A headscissor is a professional wrestling move. It involves trapping the opponent’s head between the wrestler’s legs. The wrestler then squeezes their legs together. This puts pressure on the opponent’s head and neck.
Headscissors are often used as submission holds. The wrestler will lock in the headscissor. Then they will squeeze until the opponent taps out. Sometimes headscissors are also used to transition into other moves.
There are a few different types of headscissors used in wrestling:
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Standing Headscissor
In a standing headscissor, both wrestlers are on their feet. One wrestler will duck their head down. They place it between the legs of the other wrestler from the front. The attacking wrestler then squeezes their legs together around the opponent’s head and neck.
Standing headscissors are often used to set up throws or takedowns. The wrestler can use the headscissor to pull the opponent off balance. Then they can more easily execute a throw or drop.
Sitout Headscissor
For a sitout headscissor, the attacking wrestler sits down. They wrap their legs around the standing or kneeling opponent’s head from the front. The wrestler squeezes their thighs together to apply pressure.
This move is typically applied as a submission or rest hold. By sitting down, the wrestler can really crank on the pressure. It’s hard for the opponent to escape.
Inverted Headscissor
An inverted headscissor has the attacking wrestler upside down or on their back. They still wrap their legs around the opponent’s head and neck. But they do it from an inverted position.
One common variation is the tilt-a-whirl headscissor. The wrestler jumps onto the opponent’s shoulders facing them. As the opponent spins them around, they grab the head and fall backwards. This takes the opponent down into the inverted headscissor.
Flying Headscissor
A flying headscissor involves the attacking wrestler jumping towards the opponent. In mid-air, they wrap their legs around the opponent’s head. The momentum of the leap helps pull the opponent down to the mat.
There are various ways to set up a flying headscissor. The wrestler may springboard off the ropes. Or they may leap off the top turnbuckle. Some athletic wrestlers can even do a running jump into a flying headscissor.
Counter Headscissor
Headscissors can also be used as counters to other moves. For example, if an opponent lifts the wrestler up for a powerbomb, the wrestler can wrap their legs around the opponent’s head. Squeezing with the headscissor destabilizes the opponent. This makes it hard for them to complete the powerbomb.
Counter headscissors often transition into a hurricanrana throw. The headscissor off-balances the opponent. Then the wrestler swings their body around to throw the opponent to the mat.
Applying Headscissors
To apply an effective headscissor, proper technique is key. The wrestler’s legs should be wrapped around the opponent’s head and under the chin. Locking the ankles together intensifies the pressure.
Squeezing the thighs together compresses the opponent’s head and neck. This is what makes headscissors effective submission holds. The pressure can quickly become unbearable.
When using headscissors to transition to throws or takedowns, timing and leverage are critical. The wrestler needs to off-balance the opponent. Then they must immediately use that window to execute their next move.
Headscissors in Different Wrestling Styles
Headscissors are used across various wrestling styles. But they are most common in Mexican lucha libre and Japanese puroresu. The high-flying, fast-paced nature of those styles lends itself to lots of headscissor variations.
In lucha libre, flying headscissors are a staple. Luchadores often execute them in rapid succession with other aerial moves. Headscissors also frequently lead to hurricanranas and arm drags in lucha libre.
Japanese junior heavyweights make extensive use of headscissors as well. Wrestlers like Jushin “Thunder” Liger and Ultimo Dragon popularized complex headscissor takedowns and reversals. Their innovative sequences raised the bar for junior heavyweights worldwide.
Headscissors are less common in traditional American pro wrestling. But they still appear from time to time. Cruiserweights and high-flyers are the most likely to utilize headscissors in American promotions.
Famous Headscissor Users
Many well-known wrestlers have made headscissors a recurring part of their arsenal. Here are a few notable examples:
- Rey Mysterio – This legendary luchador is known for his flying headscissors. Mysterio springboards, leaps, and flips into headscissors from all angles. His bouts often feature dizzying headscissor-to-hurricanrana combos.
- Ultimo Dragon – Considered one of the greatest junior heavyweights ever, Ultimo Dragon has an array of signature headscissor moves. His Asai DDT involves a flying headscissor that he turns into a DDT on landing.
- Kalisto – This American luchador has a standing “Salida del Sol” finisher. He starts it by snapping on a headscissor, then rolling forward into a sitout facebuster.
- Melina – Melina’s split-legged pin attempts often involve grabbing a headscissor. She’ll sometimes yank back on her opponent’s head while pinning to add extra pressure.
- Gail Kim – Kim is another wrestler who frequently goes for headscissor pins and submissions. Her “Flying Dragon” finisher begins with a flying headscissor takedown.
