The Boston crab is a professional wrestling hold that typically starts with one wrestler lying in a supine position on the mat, with the other wrestler standing and facing them. It is a type of spinal lock where the wrestler hooks each of the opponent’s legs in one of their arms and then turns the opponent face-down, stepping over them in the process. The final position has the wrestler in a semi-sitting position and facing away from the opponent, with the opponent’s back and legs bent back toward their head. The original name for the maneuver was the Backbreaker, before that term became known for its current usage. In modern wrestling, the Boston crab is not treated as a lethal submission maneuver, even though it was considered a match-ending hold in the past. In submission grappling, the Boston crab (generally the half Boston crab) can be used to set up a straight ankle lock. On September 30, 2017, Jonno Mears became the first fighter in mixed martial arts history to win a fight with the Boston crab. Variations Twist of Fate Somewhat similar to the cross-legged Boston Crab, this move sees the attacking wrestler cross both of the opponent's legs before stepping over so that the opponent stays flat on their back, while the attacker twists the defender's body. Not to be confused with Matt and Jeff Hardy's finisher, which is a Front Facelock Cutter. Boston crab with knee Similar to a normal Boston crab, this move sees the attacking wrestler use a single knee to add additional pressure by pressing it into the opponent's back. An elevated variation, best known as Chris Jericho's Liontamer, also exists. Cross-legged Boston crab This variation of a normal Boston crab sees the attacking wrestler get a hold of both of the opponent's feet, then crossing both legs over before tucking both legs under its same armpit (i.e. left leg under wrestler’s left armpit). After completing this, the attacking wrestler turns the opponent face-down, stepping over them in the process to secure the hold. Elevated Boston crab Similar to a normal Boston crab, this move sees the attacking wrestler stand farther back. The step-back allows additional pressure to be placed on the opponent's back from the higher angle, hence the name. This move is best known as Chris Jericho's Walls of Jericho. Inverted Boston crab The wrestler grabs the legs of an opponent lying