The Best Finishing Moves in Wrestling History

By Duncan | | Posted in Entertainment & Lifestyle | 155474 Views

A great finishing move can turn a superstar into a legend. From bone-crushing slams to high-flying maneuvers, these iconic moves have sealed victories, sparked rivalries, and electrified fans around the world. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the ring, these finishers have left a lasting mark on wrestling history. Get ready to relive the moments that made us jump out of our seats.

Score: 100%

Stone Cold Steve Austin's Stunner

Score: 100%

Randy Orton’s RKO

Randy Orton’s RKO is one of the most iconic and unpredictable finishing moves in wrestling history. Short for "Randy Knock Out," the RKO is a jumping cutter delivered with lightning speed. Orton grabs his opponent’s head and drops to the mat, driving their face into the canvas. What makes it legendary is its out-of-nowhere execution—he's hit it mid-air, during counters, and even off ladders. The RKO has become a viral sensation and a fan favorite for its shock value and style.

Score: 100%

The Undertaker's Tombstone

The Undertaker’s Tombstone Piledriver is one of the most chilling and powerful finishing moves in wrestling history. In this devastating maneuver, The Undertaker lifts his opponent upside down, tucks their head between his legs, and then drops to his knees—driving their head into the mat. He often follows it with his signature pin: folding the opponent’s arms over their chest and rolling his eyes back. The Tombstone is a symbol of finality in the ring—once it’s hit, the match is usually over.

Score: 100%

Shawn Michaels' Sweet Chin Music

Shawn Michaels’ Sweet Chin Music is a classic and crowd-popping finishing move known for its precision and drama. Michaels delivers a superkick straight to the opponent’s jaw, often after theatrically "tuning up the band" by stomping his foot in the corner to build anticipation. Whether it’s out of nowhere or part of a dramatic buildup, Sweet Chin Music has knocked out legends and sealed countless victories. It's simple, sudden, and devastating—just like HBK himself.

Score: 100%

Triple H - Pedigree

Triple H’s Pedigree is a brutal and iconic finishing move that helped define his dominance in the ring. To execute it, Triple H places his opponent’s head between his thighs, hooks both of their arms behind their back, and then drops to his knees—driving the opponent’s face into the mat. The Pedigree leaves little room for escape and has ended matches against some of the biggest names in wrestling. It’s a symbol of power, control, and The Game’s ruthless style.

Score: 100%

Jeff Hardy's Swanton bomb

Jeff Hardy’s Swanton Bomb is a high-risk, high-reward finishing move that showcases his fearless, daredevil style. Performed from the top turnbuckle, Hardy launches himself into a graceful front flip, landing back-first onto his opponent’s chest. The move combines aerial finesse with hard-hitting impact, often leaving both wrestlers laid out. The Swanton Bomb became Jeff’s signature during his rise to stardom and remains one of the most electrifying finishers in wrestling history. It’s equal parts art and chaos.

Score: 100%

Bret Hart's Sharpshooter

Bret Hart’s Sharpshooter is one of the most iconic submission moves in wrestling history, perfectly fitting his nickname, “The Excellence of Execution.” To apply it, Hart turns his opponent onto their back, steps between their legs, twists them into a figure-four-like hold, and flips them over—putting immense pressure on the lower back and legs. The move is as technical as it is painful, and when Bret locks it in, escape is rarely an option. It’s a masterclass in precision and control.

Goldberg's Jackhammer

Goldberg’s Jackhammer is a powerhouse finishing move that perfectly matches his explosive, unstoppable persona. It starts with Goldberg lifting his opponent into a vertical suplex position, holding them upside down. Then, with incredible strength, he drives them down into a powerful front slam, landing chest-first on the mat. The Jackhammer combines raw power and precision, often ending matches in spectacular fashion. It’s a signature move that embodies Goldberg’s dominance in the ring.

The Undertaker Last Ride

The Undertaker’s Last Ride is a devastating powerbomb variation that emphasizes his ominous, relentless presence. To perform it, he lifts his opponent high into the air on his shoulders—like a traditional powerbomb—but holds them even higher before slamming them down forcefully onto the mat. This extra height increases the impact, making the move look especially brutal. The Last Ride is often reserved for big moments, symbolizing The Undertaker’s ability to deliver a final, punishing blow.

Brock Lesnar's F5

Brock Lesnar’s F-5 is a raw display of strength and dominance, perfectly fitting his beast-like persona. In this finishing move, Lesnar hoists his opponent onto his shoulders in a fireman’s carry, then spins them off and slams them face-first into the mat with incredible force. The rotation adds disorientation to the sheer impact, often leading to a decisive three-count. The F-5 is explosive, fast, and brutally effective—just like Brock Lesnar himself.

