What is a full nelson?

A full nelson is a wrestling hold where one person locks their hands around the back of an opponent's neck and head while the opponent is face down on the mat. The person applying the hold then uses their arms to lift the opponent's head and neck, putting pressure on the cervical spine. This hold is typically used to control and immobilize an opponent in a grappling or wrestling match.

The full nelson is considered a dangerous and potentially injurious hold in wrestling, as it puts significant pressure on the opponent's neck and can cause strain or injury if applied incorrectly. It is often restricted or banned in certain amateur wrestling competitions to prevent potential harm to the participants.

In professional wrestling, the full nelson is commonly used as a submission hold or a transitional move to set up other maneuvers or holds. It is often portrayed as a painful and effective hold that can quickly incapacitate an opponent if applied correctly.