United States Olympian Kennedy Blades has stunned the fans as she hit a German Suplex on her opponent Romania’s Catalina Axente during their 76kg Round of 16 freestyle wrestling match. She was awarded five points for the suplex and she was up 6-0 when she hit the move. Blades picked up the two-time European Championship bronze medalist from behind and dropped her on the neck with the suplex. She emerged victorious with a dominant 11-0 victory.
Meanwhile, things didn’t turn out too well for Axente as she was taken off on a stretcher. The nasty fall led to the medical staff quickly rushing towards her. The Romanian was tended and there was concern regarding her health.
Kennedy Blades hits German Suplex
You may have see this in movies but this is reality. 🤯
Kennedy Blades hits Romania's Catalina Axente with an absolutely brutal German Suplex in their women's freestyle 76kg match.
I hope see is fine!#Paris2024 #wrestling pic.twitter.com/4BhPspnjMI
— Sports with naveen (@sportswnaveen) August 10, 2024
Blades is a rising star and has been performing incredibly in recent years. She won the U20 World Championships in 2021 and even booked her spot in Paris Olympics 2024 by defeating Tokyo silver medalist Adeline Gray. Kennedy Blades moved into the semifinals after she defeated Carid de la Milaimy Potrille Marin in the quarter-finals. The 20-year-old will now face Aiperi Medet Kyzy in the semifinals.
What is a German Suplex?
Wikipedia explains: “This move sees the wrestler stand behind the opponent, grab them around their waist, lift them up, and fall backwards while bridging their back and legs, slamming the opponent down to the mat shoulder and upper back first. The wrestler keeps the waistlock and continues bridging with their back and legs, pinning the opponent’s shoulders down against the mat.”
German Suplex has been a popular signature move in pro wrestling as well. Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle and former Olympian Chad Gable are among the many wrestlers who have widely used the move. Apart from Angle and Gable, WWE has managed to sign several former Olympic stars including Gable Steveson. It is needless to say that Kennedy Blades’ display of power and athleticism is quite impressive and she has definitely put WWE on notice with her performance.