The cross-face is a wedge that thwarts an opponent's double- or single-leg takedown. As a defensive wrestling countermove, the technique uses a fighter's forearm as a barrier between the fighter's body and his opponent's head. The wedge allows the competitor to rotate the opponent's head in a direction that is opposite of his forward driving motion. By cranking his head and putting pressure on his neck, the cross-face prevents an adversary from securing his takedown.