performs a German suplex, then rolls their legs to get back into a standing position, but does ''not'' let the opponent go to do so. The attacking wrestler then repeats this numerous times, most commonly three, but sometimes up to eight or more. The WWE superstar that uses the maneuver most commonly is [[Brock Lesnar]], although it has also been used by [[Chris Benoit]], [[Kurt Angle]], and others in the past. This move is confusing referred by some color commentators on television as a belly-to-back suplex.

A delayed, high-angle bridging variant of the standard German suplex, which targets the opponent's head and neck more than the shoulders or upper back, was innovated by Karl Gotch. It is known commonly as a '''German suplex hold''', but is also known as an '''''[[Mount_Everest|Everest]] German Suplex''''' (in the case of [[Yoshihiro Takayama]]) or a '''[[Mount Fuji]] Suplex''' (in the case of [[Manabu Nakanishi]]) in reference to heights of these mountains.

The variation where the wrestler releases the opponent mid arch to throw them down on their shoulders and upper back is called a '''Release German suplex'''. There is also a variation where the wrestler flips the opponent over, dropping them down face first on their chest, and not on their shoulders.

A '''Rebound German suplex''' sees the wrestler, while standing behind an opponent, shoves them forwards into the corner turnbuckles or ring ropes with enough force to cause them recoil backwards to then grab them around their waist, lift them up, and fall backwards while bridging their back and legs, slamming the opponent down to the mat shoulder and upper back first. A bridge can also be applied to attempt to score a pinfall. The move can also be used a counter against a charging opponent with the wrestler moving off to one's side allowing the opponent hit the turnbuckles or ropes causing them to stumble backwards to which the throw can be performed. Another version of this move, known as a ''21 plex'' and innovated by Mexican luchador [[Bandido_(wrestler)|Bandido]], begins with the opponent standing facing the ropes, while hunched over grabbing the second rope trying to catch their breath or recovering from an attack. They then charge towards the opponent from behind, then leaps into the air performing a front flip while applying a rear waist lock tucking their head forwards and to either side to allow themself clearance to roll onto the standing opponent's back. They use the momentum placing their legs on the top rope for leverage to bounce upwards and roll backwards to land on their feet to perform the German suplex.

A popular variant is to follow up a German suplex by rolling sideways while still holding the waistlock and perform another German suplex. This maneuver, popularized recently by [[Kurt Angle]] and [[Chris Benoit]], is called '''Rolling German suplexes'''.

Another version of this move called a '''Rebound [[Pin_(professional_wrestling)#Roll-up|O'Connor roll]] German suplex''' sees the wrestler standing behind the opponent. After applying a rear waistlock, the attacking wrestler then charges forwards propelling the opponent chest first into the turnbuckles or ropes using the momentum from the collision to roll backwards, while maintaining the waistlock, with enough force to roll backwards over the opponent who were on their shoulders with the attacking wrestler rolling on top of their legs to both end up in a standing position to which the wrestler performs the German suplex. A bridging version of this move is the most common. An alternative name for this move is known as the ''Chaos Theory'' as popularized by retired English wrestler [[Doug_Williams_(wrestler)|Douglas Williams]] as a finisher and is currently being used by WWE wrestler [[Chad Gable]] also as a finisher.

=====X-plex=====

A '''Cross-arm German suplex'''. A variation of the German Suplex where the opponent's arms are crossed across their chest, in a [[Professional wrestling holds#Straight jacket|straight jacket hold]], and held by the attacker. The wrestler uses the crossed arms as leverage to aid in lifting the opponent up while falling backwards, throwing the victim like a German suplex.

