The boot to the neck is one of the more popular female wrestling maneuvers. It is relatively spectacular, in the sense that it makes the attacker look like she’s dealing a whole lot of damage to the victim. If the victim sells the move well, the effect can appear even more dramatic.

The attacker backs the victim into a corner (this can be achieved though a series of kicks or breast edge chops) she then lifts one of her legs up and puts her foot across the victim’s throat, pushing on it. The move is supposed to inflict damage to the victim’s neck, possibly setting her up for a hold that targets the same area.

The victim will usually sell this move by walking in place and generally looking distressed.

Possible escape: The boot to the neck is a relatively easy to escape hold. The attacker wastes a lot of energy applying it and the defender can use her arms to divert the attacker’s leg over the top ring rope and thus to put her in a vulnerable position.

Efficiency: the boot to the neck is not exactly a match finishing hold, nor is it particularly efficient at wearing down the victim. It’s more like a show-boating type of move, meant to express the attacker’s dominance over her opponent.