The Tree of Woe involves using the ring ropes and the ring posts to control an opponent. The attacker gets the victim up to the top turnbuckle (this can be done in a variety of ways), and then hooks one of her boots or both under the element which links the turnbuckle to actual ring post. She then hangs her head down on the inside of the ring. Besides the fact that it is extremely painful, the Tree of Woe will leave the victim’s crotch, belly, and face pretty much open to attacks of any sort.

Because it is achieved through the use of the ropes, the Tree of Woe is practically an illegal hold. As such, you can’t submit in Tree of Woe as you’re not in a legal position to do so.

Possible escape: try to pull yourself up with your arms via the ropes, try to untangle your boots and then fall to the ring floor. If you’re way too exhausted/banged up to do it, you’ll probably hang there at your opponent’s mercy till she decides to get you down or till the referee untangles you.

Efficiency: the Tree of Woe puts extra stain on the victim’s legs, which means a submission hold involving the legs would be in order after such a rough ride. Being illegal, its efficiency cannot be considered directly.