10 Hidden Meanings Behind Wrestling Moves

5. Bulldog - Cowboy Attraction 

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Sadly, the common-or-garden bulldog was not, despite its name, invented by The British Bulldog (pictured here on the receiving end of the move courtesy of Bret Hart at SummerSlam '92). We pretty much take its denomination for granted these days, but have you ever stopped to think about how bloody peculiar it is?

If not Davey Boy Smith, then why is the move called a 'bulldog'? Well, the term actually derives from steer wrestling - also known as 'bulldogging' - a rodeo attraction in which a cowperson leaps from their steed to drag a poor bull by the horns to the ground in a motion replicated by the wrestling equivalent. The move is named for the stressed cattle, and thankfully, has nothing to do with adorable pups.

 
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Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.