====HalfStraight nelsonjacket suplex{{anchor|X-Plex|X-plex}}====

[[File:Adam Cole straightjacket german suplex.jpg|thumb|[[Adam Cole]] performing a straight jacket suplex on [[Kevin Owens|Kevin Steen]]]]

This is a version of a [[#German suplex|German suplex]] where the attacker stands behind the opponent, facing the same direction. The attacker reaches under one of the victim's arms with his/her corresponding arm and places the palm of his/her hand on the neck of the victim, thereby forcing the arm of the victim up into the air (the [[Professional wrestling holds#Half nelson|Half nelson]]). The attacker wraps his free arm on the waist of the opponent. The attacker then lifts the victim up and falls backwards slamming the victim down on his/her neck and shoulders.

The [[Professional wrestling holds#Straight jacket|straight jacket]] suplex or package German suplex has the attacker trapping the opponent's arms while performing a German suplex. Variants such as the cross-arm suplex or X-Plex see the opponent's arms crossed across their chest and held by the attacker. The wrestler then uses the crossed arms as leverage to aid in lifting the opponent up while falling backwards to throw the opponent as in a German suplex.

====Half and half suplex====

[[Mitsuharu Misawa]] introduced a variation of this move. It is called '''Tiger Suplex '85'''. Instead of wrapping the other arm around the opponents waist, the arm is wrapped under the opponents other arm and across his/her chest, right under the neck. The attacker then lifts the victim up and falls backwards, bridging with his back and legs, causing the opponent to end in a pinning predicament.

This is a suplex variation in which the wrestler, while standing behind the opponent, places one arm in a [[nelson hold#Half nelson|Half nelson]] and the other arm in a [[Professional wrestling holds#Chickenwing|chickenwing]]. The wrestler then proceeds to fall backwards while lifting the opponent overhead in the hold and driving them into the mat behind them. This move is referred to as a half and half suplex as it is a combination of a half nelson suplex and a tiger suplex. The move can be either released or brought into a pin. This variation is often used by [[Sami Zayn]].

====KatahajimeHalf nelson suplex====

This is a version of a [[#German suplex|German suplex]] where the attacker stands behind the opponent, facing the same direction. The attacker uses one hand to apply a [[nelson hold#Half nelson|half nelson]] hold and wraps the other hand around the opponent's waist. The attacker then lifts the opponent up and falls backwards, dropping the opponent on their head, neck, or shoulders. The move can be either released or brought into a pin.

A back-bridging suplex in which the wrestler seizes his victim in a katahajime hold - one arm applies a half-nelson while the other clamps under the victim's chin in a choke.

====Pumphandle suplex====

The wrestler stands behind the opponent and bends him forward. One of the victimopponent's arms is pulled back between histheir legs and held, while the opponent's other arm is hooked by the attacker maneuvering histheir arm around in front of the opponent's shoulder (as in a [[professional wrestling holds#Pumphandle|pumphandle]]) and securing it behind the head (a [[nelson hold#Quarter nelson|quarter-nelson]]). The attacker then lifts histheir opponent up, over histheir head and falls backwards to slam the victimopponent against the mat back-first.

There are many variations of the pumphandle suplex, including the maintaining of the grip in order to land the opponent on the mat face-first, or inverting the opponent's body position and securing the opponent's free arm using a [[nelson hold#Quarter nelson|half-nelson grip]] instead of the normal quarter-nelson,. [[World Wonder Ring Stardom|STARDOM]] wrestler [[Momo Watanabe]] used the pumphandle half-nelson as the ''Peach Sunrise''. AEW commentator and former wrestler [[Excalibur (wrestler)|Excalibur]] also used the move as the ''Galactica etcPhantom''.

