Rope Break

[Stone Cold Tea]

Now admittedly I don't see as much wrestling as I used to. I watch all the PPVs but not as much Raw and Smackdown. When was the last time someone got pinned and grabbed the rope instead of the shoulder up? This can add a nice little bit to the match but i can't remember the last time I saw it.

So is it still used often?
And if not do you guys think i'm making an issue out of nothing?
Or do you agree and feel as last second rope grab adds something?

 

[Softcore Holly]

I'm guessing the wrestlers "plan" it that way since you don't want to give your opponent a really easy way to break out of your pin. It actually annoys me a little when someone locks on a submission too close to the ropes and the victim has to tuck in their arms while selling the move, before finally realizing they can simply extend their arms as easily as a normal person does while holding a remote to reach the ropes.

Anyway once a while a wrestler using their legs to force a rope break is fine since legs are naturally longer and harder to compensate for, it's better as a heel thing since they're using a rule to escape defeat but at the same time it's not nearly as dramatic as a kickout, so that's why it's not used that often.

 

[Stone Cold Tea]

I'm guessing the wrestlers "plan" it that way since you don't want to give your opponent a really easy way to break out of your pin. It actually annoys me a little when someone locks on a submission too close to the ropes and the victim has to tuck in their arms while selling the move, before finally realizing they can simply extend their arms as easily as a normal person does while holding a remote to reach the ropes.

Anyway once a while a wrestler using their legs to force a rope break is fine since legs are naturally longer and harder to compensate for, it's better as a heel thing since they're using a rule to escape defeat but at the same time it's not nearly as dramatic as a kickout, so that's why it's not used that often.

I think it can be more dramatic than a kickout though. If a wrestler grabs the rope as the hand is about to hit 3 it can really sell the damage in the match. The lack of use makes me think certain wrestler lack in ring psychology and story telling these days.

 

[Wrestlingaholic]

If you rewatch the Sting v Triple H match, when H wins, he pins Sting right next to the ropes. Mindful of this, and presumably how fans wouldn't accept Sting NOT grabbing the ropes, H very obviously not only hooked the leg but physically tucked in Sting's arm as well.

What this adds to the discussion, I don't know, but it's just something I noticed at Wrestlemania

 

[Softcore Holly]

I think it can be more dramatic than a kickout though. If a wrestler grabs the rope as the hand is about to hit 3 it can really sell the damage in the match. The lack of use makes me think certain wrestler lack in ring psychology and story telling these days.

I don't see it, mainly because it's a hell of a lot easier to grab a rope than kick out with someone on top of you. Like the kick out takes actual effort, which sells a hard hitting match much better since

1. It being close to 3 shows how much damage has been done and
2. Shows that they still have fight in them despite everything that happened.

Compared to grabbing a nearby rope, which just shows that you have a working arm and are aware of your surroundings.

 

[Mustang Sally]

The lack of use makes me think certain wrestler lack in ring psychology and story telling these days.

I'll buy that, yet I tend to think of it as more of a "macho" thing. In the late 80's and early 90's, there was more grabbing for the ropes, both by good guys and bad, yet the announcers would explain the move in an almost apologetic tone, assuring us that the "Some of the greatest wrestlers in history used the ropes to get out of trouble."

Back then, bad guys were completely bad; they had no virtues at all, while good guys were as pure as fallen snow. Today, the lines are blurred and even heels are capable of courageous acts. Therefore, it's considered more manly to power out of a solid pin attempt than taking the wimpy way out by {sneer} reaching for the ropes.

I can almost hear Arnold Schwarzenegger: "You reach for the ropes? Girly-man!"

 

[Stone Cold Tea]

I don't see it, mainly because it's a hell of a lot easier to grab a rope than kick out with someone on top of you. Like the kick out takes actual effort, which sells a hard hitting match much better since

1. It being close to 3 shows how much damage has been done and
2. Shows that they still have fight in them despite everything that happened.

Compared to grabbing a nearby rope, which just shows that you have a working arm and are aware of your surroundings.

How can you not see it when you have basically just said what I have?

Them grabbing the ropes sells the damage of the move and shows it hurt them so bad the only way they can break the pin is a leg/grab the rope at the last second.

 

[Stone Cold Tea]

If you rewatch the Sting v Triple H match, when H wins, he pins Sting right next to the ropes. Mindful of this, and presumably how fans wouldn't accept Sting NOT grabbing the ropes, H very obviously not only hooked the leg but physically tucked in Sting's arm as well.

What this adds to the discussion, I don't know, but it's just something I noticed at Wrestlemania

I'm glad you mentioned that because that's the match that brought this to my mind. I accepted it asSting been knocked clean out as why he didn't grab the rope though.

 

[Softcore Holly]

How can you not see it when you have basically just said what I have?

Them grabbing the ropes sells the damage of the move and shows it hurt them so bad the only way they can break the pin is a leg/grab the rope at the last second.

That or they're just taking the easy way out. Why kick out when you can just grab the ropes? I see your point but I would only use it as a delaying the inevitable situation like Owens vs Sami's first match or most ppl vs Brock, otherwise a kick out works better in just about every other situation

 

[Stone Cold Tea]

That or they're just taking the easy way out. Why kick out when you can just grab the ropes? I see your point but I would only use it as a delaying the inevitable situation like Owens vs Sami's first match or most ppl vs Brock, otherwise a kick out works better in just about every other situation

I suppose it comes down to preference. IMO it can be used to put over the hardhitting nature of the match. Admittidley i wouldn't wanna see it in every match. Just occasionaly.

 

[Mudlup50]

I do agree with your point, when I picture someone doing it I picture Edge doing it. He's so knocked out and exhausted he just can't get his shoulder up so he sets his leg on the rope and the ref has to break the pin up. Or maybe the ref doesn't see it and now Edge has legit gripe for why he lost. I think it adds more to the product, don't know why it stopped exactly but it should return!