Ric Flair's Figure Four Leglock

Ric Flair’s Figure Four Leglock is one of the most legendary submission moves in wrestling history, known for its technical precision and signature flair. To apply it, Flair twists his opponent’s legs into a "4" shape, then drops to the mat and applies intense pressure to the opponent’s knee and thigh. With his iconic strut and trademark “Woooo!”, Flair often adds drama by using the ropes or taunting his rival. The move is a classic symbol of old-school wrestling mastery and ring psychology.

The Rock's Rock Bottom

The Rock’s Rock Bottom is a powerful and charismatic finishing move that helped define his legendary career. To execute it, The Rock hooks one of his opponent’s arms over his shoulder, places a hand on their chest, and then lifts and slams them flat on their back with force. Often delivered with style and attitude, the Rock Bottom is quick, impactful, and usually followed by the crowd erupting in cheers—or the People’s Elbow. It’s a move as iconic as The Rock himself.

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Score: 100%

The Chokeslam

The Chokeslam is one of wrestling’s most dominant and dramatic finishing moves, used by legends like The Undertaker, Kane, and Big Show. In this move, the wrestler grabs their opponent by the throat, lifts them high into the air, and then slams them down onto the mat with crushing force. The sheer height and impact make it a crowd favorite, often signaling the end of a match. The Chokeslam is all about power, authority, and making a statement in the ring.

Score: 100%

Dudley Boyz - Dudley Death Drop (3D)

The Dudley Boyz’s Dudley Death Drop (3D) is one of the most iconic tag team finishers in wrestling history. It starts with D-Von lifting the opponent into the air for a flapjack, while Bubba Ray charges in to deliver a devastating cutter mid-air, driving the opponent face-first into the mat. The timing and teamwork make the 3D both spectacular and nearly impossible to counter. When the Dudleyz hit the 3D, it usually means one thing: match over.

Score: 100%

Rob Van Dam's Five Star Frog Splash

Rob Van Dam’s Five Star Frog Splash is a high-flying, crowd-popping finishing move known for its elevation, distance, and flexibility. Leaping from the top rope, RVD performs a massive frog splash—arching his body in mid-air before crashing down chest-first onto his opponent. The Five Star Frog Splash is a breathtaking move that blends athleticism with risk, and it's one of the most memorable finishers in wrestling history.

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Score: 100%

Scott Hall's Razor's Edge

Scott Hall’s Razor’s Edge is a powerful and punishing finishing move that became his signature as Razor Ramon. To execute it, Hall lifts his opponent onto his shoulders in a crucifix position—arms outstretched, body elevated—and then drives them back-first into the mat with force. The setup showcases his strength and swagger, often taunting the crowd before the slam. Devastating and dramatic, the Razor’s Edge was a match-ending statement of dominance every time Hall hit it.

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Score: 100%

Chris Jericho - Walls of Jericho

Chris Jericho’s Walls of Jericho is a classic submission move that showcases his technical skill and relentless attitude. To apply it, Jericho flips his opponent onto their back, grabs their legs, and turns them over into a high-angle Boston crab, putting intense pressure on the lower back and spine. Unlike a standard version, Jericho often leans back deep, sometimes even kneeling, to increase the pain. The Walls of Jericho has forced countless opponents to tap out—and proved that Y2J isn’t just flashy, he’s deadly.

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Score: 100%

Rey Mysterio's 619

Rey Mysterio’s 619 is one of the most electrifying and unique finishing moves in wrestling. Named after San Diego’s area code, it begins with Rey using his speed to position his opponent draped across the second rope. He then swings through the ropes from the outside and kicks the opponent in the face with both legs in a spinning motion. Often followed by a top-rope splash or springboard attack, the 619 is fast, flashy, and a perfect showcase of Mysterio’s lucha libre roots and high-flying style.

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Score: 100%

Rey Mysterio’s 619

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Score: 100%

Kevin Nash - Jackknife Powerbomb

Kevin Nash’s Jackknife Powerbomb is a brutal and dominating finishing move that reflects his towering size and raw power. To perform it, Nash lifts his opponent high into the air in a traditional powerbomb position—but instead of snapping them down quickly, he lets them drop from full height, crashing back-first onto the mat. The extra elevation makes the impact look—and feel—devastating. The Jackknife is simple, powerful, and effective, leaving opponents flattened and fans knowing the end is near.

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Score: 100%

Dave Bautista's "Batista" Bomb

Dave Bautista’s “Batista” Bomb is a powerful and crowd-thrilling finishing move that highlights his raw strength and intensity. In this move, Bautista lifts his opponent onto his shoulders in a fireman’s carry position, then slams them forcefully down onto the mat on their back with explosive power. The move is a variation of the sitout powerbomb, combining speed and impact. The “Batista” Bomb has helped Batista score countless victories and perfectly showcases his dominance in the ring.