====Sleeper suplex====

The attacker places the victimopponent in a [[Professional wrestling holds#Sleeper hold|Sleepersleeper hold]] and then hooks one of the victimsopponents arms with histheir free arm. The attacker then lifts the victimopponent up and falls backwards, driving the victimopponent on their head. NotableA usersslight includevariation sees the attacker apply a [[Kentakata Kobashiha jime|half nelson choke]] instead of the sleeper hold before performing the suplex. [[Jay White]] uses this move.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.wwe.com/classics/classic-lists/the-50-coolest-maneuvers-of-all-time/page-16 |title=the 50 coolest maneuvers of all time|date=2014-02-21|access-date=2014-03-13|publisher=WWE}}</ref>

====TigerKatahajime suplex====

The attacker stands behind the opponent, facing the same direction. The wrestler puts one arm in a half nelson and the other hand around the neck in front of the opponent, like in a sleeper. The hand in front of the neck is locked with the other hand at the wrist. With the grip secure, the attacker then lifts the opponent up and falls backwards, dropping the opponent on their head, neck, or shoulders. The move can end in a release or bridging position. This was invented by [[Tazz]] as the ''Tazmission-plex''.

[[image:Tiger_suplex.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Tiger Mask]] performs his ''tiger suplex'']]

This is also referred to as a '''Double arm German suplex'''. Standing behind his opponent, the wrestler hooks both of his opponent's arms from the sides, and places his hands palm down flat against the opponent's upper back. He then lifts the opponent up and falls backwards, arching his back and legs, slamming the opponent down to the mat shoulder and neck first, pinning him against the mat.

====Three-quarter nelson suplex====

Sometimes the regular pinning variation is referred to as the '''Tiger suplex hold'''. The wrestler can also release the opponent in mid arch, which is referred to as a '''Release tiger suplex'''.

Invented by [[Mitsuharu Misawa]]. The attacker places their opponent in three-quarter nelson before lifting them and falling backwards, dropping them on their head or neck. It is also known as the ''Tiger Suplex '85'', due to its association with an August 1985 match between Mitsuharu Misawa, then working as the second incarnation of [[Tiger Mask (professional wrestling)|Tiger Mask]], and [[Kuniaki Kobayashi]].

====Tiger suplex {{anchor|Double chickenwing suplex}}====

Innovated and named by the original [[Tiger Mask]], [[Satoru Sayama]], this move would later be used by all the other Tiger Masks.

[[File:Tiger suplex by Tsukushi.JPG|thumb|220px|[[Tsukushi (wrestler)|Tsukushi]] performing a tiger suplex on [[Sendai Sachiko]].]]

Innovated by the original [[Tiger Mask (professional wrestling)|Tiger Mask]] ([[Satoru Sayama]]), this move sees the wrestler standing behind their opponent, [[Professional wrestling holds#Double chickenwing|hooks both of the opponent's arms from the sides]], and places their hands palm down flat against the opponent's upper back. The wrestler then lifts the opponent up and falls backwards, arching their back and legs and then slamming the opponent down to the mat shoulder and neck first. Like other suplex variations, this move can either end in a bridging pin or be released upon execution.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://headlockbackdrop.wordpress.com/2010/12/15/12-tiger-suplex/|title=Tiger suplex|date=15 December 2010|access-date=2013-06-06|publisher=Headlocks&Backdrops}}</ref> A Wrist-Clutch variation was invented by [[Tiger Mask (professional wrestling)|Tiger Mask IV]] ([[Tiger Mask IV|Yoshihiro Yamazaki]]), called ''Tiger Suplex '09,'' because he invented it in 2009.

====Wheelbarrow suplex====

This move is achievedperformed when a wrestler wraps a forward -facing opponent's legs around the his/hertheir waist, (eitherin bya [[Professional wrestling holds#Wheelbarrow|wheelbarrow hold]], from either standing behind an opponent who is lyinglaying face-first on the mat or by catching a charging opponent), before then the wrestler would applyapplying a gutwrentchwaistlock hold andto lift the opponent up off the ground into the air, then the attackerattacking willwrestler would continue lifting andthe fallopponent backwardsover totheir hitwhile thisfalling variationbackwards ofto ahit Germanbelly-to-back Suplexsuplex.

===Belly -to -belly variants===

In these suplexes, the wrestlers begin by facing each other. The attacker then applies a bodylock before falling backwards and flipping the victimopponent onto histheir back and down on the mat.

