Greatest Practitioner: Ed The Strangler Lewis Also Used By: Ted DiBiase, Dolph Ziggler, Randy Savage, Jack Brisco, Roddy Piper (and many, many, many more) In reality, the sleeper hold is yet another move that is legitimately dangerous. By cutting off the flow of blood to the carotid artery, it is possible to induce a loss of consciousness in an opponent. It is also possible to kill them outright if the hold is not broken in time. The sleeper hold is an effective submission move because it is legitimate, credible and easy to understand, even for those in the cheap seats at the back of the arena. It makes for great photography and is a move that can be placed on anyone, anywhere and at any time, regardless of the opponents size, weight or physical conditioning. It is also a favourite rest hold of many wrestlers, past and present. The greatest sleeper hold ever was performed by Ed The Strangler Lewis, who was obviously so linked to the hold that it was reflected in his name. Lewis would use the hold legitimately in shoot contests, or as needed to keep unruly opponents under control in what we can now effectively think of as the formative years of worked professional wrestling matches. When jazzed up with a cool name (such as The Million Dollar Dream) or some well-placed theatrics, the Sleeper Hold can still be a feared finisher, even today.