Throughout the history of professional wrestling, the Human Torture Rack has been one of the genre’s most potent and visually punishing moves. Its origins trace back to the mid-20th century, as wrestling was evolving from a sport into an entertainment spectacle. Yet despite its dramatic impact, the Human Torture Rack has regrettably faded into near obscurity.

Ironically, the hold was born not from a menacing brute. Instead, it was the brainchild of Argentina’s Antonino Rocca, the WWE Hall of Famer and fan favorite who became famous for his high-flying style in the 1950s. Initially known as the Argentine Backbreaker, Rocca executed the maneuver by hoisting his opponent onto his shoulders in an inverted fireman’s carry. As he settled his foe’s weight, Rocca applied pressure to his opponent’s neck and spine by cranking on their chin and leg before vigorously rocking up and down, amplifying its intense effect.

Then, in the mid-1980s, the Argentine Backbreaker exploded in popularity thanks to two of the era’s most physically imposing performers.

In WWE, it became the finishing move of Hercules Hernandez, a strongman whose physique and power earned him the name of one of Greek mythology’s most famous heroes. Meanwhile, Lex Luger adopted the hold, renaming it the Human Torture Rack, while wrestling for Jim Crockett Promotions and the National Wrestling Alliance, where he grew into a star and world title challenger.

Both men executed the hold similarly to Rocca’s technique, but Luger’s rendition stood out for its notably aggressive nature. Like Rocca, he would jerk up and down while gripping his opponent’s torso. However, Luger executed the move with such violent intensity that his opponents seemed like ragdolls in his grasp. In contrast, Hercules occasionally dropped to his knees immediately after his opponent submitted, creating the illusion that he had shattered their spine and spirit with a sudden, impactful descent.

Interestingly enough, two iconic images of the devastating submission move depict the intense torment of Hulk Hogan, a pivotal figure in wrestling’s ‘80s boom and ‘90s revival, adding to the dramatic lore of the Rack.

In November 1986, millions tuned into Saturday Night’s Main Event and were stunned as Hercules effortlessly hoisted the 300-pound WWE Champion across his shoulders, putting immense pressure on Hogan and his Hulkamaniacs. Believing Hogan had submitted, Hercules released the hold. Announcer Jesse Ventura magnified the drama by claiming Hogan quit. The Hulkster, however, hadn’t given up, and his release from the move allowed him time to recover and retain his title.

But Hogan’s luck would run out against the Rack in August 1997. At the height of WCW’s war with the New World Order, Hogan, a villain at this time, defended the WCW Championship against Lex Luger on an episode of Monday Nitro. As the match reached its peak, Luger locked Hogan in the Rack in the center of the ring. After several excruciating moments, Hogan finally succumbed. The scene was made more memorable by referee Randy “Pee Wee” Anderson’s shocked reaction as Hogan gave in.

Despite its decline in prominence, the Human Torture Rack remains a pivotal part of wrestling history. Today, it appears briefly in Bianca Belair’s setup for her finisher, The K.O.D., where she transitions from a standing backbreaker to slamming her opponent face-first to the mat. However, as wrestling evolves, one wonders if a future strongman will resurrect this formidable maneuver, restoring it to its former glory.