When Criss Angel was preparing for his next escape act, he sought some advice from someone not in the world of magic, but from the world of mixed martial arts as he called on the help of UFC Hall of Famer and former champion Randy Couture.

The stunt that the street magician had ahead of him was the ‘Upside down Tandem Double Straight Jacket’ escape, which as the name suggests required Criss suspending upside down in not one but two strait jackets, with the addition of a 45lb weight attached to a noose around his neck in a race against the clock to escape them all before he passes out suspending over a live audience.

Wanting an extra edge, Criss consulted Randy Couture on anything he could do to condition his neck to slow down the effects of being choked out. I’ve been doing a lot of neck exercises, shoulder shrugs, traps.

Couture didn’t seem too confident I don’t physiologically if there’s anything you can actually train to protect that carotid (artery) so that blood flow keeps going to your brain.
Always one to put himself on the line, Criss opted to feel the effects for himself and within a few seconds of having the rear naked choke applied he was predictably put to sleep by the former champion.

Criss would successfully complete the act but aggravated a shoulder injury in the process of the stunt.

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About Criss Angel: Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos, better known by the stage name Criss Angel, is an American magician and illusionist. Angel began his career in New York City, before moving his base of operations to the Las Vegas Valley. He is known for starring in the television and stage show Criss Angel Mindfreak and his live performance illusion show Criss Angel Believe in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil at the Luxor casino in Las Vegas. [Source: wiki]