From the thunderous crash of the Stone Cold Stunner to the devastating RKO, these signature moves have left an indelible mark on professional wrestling history.
10. The People’s Elbow – The Rock
What started as a mockery of other wrestlers’ moves became The Rock’s most electrifying finisher. While not the most devastating move technically, its theatrical build-up and crowd participation made it iconic.
The Rock first debuted this move in 1997, and it became his signature by 1999. The move’s true power lay in its ability to electrify audiences worldwide, with fans mimicking the move’s setup in unison with The Great One.
9. The Tombstone Piledriver – The Undertaker
For three decades, The Deadman’s finish spelled doom for countless opponents. The Undertaker perfected this move, making it particularly devastating by dropping to his knees instead of a sitting position.
He first used it in his WWE debut at Survivor Series 1990. The move became so synonymous with The Undertaker that it contributed to his legendary WrestleMania streak, with countless matches ending via this dreaded finisher. At WrestleMania 25, his Tombstone to Shawn Michaels created one of wrestling’s greatest moments.
8. Sweet Chin Music – Shawn Michaels
The superkick that launched a thousand imitators. HBK’s tuning up the band sequence created unmatched anticipation. This move helped define the New Generation Era and became synonymous with big match moments.
Michaels began using it regularly during his singles run in 1992. The move’s most infamous moment came at Survivor Series 1997 during the Montreal Screwjob. Its impact on modern wrestling can’t be understated, with countless wrestlers incorporating superkicks into their arsenals.
7. The Stunner – Stone Cold Steve Austin
The most popular finisher of the Attitude Era. Quick, impactful, and perfect for Stone Cold’s character. Austin could hit it out of nowhere, making every match unpredictable. He adopted it in 1996 after training with Michael Hayes.
The Stunner’s greatest strength was its versatility – it could be hit on anyone, anywhere, at any time. The Rock’s legendary selling of the move helped cement it in wrestling history.
Even celebrity guests like Donald Trump and boxing legend Mike Tyson took the Stunner, proving its universal appeal.
6. RKO – Randy Orton
The modern evolution of the cutter, Orton’s RKO became famous for its versatility and viral moments. Its “outta nowhere” nature created countless memorable spots. Orton debuted it in 2003, inspired by Johnny Ace’s Ace Crusher.
The move has produced some of WWE’s most spectacular moments, including counters to high-flying moves and mid-air catches that have gone viral on social media. The RKO on Evan Bourne in mid-air remains one of RAW’s most replayed moments.
5. The Figure Four Leglock – Ric Flair
The Nature Boy’s signature submission holds the record for most world title victories. Its technical complexity and dramatic flair made it perfect for Flair’s style. He learned it from his mentor Buddy Rogers in the 1970s.
The move’s legacy extends beyond Flair, with wrestlers like The Miz adopting it as tribute. The dramatic nature of the hold, combined with the possibility of reversal by rolling over, created countless dramatic match endings.
4. The Sharpshooter – Bret Hart
Made famous in both victory and controversy, the Sharpshooter became synonymous with technical excellence. Hart’s version was particularly devastating due to his precise application. He adopted it in 1991, inspired by Riki Choshu’s Sasori-gatame.
The move gained infamy at Survivor Series 1997 in the Montreal Screwjob but had already established itself as one of wrestling’s most respected submission holds. Hart’s matches against Stone Cold Steve Austin, particularly at WrestleMania 13, showcased the move’s storytelling potential.
3. F-5 – Brock Lesnar
A feat of raw power that showcased Lesnar’s incredible strength. The F-5’s impact and Lesnar’s legitimacy made it one of the most protected finishers. He introduced it during his debut run in 2002.
The move’s devastation was proven when Lesnar used it to end The Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak at WrestleMania 30, creating one of wrestling’s most shocking moments. Its effectiveness on wrestlers of any size, from Rey Mysterio to Big Show, demonstrated Lesnar’s extraordinary power.
2. The Pedigree – Triple H
The Cerebral Assassin’s double underhook facebuster became the symbol of Authority. Its dominance spanned multiple eras of WWE, from DX to The Authority. Triple H first used it in 1995.
The move gained additional prestige when adopted by Seth Rollins during his run with The Authority, proving its status as a move of power both physically and politically in WWE storylines. The Pedigree on concrete to Kane remains one of RAW’s most brutal moments.
1. The Last Ride & Chokeslam – The Undertaker
The perfect combination of power and theatricality. These moves defined supernatural strength in wrestling and inspired countless imitators. The Undertaker began using the Chokeslam in 1991 and added The Last Ride in 2000.
The Chokeslam became a staple of wrestling’s big men, while The Last Ride represented evolution in The Deadman’s character. His ability to hoist super-heavyweight opponents like Vader and Big Show for these moves demonstrated his legendary strength. The Last Ride through the ring to Mankind remains one of WWE’s most memorable moments.
The Legacy Lives On
These moves didn’t just end matches – they created moments that will live forever in wrestling history. Every time a current superstar hits their finish, they’re adding to this legacy of excellence.
In modern WWE, we see these influences in moves like Cody Rhodes’ Cross Rhodes and Roman Reigns’ Spear, proving that while wrestling evolves, the impact of these legendary finishers continues to shape the industry.