====Belly-to-belly suplex{{anchor|Belly to belly suplex=}}===

[[File:Bayley performing a Bayley-to-belly suplex on Alexa Bliss.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Bayley (wrestler)|Bayley]] performs a Bayley-to-belly suplex (belly-to-belly suplex) on [[Alexa Bliss]]]]

The attacker wraps his/her arms around his/her opponent in a waistlock or a bodylock and flips him/she over by violently bridging his/her own body so the opponent lands on his/her back. This can be done either overhead or to the side.

The wrestler wraps their arms around the opponent in a waistlock or a bodylock position and flips them over by violently bridging their own body so the opponent lands on their back. This can be done either overhead or to the side. Used by [[Bayley (wrestler)|Bayley]] as the ''Bayley to Belly''.

=====SuperSide belly -to -belly suplex=====

For a side belly-to-belly suplex, the attacker usually holds on to the opponent for the duration of the move.

This version of a [[#Superplex|superplex]] is an overhead belly to belly suplex executed on an opponent sitting or standing on the top rope, facing inward. Also one of [[Kurt Angle]]'s signature moves.

===Overhead belly-to-belly suplex===

For the overhead belly-to-belly suplex, the attacker usually executes an overhead throw and lets go of the opponent. It can also be performed in a "snap" fashion, where the attacker stomps down hard and suplexes the opponent stiffly, resulting in a quicker throw.

====Capture suplex====

The attacker stands facing a standing opponent. The attacker then catches one leg of the victimopponent and pulls the victimopponent towards them so that they are face -to -face, with the attacker reaching under the victimopponent's leg and hooking it. The attacker then uses their free arm to reach behind the neck of the victimopponent and take hold of them. The attacker then quickly bridges backwards and releases the victimopponent, throwing them overhead, or turns 180° while slamming the opponent down to the mat. This move can be used to counter a kick. The move is also known as the '''Headhead &and Legleg suplex''', and can be seen as a variation of the '''Headhead &and Armarm suplex'''.

====ChokeButterfly suplex{{anchor|Double arm suplex|Butterfly suplex}}====

Also known as double arm suplex, reverse nelson suplex, double axe handle suplex, and double underhook suplex, the wrestler and opponent face each other, the opponent bent forward. The wrestler hooks the opponent's arms back in a [[Professional wrestling holds#Butterfly|Double Underhook]], placing their forearms in the crooks of the opponent's elbows, with their hands on top of the opponent's back in a butcher's grip. The wrestler then lifts the opponent into an upside-down vertical position and falls back, shifting the opponent to one side as the opponent flips over. The wrestler executing the suplex may release the reverse nelson hold during the throw, or can maintain the grip and attempt a bridging pin or submission hold transition upon impact.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestling.wonderhowto.com/how-to/do-butterfly-suplex-315172/|title=Double underhook suplex|date=27 March 2010 |access-date=2013-06-06|publisher=WonderHowTo}}</ref> [[Sara Del Rey]] version was for her to apply a butterfly hold before executing the suplex, dubbed the ''Royal Butterfly''. [[Bryan Danielson]] innovated another variation, where he executed the double underhook suplex, before dropping their opponent's into a [[Professional wrestling holds#Cross armbar|cross armbreaker]], dubbed the ''Danielson Special''. This move was also used by the late wrestlers [[Billy Robinson]] and [[Andre the Giant]].

The wrestler grabs the throat of the opponent as if he was going for a [[chokeslam]], but instead of slamming them down he simultaneously lifts them up, turns around 180° and then falls forward, similar to a [[Powerslam#Ura-nage|ura-nage]], throwing the opponent over so that they land down onto their back.

====Double underhookExploder suplex====

[[File:Shelton Benjamin - T-Bone Suplex.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Shelton Benjamin]] hits a variant of the T-Bone suplex, with a powerslam pin, on [[Carly Colón|Carlito]].]]

