Wrestling Escapes and Reversals

Wrestling is a popular sport that has reached the level of performance art. Thanks to different organizations such as the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), and the Mexican Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre, wrestling has become a phenomenal test of strength and wits. Kids, and kids at heart, from all over the world who watch professional wrestling matches are always left in awe by the dramatic moves and tricks applied by the wrestlers to win contests

Of all the combat maneuvers taken by the wrestlers, escape and reversal moves are the most spectacular. These moves are the most awaited by wrestling aficionados because somehow it represents life outside the ring. Everyone must somehow take a hold of life and escape or reverse the hardships and ills besetting one’s existence. Wrestling escapes and reversals convey the idea that things in life can change for the better, or worse, depending on the choices an individual makes.

In classic wrestling matches, namely freestyle and Greco-Roman, points are actually awarded to the contestant who is able to perform wrestling escapes or reversals. In a way, this emphasizes the difficulty of these maneuvers. It also is a statement of the fact that many people love the underdog in any given match, Fans await how the defensive contestant will escape or reverse the attacks made by the offensive contestant as if it was a magical trick.

Escape Moves

For the man at the bottom–also known as mat man– to achieve an escape, he or she must assume a neutral position which will cause the opponent to lose control. As always, in terms of amount of force, action is equal to reaction so initially the defending wrestler should assume a neutral stance; this will leave the offensive wrestler to exert all the force of strength. And then at the right moment, the defending wrestler should do the escape moves in his or her arsenal. The stand up move and the Granby roll are two famous escape moves.

The stand up escape move basically is the use of sheer strength on the part of the defensive wrestler to topple down or break away from the offensive wrestler’s hold by simply standing up. On a standing stance, the defensive wrestler has a better chance of unlocking the offensive holds.

When the top man applies tight forward pressure to the mat man, the Granby roll is the effective escape technique. In this roll, the mat man, begins to form a tripod stance. The tripod stance enables the mat man to gain a stronger foothold. Slowly, the higher his back goes, the more momentum is built by the mat man. Along with a kick on the mat, the mat man will achieve a roll forward and escape the tight pressure of the top man’s waist.

There is a wide array of ways to set up an escape maneuver. Escape moves are mostly applicable to the man on the mat rather than the man on top who is in control. A successful escape move is awarded one match point.

Reversal Moves

The defensive wrestling competitor may bring about a reversal by forcing himself from the bottom to the top position or acquiring control of the opponent while they are standing or grappling on the mat. Reversal moves are characterized by switches and rolls. One of the most effective reversal maneuvers is the Peterson roll.

Although opinions vary as to what a genuine Peterson roll is, the most common is when the mat man reaches out to control or lock the top man’s wrist. Then the mat man turns toward the top man and reaches underneath to lock on the latter’s leg. Once the top man is anchored this way, the mat man must turn his feet toward the opponent and make outside shoulder roll.

When done successfully, this will place the mat man on top position with his back trapping the opponent under. Obviously, the mat man reverses his position and achieves the top position. The Peterson roll is much like the Granby roll, only the mat man is required to control the opponent’s wrists in doing the Peterson roll.

In wrestling we see how the underdog manages to triumph given proper training and knowledge of escape and reversal techniques. We see how the top man can lose his control by over confidence or ignorance. The match in a way is a reflection of life.

Wrestling is truly a game of strength and wits. It has been a sport since the olden Roman and Greek ages. And it is definitely here to stay. So let’s get ready to rumble!