The Boston Crab: Not Just a Crustacean You Can Crack Open with Butter (Unless You're Chris Jericho)
Ah, the Boston Crab. A name that conjures images of delicious seafood feasts...or maybe it doesn't. But in the world of professional wrestling, the Boston Crab is a submission hold that's got more snap than a fresh baguette.
Who Cracked the Code on the Crab? (Not Literally, We Hope)
While the Boston Crab has been around since the early days of wrestling, it's had a few champions (pun intended) throughout the years. Wrestlers like Bill Watts and Dick Beyer used it back in the day, but it wasn't quite the showstopper it would become later.
Enter Chris Jericho. This wrestling rockstar took the Boston Crab and cranked it up to eleven. With his signature Walls of Jericho (basically a Boston Crab with an extra helping of leverage), Jericho turned this submission move into a match-ender, making opponents tap out faster than you can say "sweet mercy."
Crabby Confusion: Variations on a Theme
The Boston Crab, like a good fisherman's tale, has grown a few embellishments over time. Here's a quick rundown of some of its crustacean cousins:
- The Inverted Boston Crab: Basically, the crab goes upside down. Still pinchy, but with a whole new perspective.
- The Leona Shafir: Named after a wrestler who brought some flair to the move, this crab comes with a dramatic leg hook.
- The Indian Death Lock: This one's a bit more intense, adding some torque to the crab's already uncomfortable grip.
Remember, folks, these are for entertainment purposes only! Don't try this at home (or anywhere else, for that matter).
So, Who Wins the "Crabbiest" Award?
That's a tough one. Rick Martel was a master of the classic Boston Crab. But Chris Jericho elevated (literally) the move to new heights with the Walls of Jericho.
Ultimately, it's up to you, the wrestling fanatic, to decide who gets the top claw.
Frequently Asked Crabby Questions:
How to do a Boston Crab (safely, for entertainment purposes only):
This one's best left to the professionals. But if you're curious about the mechanics, there are plenty of instructional videos online (performed by qualified wrestlers, of course).
How painful is a Boston Crab?
Let's just say it wouldn't be your first choice for a relaxing back massage. But in the world of wrestling, it's a controlled application of pain to make your opponent tap out.
How many variations of the Boston Crab are there?
There are enough variations to fill a whole crustacean buffet. But the basic principle remains the same: crank on your opponent's legs and back until they see the light (or should we say, the bottom of the ring).
How did the Boston Crab get its name?
Nobody's entirely sure. Maybe it looked like a crab scuttling sideways? Or perhaps it was just a catchy name (although we wouldn't recommend using it to pick up dates).
How long does it take to learn the Boston Crab?
For entertainment purposes? Probably not that long. But to perform it safely and effectively in the ring? That takes years of training and practice under the guidance of a qualified professional.