Defending Against Headscissors
Because headscissors can be applied so quickly, they can be hard to defend against. But there are a few strategies wrestlers use to avoid or escape headscissors.
One preventive measure is to avoid ducking your head down around an opponent’s waist. That’s an open invitation for a headscissor. Wrestlers will try to keep their head up when grappling.
If the wrestler does get caught in a headscissor, their first priority is to relieve the pressure. Pushing up on the opponent’s thighs or scooting back can create some space. This buys time to attempt an escape.
One escape is to roll the opponent over and pin their shoulders to the mat. The wrestler can also try to rise to their feet while holding the opponent. This puts the opponent in a vulnerable position for a counter throw.
If the headscissor is locked in too tight, sometimes the only option is to tap out. It’s important not to let a submission move like that do lasting damage. Wrestlers must know when to concede the hold.
Risks of Headscissors
Like any wrestling move that puts pressure on the head and neck, headscissors do carry some risks. Squeezing too hard or cranking the neck can potentially cause injury.
In most cases, though, the pain of a headscissor is more superficial. The pressure is spread out over a large area. So while it’s certainly uncomfortable, it’s unlikely to cause serious harm if applied properly and released quickly.
Still, as with all wrestling maneuvers, headscissors must be applied carefully. The opponent’s safety should always be the top priority. Professional wrestlers train extensively to execute these moves safely and responsibly.
Wrapping up!
Headscissors are a dynamic and versatile family of wrestling moves. From submissions to takedowns to high-flying attacks, headscissors have a lot to offer. They allow wrestlers to demonstrate their flexibility, their technical prowess, and their creativity.
While headscissors are most at home in the lucha libre and puroresu styles, wrestlers all over the world utilize them. They can be part of ground-based grappling exchanges. Or they can be highlight-reel aerial assaults.
Whether you prefer the methodical pressure of a sitout headscissor or the fast-paced excitement of a flying headscissor, there’s a lot to appreciate about this classic wrestling technique. Headscissors have been a part of pro wrestling for generations. They will likely continue to be for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the purpose of a headscissor in wrestling?
Headscissors serve a few different purposes in wrestling:
– As a submission hold to make the opponent tap out
– To transition into throws, takedowns, or pins
– As a set-up for aerial moves like the hurricanrana
– To counter or reverse an opponent’s moves -
Can a headscissor be applied from any position?
Headscissors are highly versatile. They can be applied from a standing position, with the attacker sitting down, while inverted, or even in mid-air. This flexibility allows headscissors to be integrated into many different types of wrestling maneuvers.
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Do headscissors only involve the legs?
The main component of a headscissor is using the legs to scissor the opponent’s head. However, the attacker will often also use their arms to enhance the move. They may grab the opponent’s head while scissoring to add pressure. Or they may post on the mat with their hands to add leverage.
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Are headscissors more common in certain wrestling styles?
Headscissors are used in wrestling worldwide. But they are especially prevalent in Mexican lucha libre and Japanese puroresu. The luchador and junior heavyweight wrestling styles often involve intricate headscissor variations, transitions, and combos.
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What makes a headscissor different from a hurricanrana?
A hurricanrana is a specific throw that is often performed from a headscissor position. In a hurricanrana, the attacker uses the momentum of the headscissor to swing their body and throw the opponent. So while all hurricanranas start with a headscissor, not all headscissors lead to a hurricanrana.
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How dangerous are headscissors?
Like any wrestling move, headscissors do pose some level of risk, particularly to the head and neck. However, when applied properly by a trained professional, the risks are minimal. The pressure of a headscissor is typically more uncomfortable than truly dangerous.
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How can a wrestler get out of a headscissor?
There are a few main ways to escape a headscissor:
1. Pushing up on the attacker’s thighs to relieve pressure
2. Rolling the attacker’s shoulders to the mat for a pin attempt
3. Standing up while holding the attacker to counter-throw them
4. Tapping out if the hold is too tight to escape -
Why are some headscissors called “flying” headscissors?
A flying headscissor means the attacker leaps onto the opponent before applying the headscissor. They may jump from the mat, spring off the ropes, or even dive from the top turnbuckle. The flying aspect makes the headscissor look more impressive and impactful.
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Do headscissors only work on a standing opponent?
No, although standing headscissors are common, wrestlers can also apply them to seated, kneeling, or even prone opponents. Headscissors are adaptable to many different situations in a wrestling match.
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Can headscissors be used in mixed gender matches?
Yes, headscissors are used by both male and female wrestlers. Many women wrestlers are known for their headscissor abilities. Headscissors are legal moves in intergender wrestling matches.
