A chokeslam, or in Japanese, a "nodowa otoshi", refers to a type of body slam in professional wrestling in which the wrestler grasps their opponent's neck, lifts them up, and slams them to the mat. It is common in televised wrestling because it is simple and relatively safe, yet looks powerful on camera. The chokeslam is typically used as a finisher by large wrestlers, further enhancing its perception as a powerful maneuver. This maneuver can be more damaging if the victim is slammed into an object, such as a table, steel chair, or garbage can.
The most common variety of chokeslam is performed with a single-handed choke. The wrestler places their free hand behind the opponent's back to help turn them horizontally for the throw. Although a chokeslam begins with a "choke", it is not usually considered to be an illegal move. The single arm choke that normally precedes a chokeslam is known as a goozle.
Notable users of the chokeslam include Sid Vicious, the Undertaker, Kane, the Hurricane, and the Big Show.
Sometimes, instead of the simple chokeslam, the attacking wrestler fall into a sitting position while slamming the opponent when initiating the move for more impact. This version is usually referred to as a chokebomb, a cross between the normal chokeslam and a powerbomb.
