If you're a fan of wrestling, you know that a match can be won or lost in a matter of seconds. That's where finishing moves come in. These signature moves not only add excitement to a match but also give the wrestler an edge over their opponent. In this article, we'll be taking a look at the top 10 finishing moves in wrestling and their origins.
Finishing moves are the ultimate weapons in a wrestler's arsenal. They are often the most spectacular moves and can be used to end a match in a matter of seconds. The best finishing moves not only look impressive but also add to the wrestler's character and persona.
What Are Finishing Moves?
Finishing moves are signature moves that wrestlers use to defeat their opponents. These moves are often the most impactful and require a certain level of skill to execute properly. Finishing moves can be anything from a powerful strike to a complex submission hold.
Criteria for Choosing the Top 10 Finishing Moves
Choosing the top 10 finishing moves in wrestling isn't an easy task. The top finishing moves in selection are based on the following criteria:
Popularity - How well-known is the move among wrestling fans?
Impact - How devastating is the move?
Execution - How difficult is the move to execute properly?
Innovation - How unique and creative is the move?
History - How significant is the move in the wrestler's career and in wrestling history?
Top 10 Finishing Moves and Their Origins:
1. The Stone Cold Stunner
The Stone Cold Stunner is a move made famous by Stone Cold Steve Austin. It involves grabbing the opponent's head, jumping, and then dropping down, driving the opponent's chin into the wrestler's shoulder. The move became a fan favorite during the Attitude Era and is still used by wrestlers today.
2. The RKO
The RKO is a finishing move used by Randy Orton. It involves grabbing the opponent's head, jumping, and then dropping down, driving the opponent's face into the mat. The move is known for its suddenness and is often used to end matches quickly.
3. The Sweet Chin Music
The Sweet Chin Music is a finishing move used by Shawn Michaels. It involves a superkick to the opponent's chin, knocking them out cold. The move is known for its speed and precision and has been used to win many matches throughout Michaels' career.
4. The Tombstone Piledriver
The Tombstone Piledriver is a finishing move used by The Undertaker. It involves lifting the opponent upside down, holding them by the legs, and then dropping to a seated position, driving the opponent's head into the mat. The move is one of the most devastating in wrestling and has been used by The Undertaker to win many matches throughout his career.
5. The Pedigree
The Pedigree is a finishing move used by Triple H. It involves grabbing the opponent's arms, jumping, and then dropping down, driving the opponent's head into the mat. The move is known for its complexity and the force it generates on impact. It has been used by Triple H to win many matches throughout his career.
6. The F5
The F5 is a finishing move used by Brock Lesnar. It involves lifting the opponent onto the wrestler's shoulders and then spinning them around before dropping them face-first onto the mat. The move is known for its power and has been used by Lesnar to defeat some of the biggest names in wrestling.
7. The Spear
The Spear is a finishing move used by wrestlers like Goldberg and Edge. It involves charging at the opponent and driving your shoulder into their midsection or chest, taking them down to the mat. The move is known for its speed and impact and has been used by many wrestlers to win matches.
8. The Swanton Bomb
The Swanton Bomb is a finishing move used by Jeff Hardy. It involves climbing to the top rope and then jumping, flipping in the air, and landing on the opponent's chest with your body. The move is known for its riskiness and high-flying nature and has been used by Hardy to win many matches.
9. The 619
The 619 is a finishing move used by Rey Mysterio. It involves sliding under the ropes and then springing back up, kicking the opponent in the face with both feet. The move is known for its speed and precision and has been used by Mysterio to win many matches throughout his career.
10. The Sharpshooter
The Sharpshooter is a finishing move used by Bret Hart. It involves flipping the opponent over onto their stomach, stepping over their legs, and then sitting down, applying pressure to the opponent's lower back and legs. The move is known for its submission nature and has been used by Hart to win many matches throughout his career.
Conclusion
Finishing moves are an integral part of wrestling and have been used to create some of the most iconic moments in wrestling history. The top 10 finishing moves we have highlighted in this article are just a few examples of the many signature moves that have become synonymous with some of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
FAQs
Can wrestlers change their finishing moves?
Yes, wrestlers can change their finishing moves over time to keep things fresh and to evolve their character.
How do wrestlers come up with their finishing moves?
Finishing moves are often developed by wrestlers themselves, and they can be inspired by a variety of things, such as other wrestlers' moves or personal experiences.
Are finishing moves dangerous?
Finishing moves can be dangerous if not executed properly. Wrestlers receive training to ensure that they can perform these moves safely.
Can wrestlers use their finishing moves outside of wrestling?
No, wrestlers are not allowed to use their finishing moves outside of the wrestling ring, as they can cause serious injury.
Do all wrestlers have finishing moves?
Not all wrestlers have finishing moves, but they are often a crucial element of a wrestler's persona and can help them stand out from the crowd.