The Boston Crab: Not Just a Delicious Crustacean (But Seriously, Don't Eat It)
Ah, the Boston Crab. A move that's as iconic in professional wrestling as Hulk Hogan's bandana or Ric Flair's robes. But unlike those flamboyant accessories, the Boston Crab has a more... crabletastic purpose. This submission hold contorts your opponent into a human pretzel, putting immense pressure on their lower back and making them tap out faster than you can say "lobster bisque."
But who wielded this crustacean crusher with the most finesse? Buckle up, wrestling fans, because we're about to crack open this mystery and expose the true Kings (and Queens) of the Crab!
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| What Wrestler Used The Boston Crab |
The OG Pinchy: Rick Martel - The Model of Submission Mastery
Before the days of high-flying acrobatics and flaming tables, wrestlers had to rely on pure technique to submit their opponents. Enter Rick Martel, a man with a mane of blonde hair and a submission repertoire that could make even a seasoned grappler wince. His Boston Crab was a thing of beauty, a display of leverage and control that left his opponents begging for the merciful kiss of the referee's hand.
Martel wasn't afraid to get cracking either. He'd contort himself into impossible positions to maximize the pressure, turning the Boston Crab into a personal torture device disguised as a wrestling move.
QuickTip: Skim the first line of each paragraph.
The Jericho-nator and His Walls of Torture
Fast forward a few decades, and a new sheriff rolls into town (or rather, the squared circle). Chris Jericho, a man of many nicknames (and even more scarves!), adopted the Boston Crab and gave it a whole new spin (literally). He elevated the move, placing his knee on his opponent's back for added leverage, and christened it the Walls of Jericho.
This variation became Jericho's signature finisher, a testament to the effectiveness of the Boston Crab when applied with a healthy dose of Jericho-ness.
Did You Know? Other Crabby Wrestlers
While Martel and Jericho are the undisputed kings of the crab, there have been other notable crustacean connoisseurs. Wrestlers like Bull Nakano and Taka Michinoku incorporated the Boston Crab into their movesets, proving that true pain transcends national borders.
QuickTip: Skip distractions — focus on the words.
Fun Fact: The Boston Crab even made a surprise appearance in MMA when Jonno Mears used it to secure a submission victory in 2017. Talk about an unexpected pinch!
How-To FAQs on the Boston Crab (Disclaimer: Don't Actually Try This at Home)
How to Apply the Boston Crab?
Unless you're a trained professional wrestler, this is a big NO NO. The Boston Crab can cause serious injuries if not applied correctly.
Tip: Every word counts — don’t skip too much.
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How to Escape the Boston Crab?
Again, leave the escaping to the professionals. But if you're watching a match and see someone in the Boston Crab, tapping out is always the best option to avoid injury.
Is the Boston Crab Still a Finishing Move?
Tip: Make mental notes as you go.
While not as common as it once was, the Boston Crab (or its variations) can still be a very effective submission move.
What's the Difference Between the Boston Crab and the Walls of Jericho?
The main difference is that the Walls of Jericho adds additional pressure to the opponent's back by placing the wrestler's knee on it.
Can You Eat a Boston Crab?
Well, technically you could eat a real crab, but this move is not named after a delicious seafood dish. So please, don't try to consume your opponent after applying the Boston Crab.
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