What Is STF in WWE?By Coder| September 29, 2023 Wrestling Blogs What Is STF in WWE? The STF is a submission hold commonly used in professional wrestling, particularly in WWE. It stands for Stepover Toehold Facelock. This move is also referred to as the STFU, which stands for Stepover Toehold FaceUnlock. The Execution of the STF To execute the STF, a wrestler begins by stepping over their opponent’s leg and placing their leg across the opponent’s face. The wrestler then applies pressure by pulling back on their opponent’s head while leaning back. This maneuver puts immense pressure on the opponent’s neck, face, and jaw. The STF can be performed in various ways depending on the wrestler’s style and preference. Some wrestlers may choose to grapevine their legs around the opponent’s legs to secure a tighter hold, while others may use their free arm to add additional leverage. A Brief History of the STF The origin of the STF can be traced back to Japanese professional wrestling. It was popularized by Japanese wrestling legend Riki Choshu in the 1980s. Choshu modified an existing submission hold called the “Sleeper Hold” to create what is now known as the STF. In WWE, it was former world champion John Cena who made the move famous. Cena adopted this submission hold as one of his signature maneuvers and has used it extensively throughout his career. Variations and Similar Moves Like many other wrestling moves, variations of the STF have been developed over time by different wrestlers. Some variations include: The Crossface STF: This variation combines the STF with another popular submission hold called the “Crossface.” The wrestler applies both holds simultaneously, increasing the pressure on their opponent. The Anaconda Vise: While not technically an STF, it is worth mentioning as it shares similarities with the move. The Anaconda Vise is a submission hold where the wrestler uses their arm to trap and compress the opponent’s head, neck, and shoulder. Notable Superstars Who Have Used the STF As mentioned earlier, John Cena is perhaps the most well-known wrestler associated with the STF. He used this move as one of his primary finishers throughout his career. Other notable superstars who have utilized the STF include: Riki Choshu Hiroshi Tanahashi CM Punk In Conclusion The STF is a submission hold that has become synonymous with WWE superstar John Cena. Its combination of technical skill and brute force makes it an effective maneuver in the wrestling ring. With its origins in Japanese wrestling and its adaptation by various wrestlers worldwide, the STF continues to be a popular and impactful move in professional wrestling.
