senton

Senton is a professional wrestling aerial technique in which the attacker leaps or dives onto an opponent and lands on the opponent’s torso. The move is used to wear down an opponent or deliver a high-impact strike and is typically executed from elevated positions such as the turnbuckle, ringside area, or a springboard.

There are several variants:

- Front senton: the wrestler launches forward, lands chest-first on the opponent, driving impact with the torso.

- Back senton: the wrestler jumps backward, rotates in the air, and lands back-first on the opponent’s chest or torso.

- Diving or top-rope senton: performed from the ropes or another height, with the attacker leaving the height to land on the opponent, often with greater impact.

Variations may involve changes in leg position or transitions into other moves, depending on the wrestler’s style and the match context.

Technique and safety:

Executing a senton requires precise timing with the opponent to ensure proper contact and to mitigate injury. Mis-timing can be hazardous to both participants, with risks including neck, spine, rib, and internal injuries. Practitioners train on padded setups, use spotters when appropriate, and emphasize ring awareness and controlled impact.

In cultural context:

The senton is widely used across wrestling promotions, including mainstream and independent circuits, and can function as a dramatic finisher, setup, or crowd-pleasing spot depending on the wrestler and storyline.