Every Version Of The Suplex

The suplex may be the most standard maneuver in all of professional wrestling. Rooted in amateur wrestling, the suplex, when reduced to its most simple description is essentially a manner in which to throw your opponent. Of course, pro wrestling has found a variety of ways to embellish the suplex throughout the decades.

Over the course of time, the esteem and effectiveness of certain varieties of the suplex has evolved. It has gone from a finishing move to a transitonal move, and served as everything in between along the way. Join us as we take a look at every version of the suplex and how they rank in terms of historical importance, among other factors.

10 The Gut-Wrench Suplex Is A Standard Amateur Wrestling Throw

The Gut-Wrench Suplex Is Subject To Several Variations

• The Gutwrench suplex was invented by Japanese legend, Mitsuhara Misawa
• It’s been used by Cesaro, Shayna Baszler, and Pete Dunne
• It has been converted into a powerbomb by wrestlers like the late Andrew Martin, aka, Test and Jack Swagger

The gutwrench suplex was said to have been originated in pro wrestling by Japanese legend, Mitsuhara Misawa, but its origins trace back to the earliest days of freestyle wrestling. It’s a simple concept, in which you wrap your arms around your opponent’s waist and flip them onto their back. It’s been used by names such as Ted Dibiase in years past, and more recently by Shayna Baszler. Jack Swagger, now Jake Hager in AEW, used a modified version as a finisher, but converted it into a powerbomb. It’s not the fanciest or most exciting version of the suplex, but it can be effective.

9 The Double Chicken-Wing Suplex Is Rarely Seen In Modern Wrestling

The Double Chicken-Wing Suplex Is Something Of A Precursor To The Pedigree

• The double chicken-wing suplex is often associated with William Regal
• It’s also called the butterfly suplex
• It’s a suplex commonly associated with European wrestling

The double chicken-wing suplex or butterfly suplex as some call it, is as scientific as it gets. Hooking both opponents’ arms behind their back and then tossing them overhead, it can be a rather dangerous move. It’s often been used by William Regal, particularly during his days as “Lord” Steven Regal in WCW. This one ranks lower for a few reasons, but primarily because you rarely see it. It’s the type of suplex that only suits certain wrestlers, who employ a certain style.

8 The T-Bone Suplex Looks A Bit Awkward When Utilized

The T-Bone Suplex Is Meant To Be Quiet Literal In Its Configuration

• The T-Bone suplex was used by Taz in ECW
• Shelton Benjamin and Randy Orton have both used the move
• Becky Lynch has adopted it as her “Becksploder” suplex

Also known as the exploder suplex, the t-bone consists of hooking your opponent’s leg in a way that resembles a t-bone steak. During his time in ECW, Taz was known for using several different variations of the suplex, with the t-bone being among them. Later on, Shelton Benjamin would use it as his finisher in the early stages of his single run. He would use it to defeat Chris Jericho for the Intercontinental Title at the inaugural Taboo Tuesday. Most notably, Randy Orton and Becky Lynch have added it to their repertoire.

7 The Belly-To-Belly Suplex Is As Fundamental As It Gets

The Belly-To-Belly Suplex Is Quite Literal In Its Name

• The belly-to-belly suplex has several variations, including an overhead version
• Both Bayley and Shane Douglas have used the move as a finisher
• It’s also rooted in amateur wrestling

The belly-to-belly suplex is exactly what it sounds like. You essentially hug your opponent, only to pivot and drive them into the mat, or in some cases, hurl them overhead. It doesn’t sound or as compared to other moves, look like much, however some high-profile wrestlers have used them as a finisihing move. Shane Douglas scored key wins in ECW with the move, and Bayley cleverly tailored it to her “hugger” character in NXT and her early days on the main roster. It’s often a staple of wrestlers with an amateur background.

6 The Fisherman Suplex Really Belongs To One Man

The Perfect-Plex Was Mr. Perfect’s Version Of The Fisherman Suplex

• The fisherman suplex has always been better known as the Perfect-Plex, thanks to the inimitable Mr. Perfect
• It’s essentially a version of the t-bone suplex with a bridging pin
• It has been modified into other moves in modern wrestling, including a version used by Kenny Omega

While this one is technically known as the fisherman suplex, it was defined by Mr. Perfect. He coined it as the Perfect-Plex, and it was a well….perfect addition to his in-ring presentation. The move is visually stunning and jarring, simultaneously.