[[Image:Doubleunderhooksuplex.jpg|thumb|Double underhook suplex]]

Also known as T-bone suplex. The attacker stands facing their opponent and positions himself under one of the opponent's arms and wraps their arm around the opponent's neck and back (this position is similar to that of a [[Powerslam|side slam]]) and then grabs the leg of the opponent and tosses him backwards, over the attacker's head. Several other variations exist, such as an inverted variant, commonly used by [[Shinsuke Nakamura]], the wrist-clutch exploder suplex, innovated by [[Jun Akiyama]] who called it the ''Exploder '98'', and the bridging exploder suplex invented by [[Takayuki Iizuka|Takashi Iizuka]] (also called ''Blizzard Suplex'').<ref>{{cite web|url=http://headlockbackdrop.wordpress.com/2010/12/20/17-exploder-suplex/|title=Exploder suplex|date=20 December 2010|access-date=2013-06-06|publisher=Headlocks&Backdrops}}</ref> The move is used by [[Taz (wrestler)|Taz]] and [[Becky Lynch]] as the ''Bexploder''.

The wrestler and opponent face each other, the opponent bent forward. The wrestler hooks the opponent's arms back in a reverse nelson, placing his forearms in the crooks of the opponent's elbows, with his hands on top of the opponent's back in a butcher's grip. The wrestler then lifts the opponent into an upside-down vertical position and falls back, shifting the opponent to one side as the opponent flips over. The wrestler executing the suplex may release the reverse nelson hold during the throw, or can maintain the grip and attempt a bridging pin or submission hold transition upon impact.

====Head-and-arm suplex====

Other names include:

Also called a gargoyle suplex, the move is a variation of the traditional overhead belly-to-belly suplex in which the wrestler, standing face-to-face with their opponent, clutches their hands together having firmly encircled the opponent's head and one arm. This grip, as opposed to the waistlock of a normal belly-to-belly, is then used to hoist the opponent in the overhead arching throw.

* '''Double arm suplex'''

* '''Reverse nelson suplex'''

* '''Double axe-handle suplex''' / '''double axe suplex'''

* '''Double chicken-wing suplex'''

* '''Butterfly suplex'''

====ExploderNorthern Lights suplex{{anchor|Northern lights suplex}}====

[[File:Alicia Fox Northern lights suplex on Dana Brooke.jpg|thumb|[[Alicia Fox]] performs a bridging Northern Lights suplex on [[Dana Brooke]]|alt=]]

The Exploder suplex is a variant of a belly-to-belly suplex. The wrestler performing the Exploder suplex seizes the opponent in a head-and-shoulder hold as in an [[Powerslam#Side slam|uranage]] and seizes the opponent's tights at the belt/cradles behind the near knee/grips the inside near thigh, then falls backwards and throws him/her overhead in the same motion as a belly-to-belly.

Invented by [[Hiroshi Hase]]. The attacking wrestler puts their head under the arm of the opponent, wraps their arms around the waist of the opponent and flips them backwards. This suplex can either be released or bridged into a pin. The wrestler can also float over into another Northern Lights suplex.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestling.wonderhowto.com/how-to/do-northern-lights-suplex-pro-wrestling-move-417507/|title=Northern Lights suplex|date=19 January 2011 |access-date=2013-06-06|publisher=WonderHowTo}}</ref>

[[Image:ExploderSuplex.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Christopher Daniels]] performs an exploder suplex on [[A.J. Styles]]]]

====Table top suplex====

[[Jun Akiyama (wrestler)|Jun Akiyama]] uses the exploder as one of his finishes, and also employs a variation, which he calls the '''Exploder '98''', in which he clutches the opponent's free hand in a pumphandle. It is also commonly known as the '''Wrist clutch exploder''' and is considered to be more impactful.

{{see also|label 1= Fallaway slam|Professional wrestling throws#Fallaway slam}}

Also known as a fallaway slam, the wrestler lifts the opponent up so the opponent is horizontal across the wrestler's body then falls backward, throwing the opponent over their head down to the mat back-first. This slam can be either bridged into a pin, or the wrestler can float over into another fallaway slam. This move is sometimes used as a continuation move from catching the opponent's high-cross body, to emphasize the wrestler's strength.

