Hi folks. Today, I bring to you a list which was requested from Disqus user
Honourable Mentions
Emerald Flowsion (Fusion): Used by Mitsuharu Misawa, Eddie Edwards, John Cena & others — In the late 90s, while the rest of the world was enjoying the Attitude Era, Japan had Mitsuharu Misawa vs. Kenta Kobashi. From their legendary encounters, two “super finishers” were made famous, with one of them being Misawa’s Emerald Flowsion. There were other finishers he could call upon, but whenever Misawa brought out Emerald Flowsion it was game over for his opponent. Other wrestlers have used this as part of their arsenals, albeit rarely out of respect for the life & career of Misawa.
Frog Splash: Used by Rob Van Dam, Eddie Guerrero, D’Lo Brown & others — I know D’Lo used the Lo Down, but it was a variation of a Frog Splash so it counts. There isn’t anything special about the move itself other than the wrestlers who used, perfected, and made it famous. One of the most known aerial finishers in the game.
Moonsault/Shooting Star Press/Red Arrow/Phoenix Splash/Spiral Tap: Used by Vader, Lita, Evan Bourne (Matt Sydal), Pac (Neville), Hayabusa, AJ Styles & so many more — Moving on to other flying finishers, all of them could’ve easily made it in to the top twenty; especially Hayabusa’s Phoenix Splash. He was doing it long before anyone and helped to innovate the cruiserweight style of wrestling. Vader doing a moonsault? Crazy, but it happened and changed the perception of what heavyweight wrestlers could do.
Styles Clash: Used by AJ Styles — There aren’t many moves in the industry like it. The Styles Clash is a pretty unique move in the way it looks, to the way AJ rolls his opponent for the pin cover. Even the way the opponent takes it is special.
Van Terminator: Used by Rob Van Dam — One of the most devastating moves ever. No one can kick out of this because it would be absurd. You may also know it as Shane McMahon’s “Coast to Coast”, except RVD has a friend or manager hold a chair over his opponent’s face for added brutality.
Vertebreaker: Used by Gregory Shane Helms (The Hurricane), Homicide & more — It is distinctive and rarely seen for some reason. Maybe because of the way a wrestler is dropped head first without being able to see where they are landing. Helms & Homicide never had much trouble with it though.
I could’ve been here all year writing up honourable mentions. If I didn’t mention the Rock Bottom, Chokeslam, or anything else, it’s because it would take forever to get through them all. Let’s get started on the top 20.
#20. School Boy (Roll Up)
Used by: Everyone
We could include any form of roll up pinning maneuver, but the School Boy (or girl) is the most common. Strangely enough, faces use it all the time now, but decades ago it was primarily a heel move after a low blow, or they would grab the tights or ropes in the referee’s blind spot to gain leverage.
There’s also the Small Package pin that can catch wrestlers off guard. I could not include a list of the best finishers of all time without mentioning the roll up, because it has an incredible amount of victories ever since wrestling came in to existence. It is by far the most used move in WWE 24/7 title changes.
#19. Spear / Gore
Used by: Goldberg, Rhino, Edge, Roman Reigns, Lashley, Moose & more
Another weird finish because wrestling never had the Spear in its current form til the late 90s. Then suddenly out of nowhere, Goldberg, Rhino and Edge started using it. Before that, it was used in all kinds of combat sports but was simply referred to as a “shoulder tackle takedown“.
I can’t pinpoint exactly who started it, but it’d make sense if it was Goldberg because his spear is basically a football tackle. The fact that so many have used the Spear successfully gives it a place here. Ever since, it has become ingrained in to bigger wrestlers movesets.
#18. F-5
Used by: Brock Lesnar
The F-5 is nowhere near as protected as other moves on this list… but boy was it a force of nature. I remember when Brock Lesnar debuted , and the first time I saw him throwing guys around with the F-5 I knew he would be special.
“The Next Big Thing” or “The Beast” has made the move so synonymous with himself that any time someone else uses it, we’re reminded of all the times Lesnar did it. That’s when you know you have one of the best finishers ever.
#17. Canadian Destroyer
Used by: Petey Williams, Adam Cole, Dustin Rhodes & more
I feel like if someone in WWE, WCW or even ECW innovated the Canadian Destroyer, it would be more popular and higher on this list. Because it originates with an X-Division wrestler called Petey Williams, the fans who never saw TNA have only ever seen it performed by the likes of Adam Cole (Panama Sunrise), Rey Mysterio and Dustin Rhodes as a regular move.
It is blasphemy what they are doing to one of the greatest finishers to get over outside WWE. Just look at it… that’s what AJ Styles had to deal with when he was an X-Division guy. No one should ever kick out of this. I still don’t get how WWE can allow this and the Tombstone, but not the regular Piledriver.
