Snake Charm - The Iconic Illegal Wrestling Move's Origins, Controversies and Influence

The Origin and Popularity of Snake Charm Wrestling Moves

Wrestling has captivated audiences for centuries with its dramatic displays of strength, skill, and showmanship. While the sport has evolved over time, certain maneuvers have become iconic and captivated fans regardless of era. One such move is the snake charm, a popular illegal hold that embodies a classic wrestling trope - the flamboyant villain.

What is the Snake Charm?

The snake charm is an illegal chokehold intended to incapacitate the opponent. To perform it, the wrestler stands behind the opponent and wraps one arm around their neck, choking them. The wrestler then sways their body from side to side, imitating the motions of a snake charmer controlling a cobra with a flute. This hypnotic rocking motion makes it very difficult for the opponent to break free.

Origin of the Snake Charm

The exact origins of the snake charm wrestling move are unclear, but it became popularized in the 1980s and 90s. The rocking, hypnotic motion of the hold lent itself perfectly to flamboyant, arrogant villains who wanted to show off their expertise and control over their opponents. Legends like Jake "The Snake" Roberts and Razor Ramon made the snake charm their signature move.

Popularity in Media

The snake charm wrestling move gained significant mainstream popularity through wrestling promotions like WWE and cartoon shows like Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling. Audiences loved to hate arrogant heels like Roberts as they mocked opponents writhing in their grasp. The snake charm amplified the villainous theatricality of these characters. Fans continue to memorialize classic snake charm moments through memes and highlight videos.

Prevalence in Modern Wrestling

Though the snake charm chokehold remains illegal in most wrestling promotions, it occasionally emerges to heat up rivalries. Heels will sometimes use the villainous move behind the referee's back to assert dominance and rattle their opponents. When performed rarely, the snake charm still elicits passionate reactions from modern crowds who recall its place in wrestling history. The move's embodiment of arrogance and showmanship gives it an enduring appeal.

Snake Charm Wrestling Controversies and Injuries

While the snake charm holds great theatrical appeal, its illegal nature has sparked significant controversies and injuries over the years.

Inherent Dangers of the Move

As an unsanctioned chokehold, the snake charm carries inherent risks. The tight grip on the throat can crush the trachea and cut off oxygen to the brain. In rare cases, this has resulted in injuries and even player deaths. The rocking motion also offers opponents few escapes, putting them completely at the mercy of the wrestler performing the hold.

Moral Outrage and Calls for Bans

The snake charm's damaging toll has fueled moral outrage and calls for bans throughout history. Critics view its continued limited use as an unacceptable danger that promotes callousness and moral hazard. They argue promotions benefit from the controversy and viewer emotions, while placing wrestler health at risk. Others counter that performers understand the risks, and outliers should not undermine traditions.

Notable Incidents and Close Calls

Several notable incidents have reinforced the snake charm's notoriety over the years. A 1982 match saw a wrestler hospitalized after passing out in the hold. In 1990, audiences were shocked when a performer seemed deceased for several minutes after a particularly forceful snake charm, before miraculously resuscitating. Such graphic incidents kept outrage simmering over time regarding the hold's legality.

Cultural Significance and Influence on Wrestling

Regardless of controversies, the snake charm wrestling move holds cultural significance and influence due to its showmanship and crowd appeal.

Generation-Spanning Appeal

The snake charm has captivated wrestling fans for over 40 years. Its hypnotic motions and tight grip create nail-biting drama. Heels who execute the move exude arrogance and theatricality. These factors give the snake charm cross-generational appeal, making it an iconic staple across eras. Veteran fans nostalgically recall classic moments, while newer audiences recognize its impact.

Influence on Character Development

The snake charm has strongly influenced wrestling character development over time. The move's showmanship perfectly fit flamboyant, egotistical villains. Wrestlers like Jake "The Snake" Roberts built entire personas around executing the cold-blooded move. Contemporary wrestlers continue adopting snake charm mannerisms to amplify their arrogance and viciousness as heels.

Pop Culture References

As an iconic move, the snake charm has permeated pop culture for decades. Fans create memes celebrating famous applications and near falls of the hold. The move regularly appears in video games and wrestling simulations. References emerge in movies and TV as shorthand for villainous wrestling. This cultural presence demonstrates the snake charm's strong imprint on collective consciousness.

While controversial, the snake charm wrestling move undoubtedly influenced the development of wrestling over the past several decades. Its dangerous allure continues captivating new generations of wrestling fans and performers today. The snake charm seems poised to hypnotize audiences well into the future.

FAQs

How is the snake charm wrestling move performed?

The snake charm is an illegal chokehold where the wrestler stands behind the opponent, wraps their arm around the opponent's neck to choke them, and sways side to side to imitate a snake charmer controlling a cobra with a flute.

Why was the snake charm move so popular?

The snake charm gained popularity because its hypnotic rocking motion and tight chokehold lent itself perfectly to amplifying the arrogance and showmanship of flamboyant wrestling villains, generating strong crowd reactions.

What risks does the snake charm pose?

The tight grip on the throat can crush the trachea, cut off oxygen to the brain, or even break the neck, leading to injuries and potential death in rare cases. The rocking allows little escape.

Which famous wrestlers used the snake charm?

Wrestling legends like Jake "The Snake" Roberts and Razor Ramon made the snake charm their signature move and built their villainous wrestling personas around executing the cold-blooded chokehold.

Why does the snake charm remain controversial?

The snake charm is seen as unnecessarily dangerous by critics, with its rare but serious injuries and deaths fueling outrage throughout history over why it remains legal under limited circumstances.