100 Best Wrestling Moves EVER
37. Hardcore Holly | Alabama Slam
There’s a certain level of guilt associated with being a wrestling fan.
The industry itself is an unregulated circus that is definitionally unethical. Being a fan of it full stop is a bit shady before you pop at its more illicit thrills. Chair shots to the head should be banned - but there’s a reason the device was commonplace for so long, isn’t there?
Bob Holly was a mediocre pro wrestler who seemed to enjoy doling out punishment rather too much. Under the guise of legitimacy, of “making it look real”, Holly was a stiff old bastard in that ring. This, obviously, is not on.
However.
The Alabama Slam - a nauseating descent with a disturbing impact - was undeniably thrilling. An ostensible powerbomb without a protective gut-wrench set-up, there was such a nasty and reckless feel to it for a flat-back bump. It looked like a move that sucked to take - the rotation looked horrifying, and it seemed far easier for the recipient to flail than adequately protect themselves from the high risk of whiplash.
It’s a move widely feared within wrestling circles. Rob Van Dam is one of the many to have mentioned that there’s not much the recipient can do to break their momentum.
It’s still exciting. Sorry.