====Trapping suplex====

In the [[United States]] the basic Exploder it is sometimes referred to as a '''T-Bone Suplex''', a term coined by [[Peter Senerca|Tazz]], who called the throw the '''T-Bone Tazzplex'''. American wrestler [[B.J. Whitmer]], who uses the same variations as Akiyama has popularized the exploder name in the US.

Also known as a ''Double arm locksault'' or a ''Front salto'', this is when a wrestler holds both the opponent's arms under their own (known as ''overhooks'' in mixed martial arts and amateur wrestling, as the arms loop under the opponent's arms from above) with the hands connected below the opponent's triceps, from here the opponent is left secure and unable to counter or move away from the attacker while their delivers a belly-to-belly throw flipping the opponent overhead in the normal belly-to-belly motion. In amateur wrestling and other contact-sports, the trapping suplex is called the ''Suicide throw'', a ''Salto'', or a ''Side salto''. It is done slightly differently, usually the opponent is tossed to the side and lands on their back.

This move consists of one wrestler picking up their opponent off the ground (or mat) and then using a large portion of their own body weight to drive the opponent down on the mat. They begin face-to-face, then the attacker forces the opponent's head down and locks the opponent's arm around it.

There are several modified version of an Exploder which see the throw end in different ways. One way of finishing the suplex is during the belly-to-belly like motion of throwing the opponent is for the wrestler to catch him/her and fall backward like a [[Professional wrestling throws#Fallaway slam|fallaway slam]]. While a release version, which is often used by [[Charlie Haas]], sees the wrestler releases the opponent mid-throw without dropping backward so that the attacking wrestler would remain standing while the opponent hits the mat.

==Side variants==

Another modified version which ends in a type of [[Powerslam#Scoop powerslam|Powerslam pin]] is currently being used as a finisher by [[Shelton Benjamin]], his version is referred to as "T-Bone". However, a standard Exploder which ends in a [[Pinfall (professional wrestling)|pinning position]] is often known as the '''Blizzard Suplex'''.

In the side variants the attacker stands to the side of their opponent and applies a hold before falling backwards to slam the opponent to the mat. The most common is the [[#Saito suplex|Saito suplex]].

====Head and armGutwrench suplex====

This throw involves a wrestler standing on one side of a prone opponent locking both arms around the opponent's waist [[Professional wrestling holds#Gutwrench|near arm in front of the opponent and far arm behind]], and lifting him/her up to slam him/her over back-first down to the mat. An inverted version also exists.

The move is a variation of the traditional overhead belly-to-belly suplex in which the wrestler, standing face-to-face with his opponent, clutches his hands together having firmly encircled the opponent's head and one arm. This grip, as opposed to the waistlock of a normal belly-to-belly, is then used to hoist the opponent in the overhead arching throw. At one point the signature move of "The Human Suplex Machine" [[Peter Senerca|Tazz]], who called it '''Tazzplex''' or '''Head and arm Tazzplex'''.

==== Karelin Lift ====

A modification of this move is the '''Machinegun head and arm suplex''', in which the attacking wrestler holds the head-and-arm grip using just one of his own arms, and with his other grabs the opponent's free wrist and forces it behind his back to secure a hammerlock. This double grip is then used to hoist the opponent overhead in the belly-to-belly throw.

A gutwrench suplex which begins with the opponent laying face down on the mat. The wrestler locks their arms around the opponent's waist and stands up, lifting the opponent. They then throw the opponent to their side, dropping them to the mat up on to their upper shoulders, back, and neck or face down on their chest. Named after the Greco-Roman wrestler [[Alexander Karelin]], who is famous for using the move.

