The Boston crab is the fakest move in wrestling. It doesn't hurt even when you're actually trying to hurt someone. There are so many better submissions similar to it but actually hurt, such as: cloverleaf, sharpshooter, liontamer, single-legged Boston crab. It's not rocket science for Pete's sake. I'll never understand why all the young lions in NJPW use it as a finishing move, either.

Deceased said:

The Boston crab is the fakest move in wrestling. It doesn't hurt even when you're actually trying to hurt someone. There are so many better submissions similar to it but actually hurt, such as: cloverleaf, sharpshooter, liontamer, single-legged Boston crab. It's not rocket science for Pete's sake. I'll never understand why all the young lions in NJPW use it as a finishing move, either.

1. It's photogenic.
2. It's iconic.
3. It's easy to do and one of the safest holds that look painful, but actually isn't.

Now, if you want it to actually hurt, you need to pull back hard enough to over-extend the spine while also pushing down real hard on your butt. And then just lean back until you hear something snap under you.