What Does STF Stand for in Wrestling?By Coder| August 30, 2023 Wrestling What Does STF Stand for in Wrestling? Professional wrestling is known for its unique and often mysterious terminology. From finishing moves to signature holds, the world of wrestling is full of acronyms and shorthand phrases that can leave fans scratching their heads. One such term that you may have come across is STF. In this article, we will explore what STF stands for in wrestling and its significance in the ring. The Meaning of STF STF stands for Stepover Toehold Facelock. It is a submission hold frequently utilized by professional wrestlers during their matches. The move involves the wrestler stepping over their opponent’s leg and applying pressure on both the opponent’s leg and neck, resulting in a painful and immobilizing hold. The Origin of STF The STF was popularized by the legendary Japanese professional wrestler Rikidōzan in the mid-20th century. Rikidōzan developed this submission hold as part of his repertoire, and it became one of his signature moves. Over time, other wrestlers adopted and modified the move to fit their own styles, cementing its place as a staple in professional wrestling. Execution of STF To execute an STF, a wrestler starts by taking down their opponent to the mat, typically by applying a takedown maneuver or capitalizing on an opportunity during a match. Once on the mat, they position themselves beside their opponent’s upper body while facing towards their legs. The wrestler then steps over one of their opponent’s legs with one leg while simultaneously looping their arm under their opponent’s neck. This creates pressure on both the leg being stepped over and the neck being gripped, making it difficult for the opponent to escape or relieve the pressure. Variations of STF Over the years, wrestlers have incorporated variations of the STF into their movesets, adding their own unique twists to the hold. Some popular variations include: Tribute to Rikidōzan: Many wrestlers pay homage to Rikidōzan by using his original version of the STF, which closely resembles the traditional stepover toehold facelock. Crossface STF: This variation combines elements of the STF and crossface submission holds. In addition to applying pressure on the leg and neck, the wrestler also pulls back on their opponent’s head, intensifying the pain and discomfort. Modified STF: Some wrestlers modify the STF by altering their positioning or grip on their opponent’s neck. These modifications can add a unique flair to the move while maintaining its core elements. Famous Wrestlers Who Have Used STF The STF has been adopted by numerous professional wrestlers throughout history. One of the most well-known wrestlers associated with this submission hold is none other than John Cena. Cena popularized his own version of the move called “STFU” (an abbreviation for “STand For You”) during his career in WWE. Cena’s usage of the move helped elevate its recognition among wrestling fans worldwide, solidifying it as one of his signature maneuvers. Other notable wrestlers who have utilized some form of STF in their matches include Keiji Mutoh, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Hiroshi Tanahashi. In Conclusion The acronym “STF” in wrestling stands for Stepover Toehold Facelock. This submission hold has a rich history and has been used by numerous wrestlers to inflict pain and secure victories inside the ring. Whether it’s the traditional version or one of its variations, the STF remains a powerful maneuver that continues to captivate wrestling enthusiasts.