AEW wrestler [[Claudio Castagnoli]] has used two separate versions of this move. The first saw him lifting their opponents from the side, stands up, turns the opponent upside down to fall into a sitting position to drop them on their neck or head to either side of him. He called this the ''Lasartesse Lift'' and used this as a finisher in 2007 while on the [[independent circuit]]. Currently, the second version sees him throwing the opponent flat onto their back and uses this as a signature move while sometimes [[Suplex#Rolling non-release suplex|maintaining the hold to roll into a standing position to throw them two more times]].

====Northern Lights suplex====

The attacker puts his head under the arm of the victim and clutches the victim in a belly to belly suplex and flips him/her over. This move was invented and first performed by Japanese wrestler [[Hiroshi Hase]]. This suplex can be either bridged into a pin, or the attacker can float over into another Northern Lights Suplex.

===Saito suplex===

Modifications to this suplex include hammerlocking the opponent's free arm behind his back and maintaining the hold during the impact to damage the shoulder joint, and also cradling the leg in a similar fashion to the Fisherman's suplex.

Also called Backdrop suplex and Backdrop driver. The attacker stands either facing directly one of their opponent's sides or slightly behind in an angle. They place the opponent's near arm over their shoulder, grab a waistlock, and then lift the opponent up while falling backwards, causing the opponent to land on their neck and shoulders. This move was innovated by the late Japanese wrestler [[Masa Saito]].

[[File:Allysin Kay Cut-Throat.jpg|thumb|240px|[[Allysin Kay|Sienna]] performing a Leg-hook Saito suplex]]

====Table top suplex====

There is also a leg-hook variation where the attacker stands behind and to one side of the opponent. The attacker wraps one arm around the waist of the opponent and grabs the back of the opponent's near leg with their other arm. The attacker then lifts the opponent on to their shoulder and then falls backwards, driving the opponent into the mat at a high angle. This was used by [[Karrion Kross]] as the ''Doomsday Saito''. [[Shawn Michaels]] used a leg-hook version in the early 90's as the ''Teardrop Suplex''.

See [[Professional wrestling throws#Fallaway slam|Fallaway Slam]]

====T-BoneSchoolboy suplex====

Also known as a schoolboy-plex, the moves sees the attacking wrestler drop down behind the opponent and put one arm up between the opponent's legs to pull the opponent over the attacking wrestler so that they fall flat on their back. The wrestler then stands up to use their free underhand to grab, around the side of the opponent's near thigh to lift them off of the ground off their back. The wrestler, while turning the opponent nearly 90 degrees, falls backwards to toss the opponent back first onto the ground. It's possible for the wrestler, while holding onto the opponent, to apply a [[Pin_(professional_wrestling)#Background|bridge]]. Former wrestler [[Bob Backlund]] used this move as a signature mostly in Japan. WWE wrestler [[Andrade Almas]] used this move as a finisher dubbed the ''Sombra Driver / Brillante Driver / Shadow Driver''. [[Braun Strowman]] has also used this move.

see [[#Exploder Suplex|Exploder Suplex]]

====TrappingSide suplex====

:''See [[Powerslam#Uranage|Ura-nage]].''

This is when a wrestler holds both the opponent's arms under his own (known as ''overhooks'' in mixed martial arts, as the arms loop under the opponent's arms from above, with the hands connected below the opponent's triceps), from here the opponent is left secure and unable to counter or move away from the attacker while he/she delivers a belly to belly throw flipping the victim overhead in the normal belly to-belly motion.

This move is also known as a sambo suplex or side suplex. To perform it, the wrestler stands face-to-face with the opponent, slightly to their side. The wrestler either reaches across the opponent's chest and around their neck with their near arm and locks both hands behind the opponent's shoulders or just locks both hands behind the opponent's waist. The wrestler then simultaneously lifts the opponent up, twists 180° and falls backwards, bringing the opponent over them and slamming the opponent back-first on the mat.

The name ura-nage (or uranage) comes from a Judo throw which translated directly from Japanese, means "throw to behind/back" and is commonly (albeit incorrectly) used to refer to a regular side slam in pro wrestling. The Judo ura-nage throw more closely resembles a saito suplex in execution.

