In wrestling, the pin is still the ultimate. It’s like the knockout punch in boxing. No lead is safe when an opponent standing across the mat can still secure a fall.

A pin can bring a crowd to its feet and change the dynamic of a dual or a tournament. It’s a game changer for a team or an individual at every level.

Two of wrestling’s biggest falls happened on the biggest stage. Penn State’s Bo Nickal and Lehigh’s Rob Rohn secured pins during their finals matches at the NCAA Championships.

Their dramatic victories remain an important part of wrestling lore.

For the losing wrestler, it’s a moment of self-reflection. No one wants to get pinned — especially in front of a large crowd.

The winner and the loser will have their say in FloWrestling’s documentary series about the greatest pins ever.

Nickal’s dangerous, no-fear style was the talk of college wrestling at Penn State. He electrified the nation with his colorful personality and big moves.

The former Nittany Lion star recounts his finals fall over Myles Martin during the 2018 NCAA Championships. Penn State and Ohio State were locked in a tight team race with the outcome hinging on the 184-pound final between Nickal and Martin.

This was a rematch of the 2016 NCAA tournament finals where Martin won a thrilling 11-9 match in the 174-pound finals, preventing Nickal from becoming a four-time NCAA champion.

Rohn entered the 2002 NCAA Championships injured with only two falls on the season. The Mountain Hawk senior secured pin after improbable pin following an 8-4 win in the opening round.

The 184-pound final was a foregone conclusion as Oklahoma’s Josh Lambrecht built a 14-2 lead in the third period. What happened next is the stuff of legend, making Rohn an icon in the Lehigh Valley.

Tune in on May 15 to watch the first episode of this incredible new series about wrestling's ultimate weapon: the fall. 

Release schedule

May 15: Bo Nickal over Myles Martin, 2018 NCAA Championship finals
June 15: Rob Rohn over Josh Lambrecht, 2002 NCAA Championship finals