10 Most Devastating Wrestling Submission Holds Ever

By Alexander Podgorski /

2. Cross Armbreaker

A staple in Mixed Martial Arts as well as in Strong Style Japanese Wrestling, the Cross Armbreaker is simple yet incredibly effective maneuver, used to hyper-extend the victim€™s elbow and shoulder. On one hand, the move is a popular €˜rest hold€™ for many wrestlers in WWE, which means it can be easily used to create the illusion of pain while not really doing so. On the other hand, it is a legitimately effective submission hold in many circles, including New Japan Pro Wrestling, where many a match has been ended with a Cross Armbreaker instead of some other finisher. It is also used quite often in MMA, adding even more danger to its use. The most recent WWE Superstar to use this move with success was Alberto del Rio, who used it as a finisher. It has led him to many victories, including two reigns as both the WWE Champion and the World Heavyweight Champion, for a total of four in all.Considering how wrestling is, in many parts of the world, evolving to encompass mixed martial arts disciplines, don€™t be surprised to see the Cross Armbreaker becoming the go-to finisher for many wrestlers around the world.