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Score: 100%

Jericho's Codebreaker

Chris Jericho’s Codebreaker is a quick, impactful finishing move that combines agility and precision. Jericho grabs his opponent’s head with both hands and then drops down onto his back, driving his knees up into their face or chest. The sudden upward strike often catches opponents off guard, making it a fast and effective way to end a match. The Codebreaker is a signature Jericho move known for its snap and surprise, perfectly blending style and effectiveness.

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Score: 100%

Sting - Scorpion Death Lock

Sting’s Scorpion Death Lock is a devastating submission move, famously adapted from the classic Sharpshooter. To apply it, Sting traps one of his opponent’s legs between his own, then crosses and twists their other leg before turning them onto their stomach—applying intense pressure to the lower back and legs. The move immobilizes opponents and often forces a tap-out. The Scorpion Death Lock is a symbol of Sting’s technical prowess and relentless determination inside the ring.

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Score: 100%

CM Punk's GTS

CM Punk’s GTS (Go to Sleep) is a hard-hitting and brutally effective finishing move that showcases his striking ability. Punk lifts his opponent onto his shoulders in a fireman’s carry, then drops them forward while thrusting his knee upward, smashing it into their face on the way down. The move is sudden, impactful, and often leads to an immediate knockout. The GTS became Punk’s trademark in WWE and symbolizes his no-nonsense, straight-edge intensity in the ring.

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Score: 100%

CM Punk’s GTS (Go to Sleep)

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Score: 100%

Edge's Spear

Edge’s Spear is a high-impact, adrenaline-fueled finishing move known for its intensity and emotion. As his opponent stands or turns around, Edge charges across the ring at full speed and drives his shoulder into their midsection, tackling them to the mat with explosive force. Often delivered out of nowhere, sometimes after stalking from the corner, the Spear is both sudden and devastating. It’s a move that reflects Edge’s relentless energy and has sealed countless victories throughout his storied career.

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Score: 100%

Chris Benoit's Crippler Crossface

Chris Benoit’s Crippler Crossface was a technically precise and punishing submission move that showcased his intense, no-nonsense wrestling style. To execute it, Benoit would trap one of his opponent’s arms between his legs, wrap his hands around their face, and pull back hard on their neck and jaw, applying immense pressure to the head, neck, and shoulder. The move was brutal and often forced opponents to tap out quickly. Despite the controversy surrounding Benoit’s legacy, the Crippler Crossface remains one of wrestling’s most feared submission holds.

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Score: 100%

AJ Styles - Styles Clash

AJ Styles’ Styles Clash is a unique and technically impressive finishing move that reflects his creativity and precision in the ring. To perform it, Styles hooks his opponent’s arms behind their legs, lifts them upside down facing the mat, and then drops forward, driving their face and chest into the canvas. Unlike most finishers, it requires careful execution and timing, making it as risky as it is devastating. The Styles Clash is a true mark of AJ’s world-class wrestling skill and flair.

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Score: 100%

Diamond Dallas Page's Diamond Cutter

Diamond Dallas Page’s Diamond Cutter is a fast, out-of-nowhere finishing move that became his trademark and helped define the late '90s wrestling era. Similar to a cutter or RKO, DDP grabs his opponent’s head and drops down into a sudden face-first slam, using their momentum against them. What made the Diamond Cutter special was its unpredictability—DDP could hit it from almost any position, at any time. It was a game-changer that turned him into a fan favorite and a main-event threat.

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Score: 100%

Bray Wyatt's Sister Abigail

Bray Wyatt’s Sister Abigail is a dark, dramatic finishing move that perfectly matches his eerie persona. To execute it, Wyatt kisses his opponent on the forehead, spins them around, and then drives their face into the mat with a swinging reverse STO. The move is as theatrical as it is impactful, often delivered after a chilling buildup. Sister Abigail isn’t just a finisher—it’s a haunting signature that embodies Bray Wyatt’s twisted mind games and psychological dominance in the ring.

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Score: 100%

Kurt Angle's Ankle Lock

Kurt Angle’s Ankle Lock is a classic submission move that showcases his Olympic-level wrestling skill and intensity. To apply it, Angle grabs his opponent’s ankle, twists it, and wrenches back to apply searing pressure to the joint and lower leg. Sometimes, he drops to the mat and grapevines the leg for added torque and pain. The Ankle Lock is a relentless, no-frills hold that’s forced countless opponents to tap out—perfectly reflecting Angle’s aggressive, technical style and “real wrestler” mentality.

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Score: 100%

Jeff Hardy's Twist of Fate

Jeff Hardy’s Twist of Fate is a fast, impactful finishing move that combines agility with attitude. To execute it, Hardy grabs his opponent in a front facelock and then twists his body, dropping down into a cutter-like slam that drives their face into the mat. Sometimes used by his brother Matt with a slight variation, Jeff’s version is often followed by a Swanton Bomb for maximum effect. The Twist of Fate is quick, dramatic, and a staple of the Hardy legacy.