#16. The People’s Elbow
Used by: The Rock
Can you smell the elbow The Rock is dropping? Wait, that’s now how the catchphrase go… it doesn’t matter how it goes! Because The Rock says you will be in awe of the most electrifying move in sports-entertainment. He’s going to kick the shoulder so the arm flops over… and slowly, very slowly take down The People’s Champ’s elbow pad, turn that sum’bitch sideways… and stick it straight up your candy ass!
Seriously though, while The People’s Elbow is just a fancy elbow drop, it makes the list because if you were a wrestling fan in the 90’s, you were doing this on your friends, your family, your pets, hell, even your homework. You could People’s Elbow just about anything because it was so electrifying. The only reason it isn’t substantially higher is because it could win matches, but it was more of a signature. It also hurts the Rock Bottom as most fans paid to see the People’s Elbow more.
#15. Leg Drop
Used by: Hulk Hogan
Again, if you were a fan in the 80s, the Big Boot in to the Leg Drop was your thing. Every little Hulkamaniac popped huge for that same old Leg Drop. And while it hasn’t aged as nicely as others, it will definitely go down as one of the greatest finishers of all time because it defined an era in the World Wrestling Federation.
Why isn’t it higher? Because by the time the Hulkster got to WCW, the Leg Drop was outdated and became more of a groaning annoyance than something fans would pop for. Wrestling had evolved past the point that a Leg Drop was a believable finisher. Hogan evolved with his Hollywood persona, but wouldn’t change up his moveset to keep with the times.
Hulk Hogan: “When I dropped the leg, and nobody kicked out, it meant something. In the arena nowadays—in professional wrestling—if somebody used a leg drop for a finish, you’d probably have to come off the top of the building to get your opponent to stay down.”
#14. Pedigree
Used by: Triple H, Chyna, Seth Rollins
The Pedigree is one of the most successful finishers in WWE history. It wasn’t as loved as others (of its time) because Triple H was such a heel that fans dreaded it more than anything. You really didn’t want to see your favourite wrestler succumb to the Pedigree, because most of the time they weren’t kicking out… unless you’re The Ultimate Warrior.
And I think that’s what wrestling needed in the Attitude Era. Most of the faces had great finishers, but Triple H had something fans really didn’t want to see for the right reasons. And even after the Attitude Era faded away, the Pedigree continued to be a well-respected and believable finisher. Aside from his work with NXT, it’s probably the one thing I like most about Triple H.
#13. DDT
Used by: Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Raven, and everyone else after
I struggled to place this because I think many underestimate just how popular Jake Roberts’ DDT was. The fans would chant “DDT” during his matches, and I think it was the first in the WWF to get over in this way. It was huge because it was so dangerous, and when Roberts hit the DDT it was all over. Raven continued the tradition by inventing a more deadly variation called the “Evenflow DDT” in ECW.
However, the reason the DDT lacks is that it became yet another wrestling move. Over time, dropping someone on their head became as regular as a forearm strike or a scoop slam. You look back on Jake Roberts’ matches now, and it’s hard to comprehend why the fans are going nuts over a DDT. That’s how much the move has been absorbed in to the way wrestling is presented.
#12. Flying Elbow Drop
Used by: ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage, Shawn Michaels & more
Way back before many of us were alive or old enough to understand, the wrestlers did not fly off the turnbuckle. Maybe you had to go looking for some Japanese wrestling, but in the UK or America there were very few high-flyers.
The “Macho Man” Randy Savage changed wrestling forever by adopting what was then a wild Flying Elbow Drop finisher. It was spectacular, photogenic, and a sight to behold. Much like his persona and the way he dressed, the move was flashy and powerful. Of course, these days a flying elbow drop is more of a tribute to Randy Savage than an actual finisher. But back then, the flying Elbow Drop was certifiably magnificent. It became the first big aerial finisher in wrestling, at least to English-speaking audiences..
#11. Sweet Chin Music (Super Kick)
Used by: Shawn Michaels, Chris Adams, The Young Bucks & more
Steve Austin’s mentor Chris Adams innovated the Super Kick, but it was Shawn Michaels who put his spin on it by tuning up the band. And it made sense for someone of his build to have a finisher like Sweet Chin Music, because he could hit almost anybody with it. The power and quickness of it played in to his opportunistic character.
After that, much like the DDT, the Super Kick became another move in a wrestler’s arsenal. Wrestlers like Lance Storm, Rikishi, and many more started using it while Shawn Michaels was retired. In the present day it’s all about the “Super Kick Party” with the Young Bucks; which is a love it or hate it kind of deal. Very much like HBK in the 90s.
