Rage Boost

"Over the limit."

—Alex

Rage Boost is Alex's second V-Trigger in Street Fighter V.

Input

Flying DDT	+
Choke Sleeper	++

Description

Executed by pressing Heavy Punch and Heavy Kick simultaneously, Alex gains access to two of his command throws from Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike.

Alex choking out Cammy using Choke Sleeper.

• Flying DDT: By pressing Heavy Punch and Heavy Kick during V-Trigger, Alex pounces toward his opponent. If he is in range, Alex applies a front facelock and swings around to fall backwards, driving his opponent's head into the ground.

• Choke Sleeper: By pressing down along with Heavy Punch and Heavy Kick during V-Trigger, Alex positions himself behind his opponent. Next, he wraps his arm around his opponent's neck, pressing his biceps against one side of their neck with his forearm against the other side. Alex squeezes his opponent's neck very tightly, causing them to crumble to their knees and fall on their stomach.

Tactics

Alex driving Cammy's head into the ground using Swinging DDT.

During Rage Boost, Alex's throw game becomes stronger, now that he has access to two more command grabs. Both the Flying DDT and the Choke Sleeper cannot be blocked. Like most command throws, they are great for keeping the opponent on their heels, as well as utilizing tick throws. With its fast startup, he can use this move to break down their defenses and deal a large chunk of damage at the same time. Alex can condition his opponent to constantly block his offensive pressure and frame trap normals, and surprise them with his command throw. However, his command throw have a lot of recovery frames, leaving Alex defenseless if he whiffs.

Flying DDT's long range and high damage make it a rewarding option in both neutral and as a combo ender. However, it will not grab the opponent if they are either jumping or crouching, nor does it go through projectiles. Because of this, the Flying DDT can be a liability in the neutral game. Instead, it is better used for converting off stray pokes and as a combo extender, particularly off attacks that force stand such as his Standing Heavy Kick, Lariat, EX Slash Elbow, or Heavy Flash Chop. Proper recognition of whether or not the opponent is standing or not is crucial for Alex, as Flying DDT can turn Alex's neutral tools into major threats.

Choke Sleeper can be used on both standing and crouching opponents. While it deals considerably less damage and stun compared to Flying DDT, it leaves Alex in a much more advantageous position, letting him push a mix up afterwards. Being on par with his EX Power Bomb in startup, Choke Sleeper can be used as an alternative command grab option if Alex wishes to conserve his Critical Gauge.

Performing each command grab will consume 1/6 of Alex's V-Gauge. If he is able to connect with Flying DDT or Choke Sleeper, it drains another 1/6 of his V-Gauge. Alex can use his command throws three times at the most before his V-Gauge is completely depleted.

Gallery

Alex using Flying DDT against Cammy in Street Fighter V.

Alex using Choke Sleeper against Cammy in Street Fighter V.

Alex plants Ibuki.

Demonstrating on Ibuki

Trivia

• Alex's Flying DDT is similar to his Spiral DDT from Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike. It is also based off of a popular wrestling throw called the Tornado DDT.

• Alex's Choke Sleeper is based on a popular professional wrestling move called the Sleeper Hold, which is used by many professional wrestlers such as the late Roddy Piper.
• If Camera Mods are used it can be seen that smaller opponents legs are lifted off the ground to reach the intended camera angle, but taller characters like Zangief, Birdie, and Abigail's feet actually go through the floor so their face could reach the intended angle the camera moves too.