I complain sometimes that we just don’t see the Sleeper used often enough any more — certainly not as much as we did in the 80’s. Studs like Brutus Beefcake and the Z-Man used the Sleeper as their signature hold, sending opponent after jobber opponent to Dream Street with this sexy, sadistic move.
It is just such a brutal and humiliating move, to make the man sink into this limp, emasculated helplessness, to refuse to loosen your grip, indeed to tighten it more, as you feel him sinking away.
I suppose I shouldn’t complain too much. After all, the producers of more pornographic wrestling videos (which I’ve watched a few times here and there) fully understand the erotic appeal of the Sleeper and feature it often in their videos. So if I really feel eager to watch some Sleepering, these videos definitely scratch that itch.
But I am pleased to now report that I’ve been seeing my beloved Sleeper being used more frequently in recent months on the Indy wrestling scene. Maybe these young guys enjoy seeing the “Rear Naked Choke” used in the popular sport of cage fighting, so they’re willing to incorporate this “gay” looking hold in their move-set.
Or maybe the Indy promotions have realized what the porno wrestling producers have long understood — that sex sells, and if you want us to watch your wrestling content, you had better turn us on with some sexy moves like Bearhugs, Crotch Lifts, Headscissors and, oh yeah, lots and lots of Sleeper Holds. Keep them coming, boys — I can never get enough.
Who are the indy wrestlers you have here and what feds do they wrestle in?