Chris Adams: The Master of the Moonsault and Innovator of High-Flying Technique

Introduction

Chris Adams (born September 25, 1955) is an American retired professional wrestler who made his mark as one of the pioneers of high-flying and innovative aerial techniques in the 1980s and 1990s. His signature move, the Moonsault, became synonymous with his name and left an enduring legacy in the world of professional wrestling.

Early Life and Career

Adams was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and began his wrestling career in the late 1970s. He quickly gained recognition for his athleticism and flashy style, which included high-risk maneuvers that were uncommon at the time.

In 1981, Adams joined Mid-South Wrestling, where he became a key figure in the promotion's "Superdome Superstars" era. He feuded with top stars such as Ted DiBiase and Jim Duggan and established himself as one of the most popular wrestlers in the region.

The Birth of the Moonsault

During his time in Mid-South, Adams developed the Moonsault, a move where he would leap off the top rope and execute a backflip while simultaneously delivering a flying elbow drop. The move became his trademark and earned him the nickname "The Master of the Moonsault."

The Moonsault was an instant hit with fans and revolutionized the way wrestlers approached aerial maneuvers. Adams used the move effectively in high-profile matches, including his memorable battle against Ric Flair in the main event of the 1986 Starrcade event.

International Success

Adams' talent and innovative style caught the attention of international promotions. In 1985, he joined the Japanese wrestling giant New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). He formed a popular tag team with Tiger Mask and feuded with top wrestlers like Riki Choshu and Akira Maeda.

Adams also competed in Mexico for the Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre (EMLL) and in Canada for Stampede Wrestling. He became a renowned international star and helped spread his high-flying style to a global audience.

The Midnight Express

In 1986, Adams returned to the United States and joined Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP). He formed the legendary tag team The Midnight Express with Dennis Condrey. The duo became one of the most successful and influential tag teams in professional wrestling history.

The Midnight Express captured the NWA United States Tag Team Championship four times and headlined numerous major events. They feuded with some of the biggest names in the industry, including The Road Warriors, The Four Horsemen, and The Steiner Brothers.

Later Career and Legacy

Adams continued to wrestle throughout the 1990s, competing in various promotions and mentoring young wrestlers. He retired from the ring in 1997 due to injuries.

Chris Adams' legacy as an innovator and pioneer in professional wrestling is undeniable. His high-flying style and signature Moonsault inspired countless wrestlers and helped change the face of the sport. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018.

Impact and Influence

Adams' impact on professional wrestling can be seen in the widespread adoption of high-flying techniques and aerial maneuvers. His Moonsault became a standard move in the arsenal of many wrestlers, and his innovative style paved the way for the rise of "cruiserweight" divisions in various promotions.

Some of the wrestlers who have cited Chris Adams as an influence include:

• Rey Mysterio
• Ricochet
• Will Ospreay
• Kenny Omega
• Roman Reigns

Statistics and Rankings

Career Highlights:

• NWA United States Tag Team Championship (4 times) with Dennis Condrey
• WCW World Tag Team Championship (2 times) with Dennis Condrey
• PWF Heavyweight Championship (3 times)
• NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

Rankings:

• PWI Ranked #51 of the Top 500 Singles Wrestlers in the PWI Years (2003)
• Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Top 100 Tag Teams of the PWI Years: #15 with Dennis Condrey (2003)

Tables

Table 1: Chris Adams' Championship History

Table 2: Chris Adams' Most Notable Feuds

Table 3: Chris Adams' High-Profile Matches

Effective Strategies

Chris Adams' innovative style included a combination of:

• High-flying maneuvers: Moonsault, top rope elbow drop, diving clothesline
• Quick and agile movements: Dropkick, flying forearm smash, superkick
• Technical wrestling: Holds, suplexes, mat work

Pros:

• Audience appeal: Adams' high-flying style and athleticism made him a fan favorite.
• Innovation: His Moonsault and other signature moves revolutionized aerial maneuvers.
• Longevity: Adams remained a top star throughout the 1980s and 1990s despite multiple injuries.

Cons:

• Risk: Adams' high-flying style often led to injuries.
• Size limitation: As a smaller wrestler, Adams sometimes struggled to compete with larger opponents.
• Consistency: Adams' ability to perform his high-flying moves effectively could vary from match to match.

FAQs

1. What is Chris Adams' signature move?
A: The Moonsault

2. What promotion is Chris Adams most associated with?
A: Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP)

3. When was Chris Adams inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame?
A: 2018

4. What is the name of Chris Adams' tag team with Dennis Condrey?
A: The Midnight Express

5. How many times did The Midnight Express win the NWA United States Tag Team Championship?
A: 4

6. What was the nickname of Chris Adams?
A: The Master of the Moonsault

Call to Action

If you are a fan of Chris Adams and high-flying wrestling, consider:

• Watching his matches online or on DVD.
• Reading books or articles about his career.
• Attending wrestling events where his legacy is celebrated.