Big Dave discusses his signature lariat.
The southern wrestling scene has been subject to Big Dave's signature lariat for nearly four years at this point. In 2025 alone, the finishing manuever has helped Dave score wins over names like Moses and Alex Kane.
While speaking with Jeremy Lambert and Stephen Jensen of Fightful Overbooked's Spotlight podcast for a new interview, Dave talked about the manuever and explained the meaning of the name.
"It’s a finishing move, I’m trying to kill em when I cock the arm back. I’ve always had naturally broad shoulders and long lanky arms, so I figured if I wrap it around someone’s head, that would put them down for the count. Once I figured it out and honing it in and getting it in the sweet spot, which is [right in the face], it was working, so why not do it? Spirit of 99, I was just thinking, ‘That sounds like it could be an old country song.’ I’m pretty sure I was listening to The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald or something like that. ‘Spirit of 99 sounds like an airplane that crashed carrying some important people.’ Now, I’m going to hit it and you’re going to think, ‘That would make a hell of a country song.’ Spirit of 99 are truly the friends we’ve made along the way."
Elsewhere in the interview, Dave praised independent star Cabana Man Dan. Check out his full comments by clicking here.
Fans can check out Fightful's full interview with Big Dave by checking out the video linked at the top of this article.
