Chokeslam

A chokeslam, or in Japanese, a "nodowa otoshi", refers to a type of body slam in professional wrestling in which the wrestler grasps their opponent's neck, lifts them up, and slams them to the mat. It is common in televised wrestling because it is simple and relatively safe, yet looks powerful on camera. The chokeslam is typically used as a finisher by large wrestlers, further enhancing its perception as a powerful maneuver. This maneuver can be more damaging if the victim is slammed into an object, such as a table, steel chair, or garbage can.

The most common variety of chokeslam is performed with a single-handed choke. The wrestler places their free hand behind the opponent's back to help turn them horizontally for the throw. Although a chokeslam begins with a "choke", it is not usually considered to be an illegal move. The single arm choke that normally precedes a chokeslam is known as a goozle.

Sometimes, instead of the simple chokeslam, the attacking wrestler falls into a sitting position while slamming the opponent when initiating the move for more impact. This version is usually referred to as a chokebomb, a cross between the normal chokeslam and a powerbomb.

Back suplex chokeslam
In this elevated chokeslam the wrestler stands behind the opponent, puts his head under one of the opponent's arms, and lifts them onto his shoulder. The wrestler then pushes the opponent upwards, turns 180°, and grabs hold of the falling opponent's throat, driving them down to the mat back first. This variation was invented by Akira Taue, who calls it Ore ga Taue which means "I am Taue" in English.

Chokeslam backbreaker
The wrestler performing the move stands in front of and slightly to the left of the opponent receiving it. The wrestler then reaches out and grabs the opponent's throat and trunks, and lifts him or her in the air as though the wrestler is about to deliver a chokeslam. However, as the wrestler brings the opponent back down to the mat the wrestler kneels, slamming the other wrestler's back onto his or her extended knee. This move is popularly known as a Chokebreaker / Choke Breaker, which is a portmanteau of this move's technical name.

Double chokeslam
When two wrestlers execute a chokeslam on a single opponent at the same time it is referred to as a double chokeslam. Due to convenience of wording, a double chokeslam can also refer to two chokeslams being performed by a single wrestler on two opponents at the same time (i.e. single person double chokeslam), and occasionally in a tag team match where each member of one team will chokeslam a member of the opposing team (i.e. simultaneous / stereo chokeslams) which can also be referred to as stereo chokeslams. This is often performed by the Brothers of Destruction or if one of them is with The Big Show. Another variation of the move, done by Kane and The Big Show, is the triple chokeslam, where both of the wrestlers chokeslam a single opponent and each simultaneously chokeslam another opponent alone with their free hands.

The traditional version is also referred to as a double spinebuster / double front slam as the action of lifting an opponent up and throwing them down are much the same, though the spinebuster and front slam are more common on a charging opponent.

Leg trap chokeslam
Also known as a Leg hook chokeslam, the attacker starts out by lifting the opponent's left or right leg off the ground and tucks it under their arm while using whichever free hand to grab the opponent's neck while still keeping their leg tucked under the arm. Then, the attacker lifts the opponent high into the air and slams the victim down to the mat. The move can also be used as a reversal from when the opponent tries some form of kick only to have the attacker catch and trap the leg setting up the move from there.

Professional wrestler Sheamus O'Shaunessy currently uses a sitout variation, best described as a Sitout leg trap chokebomb which he calls the F.R.H. (Fiery Red Hand).

One Handed chokeslam
A very common variation, usually performed by a larger wrestler to a smaller one, this move sees the usual execution of the chokeslam done with just one hand lifted from the throat without the support of the other hand that usual goes on the back. The Big Show and Kane would frequently perform this.

Two handed chokeslam
This move sees a wrestler first grasp an opponent's neck with both hands, then lifting them up and choking them before then throwing the opponent back down to the mat. A falling version of this move can see the attacking wrestler fall forward to the mat while keeping their arms extended but will more often see the wrestler fall into a seated position or a kneeling position.

Vertical suplex chokeslam
In this elevated chokeslam the wrestler grabs a front facelock on the opponent and wraps their arm over the wrestlers neck. The wrestler then lifts the opponent upside down, as in a vertical suplex. The wrestler moves his arm from around the opponent's neck, grabbing hold of their throat. The wrestler then slams the opponent down to the mat back first. Akira Taue also innovated this variation, calling it the Chichibu Cement.

Chokeslam Chokeslam チョークスラム Chokeslam Chokeslam Chokeslam