The History of the Alabama Slam

Pro wrestling has been considered “fake” since news broke about it being scripted and the winner is pre-determined. One thing about pro wrestling that isn’t “fake” are the moves. Despite the wrestlers being trained to protect themselves during wrestling maneuvers, they still feel the pain.

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One of the most painful wrestling move is the Alabama Slam also known as The Double Leg Slam, a wrestling maneuver where a wrestler grabs by both of their legs and slam them face first. This move was named to Bleacher Report’s WWE’s 50 Most Painful Wrestling Moves in History in 2011 coming in at No. 48 on the list.

The Alabama Slam was made famous by “Hardcore” Bob Holly during World Wrestling Entertainment’s most popular and best years financially, Attitude Era, during late 90’s and early 2000’s. During this time, Hardcore Holly was being billed from Mobile, Alabama by the San Diego, CA despite being Glendale, CA in real life. Holly used the doubled leg slam that he called the Alabama Slam to win most of his matches and he won a lot. He’s a multiple time WWF and NWA tag champion and held the infamous WWF Hardcore Championship on six occasions. He would go on to pass down the move to his former tag partner, Cody Rhodes.

Rhodes is the son of  the legendary, late great “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes and little brother to “The Natural” Dustin Rhodes formerly known as “Goldust” in the WWE. Rhodes currently wrestles for WWE’s biggest rivals, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) where he also serves as its Executive Vice President. While he doesn’t use the move as his finisher like his former tag partner and mentor once did, he still uses it effectively to wear down his opponents.