Other wrestlers have used versions of the move, and it is sometimes used as a setup move, or a transitional spot. It’s not used as a finisher in most cases, exemplifying the tremendous amount of respect Mr. Perfect still warrants, well after his passing, over 20 years ago.

5 The Brain Buster Spawned The Name Of A WWE Tag Team

The Brain Buster Is As Legit As It Sounds

• Also known as the gordbuster, the brain buster is a much more deliberate version of the vertical suplex
• The move is most commonly associated with Arn Anderson
• Many modern wrestlers use the move, such as Kyle O’Reilly

The brain buster is essentially a vertical suplex with a literal twist, that drops your opponent directly onto their head. Arn Anderson used it as a signature move during his days in Crockett Promotions with the Four Horsemen. So naturally, when he and Tully Blanchard went to WWE in 1988, they were christened as The Brain Busters. This is a version of the suplex that we see used somewhat liberally in modern wrestling, and in the past, Eddie Guerrero used it as a set-up move. It’s a highly dangerous maneuver, and should be treated as such.

4 The Back Suplex Is A Simple As It Gets

Due To So Many Modified Variations, The Back Suplex Has Become A Bit More Difficult To Define

• The back suplex is sometimes conflated with a belly-to-back suplex, which is better known as a German suplex
• It is one of the first moves you learn how to execute in wrestling school
• Occasionally, you will see a back suplex used from the top rope for optimal effect

The back suplex is pro wrestling 101. You simply pick your opponent up by the hips and fall backwards. We’ve seen it modifed perhaps more than any other version of the suplex, so much so that it has become a somewhat vague term. John Cena is known for using a version of it, as one of his “5 moves of doom.” It’s often seen as a set-up or transitional move, but it would be effective in its original form in a real struggle.

3 The Vertical Suplex Is Still An Amazing Sight In Certain Instances

Probably The Most Fundamental Wrestling Move, Alongside The Body Slam And The Clothesline

• The vertcial suplex is most closely associated with Harley Race, with some saying he invented the move
• It has several variations, including a “delayed” version
• It’s often an opportunity for a wrestler to display their strength

Like the aforementioned back suplex, the vertical suplex is pro wrestling basics. The legendary Harley Race used it as a finisher, and 95% of wrestlers still use it regularly. Most notably, Eddie Guerrero modified it into his “three amigos” set-up move, which was a fan-favorite. It’s deceptively difficult to utilize, and does carry a certain amount of danger. Because of this version’s legacy and influence on the business, it earns its place near the top of this list.

2 The German Suplex Has Become An Event Unto Itself

The German Suplex Has A Slim Margin For Both Short And Long-Term Injury

• The German Suplex is also known as the belly-to-back
• It’s often delivered in multiple doses
• It’s a staple of wrestlers who have an amateur background

The German Suplex may by now be the most popular among wrestling fans. Ever since the term “suplex city” was phrased at WrestleMania 31, it has become a move that always garners an impassioned reaction from crowds. Perhaps the only thing that keeps it from topping this list is its propensity to result in long-term injury.

Mick Foley once said that he felt that his overall long-term health benefited from having rarely, if ever taken the German Suplex. Nevertheless, it has remained a staple of wrestling moves, well into the modern era.

1 The Superplex Never Fails To Get A Reaction From The Crowd

The Superplex Is A Bombastic Version Of The Standard Vertical Suplex

• The Superplex is a top-rope version of the vertical suplex
• The Superplex was originated in American wrestling by Barry Windham
• The Superplex has been administered from the top of a steel cage

Though it’s been around since the 80s, the Superplex still manages to get fans out of their chairs, likely due to how visually stunning it is. It’s still used liberally to this day, albeit in a variety of forms. If you talk to wrestlers about what it’s like to take a Superplex, they will likely tell you that it is a rather frightening experience. Harley Race, who took the move from atop a steel cage, recalls it as feeling as though he was “falling forever.” Of course, the most memorable superplex took place on Smackdown in 2003, when The Big Show was superplexed through the ring! Due to its enduring presence and dynamism, the Superplex earns the # 1 spot on this list.