The Michinoku Driver has got to be one of the most spectacular high impact women’s wrestling throws ever. It is one of my personal favorites, despite the fact that it is rather risky. Executing it takes skill and strength so you can’t just climb into the ring and start hitting Michinoku drivers from the get-go. There are several versions to this move, and I’m pretty sure the one presented on this page is the Michinoku Driver I.

The move starts out like a bodyslam. The attacker reaches between her opponent’s legs, grabs her crotch and hoists her up. This is where things get interesting. Instead of bodyslamming her the usual way, she turns her completely upside down (makes sure she pulls her head in so she doesn’t land on it) and sits down with her legs thrust apart. The victim hits the floor between the attacker’s wide-spread legs, neck/shoulder first. Sometimes the attacker keeps the victim’s leg hooked right after the landing, so the referee can begin to slap the 3 count right away.

Possible escape: as the attacker lifts the victim up, she can wiggle around eventually slipping out of the crotch hold and landing on her feet behind the attacker, thus gaining an advantage. Other than that, if the attacker reaches the peak of the lifting motion with the victim, there is no escape.

Rating: The Michinoku Driver is used as a finisher. That pretty much says it all when it comes to rating. The bottom line is, this slam involves a landing the victim is not likely to walk (or even crawl) away from.