https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHOpuJ8q0mw Known as the S.O.S. in WWE due to it being Kofi Kingstons signature grappling move, the Ranhei can best be described as a Side Sunset Flip. Its a unique and it fits to a certain extent with Kofi Kingstons high energy gimmick. What makes this move impractical is that is requires the user to do a complete flip or somersault into a cradle pinning position, while the recipient simply falls backwards into the pinning position as well. It seems that the user has to put in more work to get into the pinning position than the person who is being pinned. In fact, the originator of the move, a Japanese wrestler named Madoka, has to spin at an incredibly fast pace to make the move looked good. Kingston, on the other hand, does it at a slower speed, and sometimes it looks a bit sloppy. If Kingston wanted to get his opponent into a pinning position, there is a plethora of other, simpler moves that he could use to pin his opponent. Then again, its a good thing that Kofis using something unique that helps him stand out in the WWE. However, unique in this case cant be used as a synonym for practical.
Alexander Podgorski is a writer for WhatCulture that has been a fan of professional wrestling since he was 8 years old. He loves all kinds of wrestling, from WWE and sports entertainment, to puroresu in Japan.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen's University in Political Studies and French, and a Master's Degree in Public Administration. He speaks English, French, Polish, a bit of German, and knows some odd words and phrases in half a dozen other languages.