| Name | Blackman Lock |
| Type | Submission hold |
| Target | Elbow • Shoulder |
| Innovator | |
| Reputation | Considered one of the most devastating finishers in wrestling history, known for high potential to cause career-ending injuries |
| Description | A devastating joint manipulation technique combining brutal attacks on the vulnerable elbow and shoulder joints |
The "Blackman Lock" was a devastating submission hold utilized by American professional wrestler Steve Blackman, known by his moniker "The Lethal Weapon." Combining Blackman's extensive martial arts expertise with his ruthless, no-holds-barred wrestling style, the Blackman Lock was widely regarded as one of the most dangerous and effective finishing maneuvers in the history of the sport.
The Blackman Lock was a hybrid joint lock that primarily targeted the elbow and shoulder of the opponent. Blackman would trap the opponent's arm, hyperextending the elbow while applying intense torque and pressure to the shoulder joint. The precise mechanics of the hold were derived from Blackman's extensive training in various martial arts disciplines, including karate, judo, and jiu-jitsu.
The Blackman Lock was notorious for its excruciating pain and high potential to cause serious, career-threatening injuries. Opponents who fell victim to the hold were often unable to continue the match, with many suffering torn ligaments, dislocated joints, or even fractured bones. Blackman's ability to apply the Blackman Lock with devastating force and precision was a key part of his ruthless, no-nonsense in-ring persona.
As one of the most legitimately dangerous wrestlers of his era, Blackman built a formidable reputation for his hard-hitting, martial arts-inspired offense and the dreaded Blackman Lock. Opponents often tried in vain to escape the hold, with many resorting to desperate measures like eye gouging or biting to break free.
Blackman's mastery of the Blackman Lock was a key component of his success in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) (later WWE) during the 1980s and 1990s. He utilized the submission hold to capture multiple singles and tag team championships, often applying it to vanquish even the most resilient foes.
The Blackman Lock cemented Blackman's status as one of the most intense, hard-nosed performers in wrestling history. His ability to blend technical wrestling expertise with brutal, high-impact strikes and submissions made him a fan favorite, as well as an intimidating figure that many competitors avoided at all costs.
Even after his retirement in the early 2000s, the Blackman Lock remains an iconic signature move in the annals of professional wrestling. It is remembered as the devastating finisher of one of the toughest, most believable "tough guys" the sport has ever seen.
The hold's sheer brutality and effectiveness have inspired countless imitators and homages from later generations of wrestlers. It is regarded as one of the most impactful and influential submission holds to ever be used in the squared circle. The Blackman Lock's lasting legacy continues to loom large over the wrestling world, a testament to the fearsome in-ring presence of "The Lethal Weapon" himself.
