Is Chicken Wing Legal in Wrestling?

When it comes to professional wrestling, there are numerous moves and holds that can be used to immobilize an opponent or force them to submit. One such move is the chicken wing.

This technique involves applying pressure to the opponent’s arm and shoulder, causing pain and discomfort. But is the chicken wing legal in wrestling? Let’s delve into the rules and regulations surrounding this controversial move.

The Chicken Wing Technique

The chicken wing is a submission hold commonly used in professional wrestling. It involves hyperextending the opponent’s arm and shoulder joint by pulling their arm backward while applying pressure to their wrist and elbow. This maneuver can be executed from various positions, including standing, on the ground, or even while transitioning between different moves.

History of the Chicken Wing

The chicken wing technique has been used by wrestlers for decades, with its origins dating back to catch wrestling. Catch wrestlers like Karl Gotch and Billy Robinson popularized this move due to its effectiveness in controlling an opponent and potentially forcing a submission.

Legality of the Chicken Wing

In professional wrestling, each promotion may have different rules regarding what moves are allowed and what constitutes a disqualification. While some promotions permit the use of the chicken wing as a legitimate maneuver, others consider it illegal due to its potential for causing injury.

Promotions Allowing the Chicken Wing

Several promotions recognize the chicken wing as a legal move within their rulebook. Wrestlers are free to utilize this technique during matches without fear of disqualification or penalties. These promotions often prioritize realism and physicality, allowing for a wider range of moves and holds.

Promotions Banning the Chicken Wing

On the other hand, certain promotions prohibit the use of the chicken wing due to safety concerns. These organizations prioritize the well-being of their wrestlers and aim to minimize the risk of injuries. Consequently, applying a chicken wing in these promotions may result in a disqualification or even fines or suspensions.

Alternatives to the Chicken Wing

If you find yourself in a promotion where the chicken wing is not permitted, there are alternative moves that can be used to achieve similar results. Some popular alternatives include:

The Crossface: This move involves applying pressure to the opponent’s face and neck while using your forearm as leverage.
The Fujiwara Armbar: By hyperextending the opponent’s elbow joint, this submission hold can be an effective substitute for the chicken wing.
The Kimura Lock: Named after Masahiko Kimura, this move Targets the opponent’s shoulder joint and can be used to immobilize them.

It is essential to familiarize yourself with alternative techniques so that you can adapt your strategy based on the rules and regulations of your specific promotion.

In Conclusion

The legality of using a chicken wing in wrestling depends on the rules and regulations set forth by each individual promotion. While some allow it as a legitimate maneuver, others prohibit its use due to safety concerns. As a wrestler, it is crucial to understand and adhere to these rules while also exploring alternative techniques when necessary.

Remember, professional wrestling is both an art form and a sport, so respecting the guidelines ensures not only your safety but also maintains integrity within the industry.