If you’ve ever watched WWE and found yourself leaping off the couch when a superstar hits their finisher, you’re not alone. There’s something special about signature moves. Every fan knows the feeling when your favorite wrestler is down and out, the match could go either way, and suddenly, BAM! Their finishing move lands, the crowd explodes, and you know it’s over. It’s pure magic, isn’t it?
Some finishers are quick, hitting out of nowhere like Randy Orton’s RKO—blink and you’ll miss it. Others, like The Undertaker’s Tombstone Piledriver or Brock Lesnar’s F5, seem to send shockwaves through the ring every single time. There’s Stone Cold Steve Austin’s rebellious Stunner, Triple H’s relentless Pedigree, and Shawn Michaels’ Sweet Chin Music that always finds its mark.
So what makes a WWE finisher truly great? Is it its shock value, the way it suits the superstar, its impact on championships, or simply how fun it is to watch? Let’s break down the top 10 finishing moves in WWE history.
List of Top 10 WWE Finishers
10. Jeff Hardy’s Swanton Bomb
The Swanton Bomb is Jeff Hardy’s high-flying finishing move. Hardy ascends to the top turnbuckle, leaps off, performs a front flip in mid-air, and lands back-first onto his opponent. This maneuver exemplifies Hardy’s daredevil persona and willingness to take risks.
9. Chris Jericho’s Walls of Jericho
The Walls of Jericho is Chris Jericho’s signature submission hold. Jericho grabs his opponent’s legs, steps over them, and turns them onto their stomach, applying pressure to their lower back.
From The #WallsOfJericho to a #PopUpPowerbomb, former best friends @IAmJericho & @FightOwensFight pulled out ALL the stops at #WrestleMania! pic.twitter.com/ZbW5d1avdJ
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2017
8. Bianca Belair’s KOD (Kiss of Death)
Bianca Belair’s KOD showcases her exceptional strength and athleticism. In this maneuver, Belair lifts her opponent into an Argentine backbreaker position, then flips them over her head, causing them to land face-first on the mat.
7. AJ Styles’ Styles Clash
The Styles Clash is a unique finisher performed by AJ Styles. Styles positions his opponent’s head between his legs, hooks their arms behind their back, lifts them upside down, and then drops to his knees, causing them to land face-first.
Here is Aj Styles hitting the best Styles Clashes of all time to cleanse ur timeline.
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) May 18, 2024
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6. Shawn Michaels’ Sweet Chin Music
Sweet Chin Music is Shawn Michaels’ signature superkick that has ended many matches. Michaels delivers a high, swift kick to his opponent’s chin, often preceded by “tuning up the band,” where he stomps the mat to signal its arrival. Over the years, Sweet Chin Music has become one of the most memorable and celebrated finishers.
5. Brock Lesnar’s F5
The F5 is a powerful finishing move performed by Brock Lesnar. Lesnar hoists his opponent onto his shoulders in a fireman’s carry position, then spins them off, causing them to land face-first onto the mat.
4. The Undertaker’s Tombstone Piledriver
The Tombstone Piledriver is a devastating maneuver closely associated with The Undertaker. In this move, The Undertaker lifts his opponent upside down, holding them vertically before dropping to his knees, driving their head into the mat. This finisher not only showcases The Undertaker’s strength but also complements his “Deadman” persona.
3. Triple H’s Pedigree
The Pedigree is Triple H’s renowned finishing maneuver. He begins by placing his opponent’s head between his thighs, hooks both of their arms behind their back, and then jumps, driving their face into the mat. This double underhook facebuster not only emphasizes Triple H’s cerebral approach to wrestling but also his ruthless aggression.
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2. Randy Orton’s RKO
The RKO, named after Randy Keith Orton’s initials, is a variation of the cutter maneuver. Orton approaches his opponent from behind, applying a three-quarter facelock before swiftly driving them face-first into the mat.
Which is the greatest WWE finisher of all time?
Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Stone Cold Stunner
The Stone Cold Stunner is synonymous with Steve Austin’s rebellious persona during WWE’s Attitude Era. In this move, Austin delivers a swift kick to his opponent’s midsection, causing them to bend forward. He then grabs their head and drops to a seated position, driving the opponent’s jaw onto his shoulder. The suddenness of the Stunner made it both unpredictable and impactful, often leading to immediate victories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which WWE finisher has won the most world championships?
Triple H’s Pedigree has been used in dozens of world title matches, helping him capture 14 world championships during his career.
Who is known for delivering finishers “out of nowhere”?
Randy Orton is famous for hitting the RKO without warning, instantly turning matches around with minimal setup.
Which finisher is most closely tied to a wrestler’s persona?
The Undertaker’s Tombstone Piledriver perfectly fits his “Deadman” character, enhancing his supernatural mystique with a devastating and dramatic move.