#10. RKO (& Diamond Cutter / Ace Crusher)
Used by: Randy Orton, Diamond Dallas Page, Johnny Ace
I already talked about this in the other article, but in case you missed it. Diamond Dallas Page made the Cutter famous in WCW by bringing it to prominence after Johnny Ace innovated the move in Japan. But it was Randy Orton who took the basic Cutter and took it to another level.
So easy to meme, the “outta nowhere” finisher is great because of the way Orton sets it up. Also, to look great it needs some extra selling from the taker. Speaking of which, The Undertaker sold it better than anyone else. Much like the DDT, the RKO is another move the fans chant for more than the wrestler themselves.
#9. 3D (Dudley Death Drop)
Used by: The Dudley Boyz (Team 3D)
You know a move is majorly over when the fans collectively shout “3D!” before it hits. The Dudley Boyz set it up in such a way… I can’t describe how, but if you saw the 3D enough times you knew exactly when it was happening. And there’s no doubt that the best 3Ds were always through tables.
The 3D is the most popular double team finishing move of the last 22 years or so. There is only one other tag team finish that beats it, but that’s just my opinion! If you want to name the 3D the best tag team finisher of all time, I wouldn’t blame you. After all, it won Bubba Ray & D-Von an extreme amount of championships. Oh, my brother… Testify!
#8. Burning Hammer
Used by: Kenta Kobashi
Another I struggled to place. It could be higher, it could be lower, it depends how much you value and understand Japanese wrestling. I’m no expert, but I know enough to say that the Burning Hammer is absolutely brutal. It’s destructive force is such that you super rarely see it anywhere outside of Japan. Why? Because you’re dropping an opponent in a way that could break their neck if done incorrectly.
By the way, just so we’re clear… Tyler Rek’s finisher was called the Burning Hammer, but it was not the same move. It was modified to be a much safer version of it. Other superstars like Bianca Belair have their own, less dangerous variations. Brian Kendrick is the only man in WWE to ever do a legit Burning Hammer, which is a banned move… but he did it anyways on Kota Ibushi (who kicked out!) in the Cruiserweight Classic.
Kenta Kobashi would super rarely pull it out of the bag to end a long match after exhausting all other options. It’s one of the most protected finishers ever… Kobashi used it only seven times in his career and no one ever kicked out of it. How can you?? It’s the Burning Hammer! I know some fans would scream that this is #1. And I don’t blame them… because the Burning Hammer is probably the scariest finisher in existence.
#7. Swanton Bomb
Used by: Jeff Hardy
Through sheer daredevil antics and not caring one iota for his well-being, Jeff Hardy has made his Swanton Bomb the most popular high-flying finish of all time. I know the Flying Elbow Drop is up there too, but the Swanton has been around longer and still is. Back in the day, my friends and I would try so hard to replicate this move. I only ever saw one guy who could do it right, and no matter how many times I tried it wasn’t happening.
Jeff defies the law of gravity with this move, and maybe one day he will share his secret. The Swanton will mostly be remembered for any time Jeff climbed up a ladder and came crashing down through his opponent’s laying on tables.
#6. Doomsday Device
Used by: The Road Warriors (LOD) & every tag team after
Was there any doubt? The Road Warriors’ Doomsday Device was the first big tag team finisher in wrestling. If you were facing them there was a definite fear. The reason the Doomsday Device is so high is because it paved the way for all other tag team finishers.
Yes, there were the Hart Foundation’s Hart Attack and The Steiner Brothers’ moves, but it was the Doomsday Device setting the trend. Now almost every tag team has a finisher, and we can credit the Legion of Doom for that. Tag team wrestling wouldn’t be the same without it.
#5. Sharpshooter / Scorpion Deathlock / Sasori-Gatame
Used by: Sting, Bret Hart, Riki Choshu, Ronnie Garvin, Ted DiBiase, British Bulldog, Owen Hart, The Rock, Natalya & more
It became the second biggest submission in wrestling. Bruno Sammartino had the Bearhug and Bob Backlund had the Crossface Chickenwing, but they weren’t as exciting as seeing a Sharpshooter from Bret Hart or the Scorpion Deathlock from Sting. But who used it first? And what is the difference between them? Well, the origin story is Japanese wrestler Riki Choshu popularized the Sasori-Gatame. Sting & Ronnie Garvin saw him using it in Japan, so they brought it over to the United States and called it by its original name; the Scorpion Deathlock. With this version however, you lock in the legs but don’t sit all the way back.
