10 Most Awesome Wrestling Submissions (And Who Did Them Best)

Nothing quite cements the skill with which Malenko applied this move than the fact that he beats both NJPW legend Hiroshi Tanahashi and hold-creator Dory Funk Jr. for the top spot.

The Man of 1,000 Holds is one of the greatest technical wizards professional wrestling has ever seen. Plying his craft all over the world, he's probably best known for his sterling work in WCW's cruiserweight division in the mid to late '90s (or for that time he killed Scotty 2 Hotty with a top rope DDT at Backlash 2000).

For the cloverleaf, Malenko would wrap up his opponent's legs in a figure-four knot before turning them over and sitting on their back, basically making a human pretzel in the process.

Between knotting up a foe's knees and compressing their lower back, the hold looked profoundly uncomfortable. Ever a snug and watertight performer, Malenko had no qualms in applying some pressure to keep the hold convincing for those watching.

While Malenko is the master of this one, there's no denying the aforementioned Hiroshi Tanahashi has kept it popular in the 21st century. There are few things more satisfying in wrestling than watching that comedy weasel Toru Yano tap out in agony. When then-IWGP Heavyweight Champion Tanahashi crushed the DVD-selling serial cheat's world title dreams once and for all at Power Struggle 2011 with the hold, it was simply wonderful.

This one's a timeless hold that has been performed by masters of their craft in every generation since its inception.