First wrestler to "Tap-out"
 

When someone used to be put into a submission back in the day (early 1990's) they would scream "I give up" or "I quit" or whatever was necessary. I will therefore assume that the tap-out law didn't apply back then unless someone can correct me.

Therefore, my question is: When was the tap-out rule introduced and who was the first person to tap?

As I understand it, the whole tapping out thing started when Ken Shamrock was signed. The guys in UFC tap out when they submit (I think) and so they brought that to wrestling. It's a hell of a lot better than the old "I give up" in my opinion. As for the first guy, I have no idea - maybe his first opponent? :-\

You're right. The whole UFC deal really was played up in the WWF at that point.

Tapping is incredibly common in real martial arts and sports, and WWE was looking for a less cartoony "reality," so the transition made sense.

I don't remember who the first guy was, but I remember JR playing it up as though it was something special (the difference between submitting and tapping).

My bet would be Owen Hart tapping in the Lion's Den match at SummerSlam 1997. I don't remember if he did lose, but I think he was the first to tap out and I think that was the first "Tap Out" match.

I could be wrong, though.

Yep thats what I remember as well.

I think Vader tapped out at the Cold Day in Hell PPV in Shamrock's PPV debut.

I MADE YOUR MOM TAP OUT WOOOOOOOOOO

I made Jesus tap out.

Of course, he did curse my balls to forever be on fire afterwards.

That was Lita. Stop getting drunk after church...

It's a habit. The priests used to have to liquor me up pretty bigtime.

That was the first official match, I believe, but I know on the Raw before Wrestlemania 13(where Shamrock was a special ref) Billy Gunn attacked him and Shamrock took him down and put him in an anklelock, and I believe Gunn tapped. It wasn't official though.


EDIT: Wow that is one terrible run-on sentence

So now you dont need to be liquored up?

I'm not in their age range anymore. :(

Xero was the first candy ass to tap out to my whoop ass submission manuver

Well, at least theres lita

You tapped his candy ass?

GAY.