One of the most common wrestling holds, seen in nearly every match, is the good old Headlock. The Headlock is Everyman’s wrestling hold: just throw an arm around the other guy’s face or neck, grab your hand or wrist with the other hand, and you’re doing it. What’s not to love about the Headlock?
There seems to be growing disdain and impatience when this hold is used in a pro wrestling match because it’s considered a “Rest Hold,” something the athletes use when they’re out of breath, feeling lazy, and need a few minutes to relax. So let’s take a close-up look at this so-called “rest hold.”
Modern wrestling fans seem to favor all action all the time. They don’t feel they’re getting their money’s worth if the wrestlers aren’t jumping around, flipping off things, and constantly in motion. But I beg to differ. I believe a nice, long Headlock can be a work of art, a priceless addition to a match, even if the performers also happen to be catching their breath at the time. Obviously, the wrestlers realize they’re still on the clock, so even while applying a Headlock, they’re still entertaining the audience and telling us the story. You need to pay attention for a second and stop flipping the channels.
Pro wrestling fans, and the wrestlers, shouldn’t be in such a rush. The Headlock is a great opportunity to feast your eyes, to savor the power and beauty of a good match being wrestled by good performers. A Drop-Kick or Senton Bomb is like fast food drive-thru, while a long, slow Headlock is like a five course meal at a fancy gourmet restaurant. The camera-man usually uses the Headlock as an opportunity to pan in, focus, linger on the bodies and faces of the wrestlers, and the viewers should do the same. Like I said, what’s not to love about the Headlock?
The Headlock can also be used to help tell the story of the match. If a wrestler is meant to appear savage or overwhelming or angry, a close-up image of the Headlock will bring that out. If the baby-face is meant to suffer and appear exhausted, his limp pose and dazed expression will depict his defeat. Good wrestlers know how to position their bodies and adjust their facial expressions to act out whatever scenario is playing out in the ring, and the Headlock brings a focus and intensity that isn’t possible with fast-paced action, constant motion, and far-away camera shots.
Another thing I like about Headlocks is that they are used to highlight the best physical features of the wrestlers. If the dude has giant biceps, you better believe the camera will be panning and scanning all over those straining pythons during the Headlock. If the wrestler has a pretty face or wears a beautiful mask, your television screen will be filled to the brim with that attractive mug. Because the combatants are sitting still for a few seconds while in the Headlock, they can use that opportunity to zoom in, take you right inside the ring, and explore every nook and cranny.
So take your time and enjoy the next Headlock you see. Pause and let your eyes wander. Why chug everything you drink if you can sometimes sip and savor every drop. Plus the wrestlers need to rest — running around all over the arena is exhausting!
