Supposedly, The Mandible Claw paralyzes the victim by focusing on the nerves under the tongue and then using them to incapacitate him/her. At least, thats the theory. The move was innovated by Dr. Sam Sheppard, an osteopathic doctor from Ohio, who served 10 years in prison for the murder of his pregnant wife. Although he was later acquitted (and, in fact, the likeliest suspect in the murder went on to kill again, which pretty much validates Sheppards account of events), his notoriety found him being sued by multiple patients and thus unable to find work. Having inspired a TV movie, as well as the popular TV series The Fugitive, Sam used his notoriety to his advantage, becoming a pro wrestler by the dubious name of Killer Sam Sheppard. Mick Foley employed Sheppards finisher when using his Mankind persona (and, briefly, his Dude Love character, where it was called The Love Handle) as well as occasionally when wrestling under his own name. However, in his later appearances as Mankind, Foley would slip Mr. Socko over his hand before applying the hold. For those that dont know, Foley would reach into the front of his sweatpants, pull out a sock (with a crudely drawn face on it), slide it over his hand and then jam that very same sock into his opponents mouth. So now, were not only meant to believe that a guy can stick his fingers in your mouth and paralyze you (I have no idea if that works for real or not), but also that the effect of said move is enhanced by the presence of a sweatsock. Oooooo kay.
I am a professional author and lifelong comic books/pro wrestling fan. I also work as a journalist as well as writing comic books (I also draw), screenplays, stage plays, songs and prose fiction.
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