Ground-and-pound was popularized by early champion Mark Coleman as a reliable tactic to neutralize stand-up strikers.

When a stand-up striker is too dangerous on their feet, the wrestler takes the fight to the floor. This strategy relies on taking the opponent down and maintaining a dominant grappling position to strike from above. First demonstrated effectively by Mark Coleman, this tactic takes away the opponent's leverage. It forces them into a defensive struggle for survival where they cannot use their boxing or kicking skills.