The History Of Wrestling's 450 Splash, Explained

• The 450 splash requires a lot of agility.
• The moves sees wrestlers doing a full 450-degree rotation.
• It requires precise timing.

The 450 splash begins with a wrestler ascending to the top turnbuckle or another elevated vantage point within the ring. The acrobat-like ascent is itself a testament to the agility and balance required for this maneuver. With the audience's collective breath held, the wrestlers meticulously position themselves at the pinnacle of the ring, where they seem to momentarily defy gravity. From this dizzying height, the performer embarks on a freefall, an exhilarating descent that involves a full 450-degree horizontal rotation. To put this into perspective, the rotation entails the wrestler spinning nearly one and a quarter times in the air. The result is a graceful yet audacious movement that astounds spectators.

The success of the 450 splash hinges on impeccable timing and precise execution. As the wrestler launches themselves into the air, they must maintain a controlled spin, aligning their body perfectly to achieve the required rotation. Failure to do so can result in disastrous outcomes. A mistimed 450 splash can lead to a painful landing not only for the opponent but also for the wrestler attempting the move. The risks inherent in the 450 splash are monumental. One of the most palpable dangers is the potential for mistiming, which can result in a bone-jarring impact as the wrestler crashes into the canvas. This can lead to injuries that range from fractures and dislocations to concussions, all of which can prematurely end careers. Wrestlers must remain acutely aware of their surroundings during this aerial maneuver, as the margin for error is razor-thin.

The 450 Splash Is One Of Wrestling's Most Inspiring Moves

It Is A Very Popular Move With Fans

• The move has captured the attention of fans.
• It comes off as a gravity-defying spectacle.
• It has been used in everything from WWE to independent promotions.

Certain moves in pro wrestling become synonymous with the names of the wrestlers who first introduced them. However, the 450 splash stands out as an exception to this rule. It is not the wrestlers who have made it famous; rather, it is the sheer audacity and spectacle of the move itself that has propelled it into the hearts and minds of wrestling fans worldwide. Yet, unlike many wrestling moves, this particular maneuver wasn't confined to the realm of one wrestling superstar.

Over the years, the 450 splash has been embraced by a diverse array of wrestling talents, each adding their own unique flair and style to the move. This versatility is a testament to the move's inherent appeal and adaptability. The reason for its transcendence is clear: the 450 splash is not merely a move; it's a spectacle. It represents the audacious, gravity-defying feats that fans tune in to see. It embodies the heart-pounding excitement, the split-second timing, and the awe-inspiring athleticism that defines professional wrestling at its best.

When a wrestler ascends the ropes and prepares to unleash the 450 splash, fans are drawn into a world of anticipation and excitement, regardless of whose hands the move is in. This adaptability has allowed the 450 splash to seep into every corner of the wrestling world. It has been featured in the biggest stages of professional wrestling, from WWE events to independent promotions and international competitions. Its universal appeal has made it a constant presence, and its execution, irrespective of the performer, remains a thrilling highlight of any wrestling match.

There Is Debate As To Who Invented The 450 Splash

The Move's Origins Have Become A Heated Discussion

• The move continues to be used today by the likes of AJ Styles and Bianca Belair.
• 2 Cold Scorpio and Hayabusa have claimed to be the inventor of the move.
• Scott Steiner used the move only once.

Over the years, many professional wrestlers have adopted it and even put their own spin on it. Bianca Belair, Laredo Kid, AJ Styles, Mustafa Ali, Sami Zayn, Swerve Strickland, and more have all used it. In addition, Scott Steiner even used the move one time in the 1980s. He even claimed to have been the first one to do it. In a Going Ringside interview, Steiner said:

"I was the first one [to do it], I did in '86 or '87 while I was wrestling Dick the Bruiser. I didn't like the way I landed so I never did it again." (h/t Wrestling Inc)

2 Cold Scorpio has also claimed to have been the one to have invented the move. Hayabusa has also been given credit for innovating the move. But, either way, many have played a major role in popularizing the 450 splash.

There Are Several Versions Of The 450 Splash

It Is A Complex Wrestling Move

• The move has evolved over the years.
• Many wrestlers put their own spin on it, like with the corkscrew and inverted 450 splash.
• Some use a springboard to get more height on it.

The 450 splash has undergone a fascinating evolution, giving rise to an array of captivating variations. One of the most remarkable variations of the 450 splash is the corkscrew version. In this iteration, the wrestler begins with the standard setup, ascending to the top turnbuckle or another elevated platform. However, before initiating the rotation, they incorporate a 360-degree corkscrew twist while in mid-air. This dramatic addition not only enhances the visual appeal but also elevates the technical difficulty, making it a move that truly wows the audience. Next, the inverted 450 splash takes the maneuver to a different level of complexity. Here, the wrestler begins the 450 splash setup but faces upward, executing a backflip during the aerial rotation.

Some wrestlers take the 450 splash to even greater heights by incorporating a springboard into the maneuver. By using the ropes for added momentum, they launch themselves into the breathtaking rotation. For those who seek to push the boundaries of the 450 splash even further, the inverted corkscrew version offers an exhilarating challenge. This move combines elements of the inverted and corkscrew variations, requiring the wrestler to execute a backflip while incorporating a 360-degree corkscrew twist.