Pat Patterson asked Bret Hart if he knew how to do the move, but he didn’t. The only person in the locker room who knew was Konnan, so he taught Bret how to do the Scorpion Deathlock. Bret modified it by sitting back like you would with a Boston Crab. They renamed it The Sharpshooter to match his “Hitman” gimmick and told everyone it was Stu Hart who came up with the move. The rest is history… with a Japanese origin, and a lot of help from Sting & Bret, the Sasori-Gatome became one of the most legendary wrestling holds of all time.
#4. Figure-Four Leg Lock
Used by: Ric Flair, Greg Valentine, Dusty Rhodes, The Miz, Jeff Jarrett & more
The Figure-Four Leg Lock is a tried and true finishing move dating all the way back to the days of “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers; the first WWWF Champion. Naturally, the nickname was not the only thing Ric Flair adopted from Rogers. Outside of pro wrestling, the figure-four without the leg lock is a common move in MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Catch Wrestling.
I love the Figure-Four because of how much you can do with it. Most finishers… you hit them and they’re over. You lock them in and maybe the opponent escapes or they tap out. With the Figure-Four though, it adds more layers. Not only can the wrestlers punch and slap each other while it’s locked in, technically they can both be pinned if they lay their shoulders on the mat. Then there’s the fact you can turn the move over and reverse it. Ric Flair credited Canadian wrestler and booker George Scott for pointing this out.
When a move can be reversed, reversed, and reversed again without breaking the hold, it makes for one of the greatest finishers of all time. And we haven’t even started on the fact it made Ric Flair’s career. I don’t think the Sharpshooter / Scorpion Death Lock would’ve been as great without Flair, because he & Sting helped to put Submission finishers on the map with their memorable bouts in the late 80s. Hart wouldn’t have used the Sharpshooter if it didn’t impress Pat Patterson enough to suggest the idea.
#3. Tombstone Piledriver
Used by: The Undertaker, Kane, Justin Credible
I like a good Piledriver… til it becomes a Tombstone (then I love it!). Dropping a guy on their head is one of the most dangerous things you can do, but it’s believable because it suits the characters of The Undertaker & Kane. So much so that it feels strange being done by anybody else. Take Justin Credible or Kazuchika Okada for example. When it’s not a literal monster standing at almost 7 foot, the Tombstone loses something.
It perfectly suits The Undertaker because if you imagine a casket exactly where he drops his opponent’s, he is literally laying them to rest before crossing their arms for the “Crucifix Pin”. No finishing move could ever be more suited than a Tombstone Piledriver is for The Brothers of Destruction. The fact it took The Undertaker to a record-breaking WrestleMania streak is just one reason it’s in the top three. I’m sure you can figure out the other reasons. Let us know why you think it deserves a top three spot?
#2. The Jackhammer
Used by: Goldberg
Talking about streaks, The Jackhammer is another cataclysmic move of the wrestling world. 173 straight victories, and that’s not including everything that came after. Only 3 wrestlers have ever kicked out of the Jackhammer, and two were accidental. The first was Hulk Hogan in WCW, who kicked out because Kevin Nash was slow to do a run in and break up the pin. And then there was The Undertaker, who took a botched Jackhammer because Goldberg was concussed; making him the first to kick out in WWE.
The last time Brock Lesnar faced Goldberg, he became the first and only man to kick out of a clean Jackhammer, and he handed Bill his first clean loss. The consistency of the Jackhammer is such that it has to be in anyone’s top three. I know Goldberg gets criticism for the way he endangers others with his style, but if there is anything he does really well it’s The Jackhammer. Aside from the one time he was concussed, has he ever messed it up? Even when using it on someone like The Giant (Big Show)? I don’t remember a time. It is the perfect finisher for Goldberg, and easily one of the best of all time.
#1. Stone Cold Stunner
Used by: Stone Cold Steve Austin
How could it be anything else? The Stone Cold Stunner is the single most popular finisher of all time. In the Attitude Era, if you didn’t know about the Stunner or saw someone doing it to a friend, then you must’ve been living under a rock. It wasn’t the most protected move, but it sure as hell was the most beloved. Some shows would end with Stone Cold stunning everything that moves… including referees, before celebrating with his trademark beer bashes.
It wasn’t just about winning matches, but about having fun as well. Austin got really creative with the Stunner, always finding new ways to keep it fresh for the audience. And then there were some wrestlers like The Rock and Scott Hall who humorously oversold the move for dramatic effect. Combined with the middle finger salute, the Stunner was certainly a product of its time. Rebellious. Ruthless. Downright mutinous. It’s hard to imagine wrestling without the Stone Cold Stunner. Oh hell yeah! And that’s the bottom line on the best wrestling finishers of all time… because Stone Cold said so. Feel free to make your own lists in the comments section. Thanks for reading!
