How to Execute the Cobra Clutch in Professional Wrestling

The cobra clutch was the finishing move of many popular professional wrestlers in history. The most famous wrestler to use the cobra clutch was Sgt. Slaughter. Executing the cobra clutch is an easy maneuver but be careful: Do not attempt this or other professional wrestling moves unless you are accompanied by a professional. Follow these steps to do the cobra clutch.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Strong Arms
• Great Acting Skills
• Knowledge of the Move

1. Consider your opponent's safety at all times. The cobra clutch is harmless if you do not apply pressure in the wrong area, but if you put pressure around the neck you can choke someone rather easily. Always remember that you must sell this move without actually applying too much pressure.
2. Begin by positioning yourself behind your opponent. Make sure that you sell the move before applying it. Get the crowd riled up by really egging them on just before you start the move.
3. From your position behind your opponent, reach around the right side and grasp his left wrist. Pull the wrist up and grasp it by holding it firmly with your hand grasping the back of his wrist. This should leave you holding your opponent's wrist in a position that appears as though he is choking himself with his own arm across his neck.
4. Once you have secured him in this manner, then take your left arm and run it through the opening of his left arm and then behind his neck. From this position you should be able to grasp your own right forearm firmly.
5. At this point it is all about selling the move well to the crowd. Again, as long as you don't apply pressure to the wrong place, the cobra clutch is harmless, so really play it up. This outstanding finishing move can really get a crowd riled up.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that you sell the move to the crowd.
• Though the move has been around for a long time, it is still a great finisher if sold well.
• Exaggerate the movements of your arms to sell the move better.
• Do not apply pressure to the neck of your opponent.
• Do not attempt this move unless you are a professional wrestler.