The Curious Tradition of the Wrestler’s Pre-Elbow Tap: A deep Dive
Have you ever noticed a wrestler tapping their elbow before launching into a devastating elbow drop? It’s a seemingly odd gesture, but one steeped in wrestling history and psychology. This isn’t just a random act; it’s a subtle signal with a fascinating evolution.Let’s explore the origins and meaning behind this iconic practice.
The Origins: Territory Days and Early Signals
The exact genesis of the elbow tap is a bit murky, appearing sometime between the 1970s and early 1980s. Some credit “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, known for his standing Bionic Elbow and conventional elbow drops, with pioneering the move. However, concrete confirmation remains elusive.
One of the earliest documented instances comes from a 1981 match featuring Greg ”The Hammer” valentine and Bob Backlund. valentine clearly tapped his right elbow just before attempting an elbow drop from the second rope. Interestingly, he missed the move, leading to the match’s conclusion. This early example demonstrates the tap was initially a straightforward signal of what was to come.
Macho Man and the Rise of Popularity
The practice truly gained traction thanks to “Macho Man” Randy Savage. He popularized the Flying Elbow Drop as his signature finisher, and the pre-tap became intrinsically linked to the move. You likely remember the anticipation building as Savage prepared to descend from the top rope.
It’s widely believed that Savage’s widespread popularity led other wrestlers to adopt the signal.This simple gesture became a way to heighten drama and telegraph the impending impact to the audience.
Beyond the Top Rope: Evolution and Adaptation
The elbow tap wasn’t limited to high-flying maneuvers. Several wrestlers adapted the signal for their own finishing moves.
* Kairi Sane, for example, incorporated the tap before her elbow drops.
* Even “The Rock” utilized a version of it for his iconic People’s Elbow.
He didn’t simply tap; rather, he built a whole routine around removing his elbow pad and interacting with the crowd before delivering the final blow. In a way, The Rock transformed the signal into a performance within a performance.
Why Do Wrestlers Tap? The Psychology Behind the Signal
So, what’s the purpose of this pre-elbow ritual? It’s a brilliant piece of psychological storytelling.
* Building Anticipation: The tap creates a moment of suspense, letting the audience know something big is about to happen.
* Respect for the Opponent: Some believe it’s a subtle show of respect, acknowledging the impending impact.
* Telegraphing the Move: While seemingly counterintuitive, telegraphing the move can actually increase its impact. It allows the audience to brace themselves and fully appreciate the athleticism and drama.
* A Visual Cue: For the opponent, it’s a final warning, a moment to mentally prepare for the pain.
Ultimately, the wrestler’s elbow tap is more than just a gesture. It’s a fascinating example of how wrestling blends athleticism, storytelling, and psychology to create a captivating spectacle. It’s a tradition that continues to evolve, adding layers of meaning to one of wrestling’s most iconic moves.
Worth a look