In amature wrestling and other contact-sports, the Trapping Suplex is called the Suicide Throw. It is done slightly differently, usually the opponent is tossed to the side and lands on their back.

===Side=Cravate variantssuplex====

This sees a wrestler lock their opponent in a [[Professional wrestling holds#Three-quarter facelock|cravate]] and pull down with their arms so that the opponent is forced to bend over. The wrestler then positions the opponent so that they are facing across the body of the wrestler and with their head in front of the wrestlers chest while still standing. The wrestler then falls backwards, pulling upwards with the cravate and forcing the opponent off their feet into the air and over the wrestler, landing on their neck and shoulders. Invented by [[Chris Hero]].

In these suplexes, the attacker stands to the side of his or her victim and applies a hold before falling backwards to slam the victim to the mat. The most common is the [[#Side suplex|side suplex]].

==Inverted facelock variants==

====Saito suplex====

In these suplexes, an attacker begins by facing the back of an opponent and applying an [[Professional wrestling holds#Inverted facelock|inverted facelock]] before executing a throw. In most, the opponent is suspended upside-down during part of the move.

The attacker stands either facing directly one of his/her opponents sides or slightly behind in an angle. He places the opponents near arm over his shoulder, grabs a waistlock, and then lifts the opponent up while falling backwards, causing the opponent to land on his/her neck and shoulders.

=====Leg hook SaitoInverted suplex=====

TheAlso attackerknown standsas behinda andreverse tosuplex, onethis sidemove ofsees the victim.attacker Thestands attackerbehind wrapsan oneopponent armand aroundapplies thean waistinverted offacelock thewith victimone arm, and grabsuses the backother ofarm theto victim'said nearin legelevating withthe his/heropponent otherso arm.that Thehe/she attackeris thenlifted liftsup theand victimheld onupside-down tobefore his/herthe shoulderattacker andfalls thento fallstheir backwards,back driving the victimopponent intodown to the groundmat atface afirst, highbehind anglethe attacker.

====SideIn suplex==other sports==

Suplex tackles in [[gridiron football]] are not allowed and may be subject to penalties or even fines.<ref name="Moddejonge">{{cite news|last1=Moddejonge|first1=Gerry|title=Back-to-back interceptions avoid CFL version of Montreal Screwjob|url=http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/12/back-to-back-interceptions-avoid-cfl-version-of-montreal-screwjob|access-date=13 August 2016|work=Edmonton Sun|date=13 August 2016}}</ref>

See [[Powerslam#Ura-nage|Ura-nage]]. Can also refer to a [[Professional wrestling throws#Russian legsweep|Russian legsweep]].

==See also==

===Inverted facelock variants===

*[[Professional wrestling throws]]

In these suplexes, an attacker begins by facing the back of an opponent and applying an [[Professional wrestling holds#Inverted facelock|inverted facelock]] before executing a throw. In most, the victim is suspended upside-down during part of the move.

==Notes==

====Inverted suplex====

{{Reflist}}

See [[DDT (professional wrestling)#Lifting inverted DDT|Lifting inverted DDT]].

==References==

=====Inverted vertical suplex=====

{{Commons category}}

The attacker stands behind an opponent and applies an inverted facelock with one arm, and uses the other arm to aid in elevating the opponent so that he/she is lifted up and held upside-down before the attacker falls to his back driving the victim down to the mat front-first, behind the attacker.

*[https://web.archive.org/web/20121028142636/http://www.deathvalleydriver.com/bbbowm/part3.htm "Professional Wrestling Moves: Part 3"] Death Valley Driver.com

*''The Professional Wrestlers' Workout & Instructional Guide'' - [[Harley Race]], [[Ricky Steamboat]], [[Les Thatcher]], and [[Alex Marvez]] pg. 80-84

{{Wrestling Moves}}

[[Category:Wrestling]]

[[Category:Professional wrestling moves]]

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