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Score: 100%

Roman Reigns Spear

Roman Reigns’ Spear is a powerful and explosive finishing move that perfectly embodies his dominance and intensity in the ring. As his opponent rises or turns, Reigns crouches in the corner, then bursts forward with full force, driving his shoulder into their midsection and tackling them to the mat. The impact is sudden and crushing, often leading straight to a pinfall. Delivered with fierce energy and precision, Reigns’ Spear has become one of the most feared and effective finishers in modern WWE.

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Score: 100%

Randy Orton's Punt Kick

Randy Orton’s Punt Kick is a vicious and controversial finishing move that highlights his cold, calculated persona. To perform it, Orton measures a grounded opponent—usually on their hands and knees—then charges forward and delivers a brutal kick straight to their head. The move is portrayed as so dangerous that it's been banned and rarely used, reserved for intense rivalries or storyline turning points. When Orton hits the Punt Kick, it’s meant to end not just a match, but a career.

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Score: 100%

AJ Lee's Octopus

AJ Lee’s Octopus Hold is a unique and technical submission move that showcases her agility and ring awareness. In this maneuver, AJ wraps herself around a standing opponent—hooking one leg over their arm, locking an arm around their head, and stretching their torso sideways while hanging off their body. The hold puts intense pressure on the ribs, neck, and shoulders, making it difficult to counter. The Octopus became one of AJ’s signature moves, reflecting her unpredictable, crafty in-ring style.

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Score: 100%

Samoa Joe - Muscle Buster

Samoa Joe’s Muscle Buster is a devastating and uniquely brutal finishing move that showcases his raw power and intensity. To perform it, Joe lifts his opponent onto his shoulders in a fireman’s carry, then shifts them so their neck and legs are trapped—before dropping to a seated position, driving their upper back and neck into the mat. The move looks dangerous and impactful, often leaving opponents motionless. The Muscle Buster helped establish Joe as a dominant force in both TNA and WWE.

Score: 100%

Eddie Gurrero's Three Amigos

Eddie Guerrero’s Three Amigos is a signature chain of suplexes that pays tribute to his technical skill and showmanship. The move starts with a vertical suplex, but instead of releasing his opponent, Eddie rolls through and delivers two more in quick succession, completing the trio without letting go. Performed with flair and rhythm, the Three Amigos often drew huge reactions from the crowd. It’s a beloved homage to his roots and charisma—perfectly capturing the heart and soul of “Latino Heat.”

Score: 100%

Rhyno’s Gore

Rhyno’s Gore is a ferocious and explosive finishing move that perfectly captures his wild, unstoppable energy. Similar to a spear but delivered with even more aggression, Rhyno charges at full speed and drives his shoulder straight into his opponent’s midsection, often sending them flying across the ring. The Gore is all about raw impact and intensity, usually delivered with little warning and devastating effect. It’s a signature move that made Rhyno one of the most feared powerhouses in wrestling.

Score: 100%

Kofi Kingston - Trouble in Paradise

Kofi Kingston’s Trouble in Paradise is a fast, high-flying finishing move that highlights his agility and striking precision. To execute it, Kofi spins into a sudden, jumping roundhouse kick—twisting his body mid-air and striking his opponent in the head or jaw with his foot. The move is flashy, hard-hitting, and can come out of nowhere, making it both unpredictable and effective. Trouble in Paradise is a perfect reflection of Kofi’s energetic, athletic style and has secured many big wins in his career.

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Score: 100%

Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig's Perfect Plex

Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig’s Perfect Plex is a smooth, technically flawless finishing move that reflects his polished in-ring style. To perform it, Hennig hooks his opponent in a fisherman’s suplex—grabbing one leg while lifting them vertically—then bridges into a pinning position, keeping their shoulders down with perfect form. The move is crisp, clean, and executed with signature confidence, making it as effective as it is elegant. The Perfect Plex truly lived up to its name—just like Mr. Perfect himself.

Score: 100%

Christian's Killswitch

Christian's Killswitch is a professional wrestling finishing move where Christian locks his opponent in a reverse sharpshooter-like submission hold. He stands behind the opponent, hooks their arms, and bends them backward, applying pressure to the back and legs, forcing them to submit. It's a visually impressive and effective submission that showcases Christian's technical skill in the ring.

Score: 100%

Booker T's Scissors Kick

Booker T’s Scissors Kick, also known as the Axe Kick, is a powerful finishing move where he strikes a bent-over opponent by leaping and driving his leg down onto their upper back or neck. It’s explosive, athletic, and often followed by his signature Spinaroonie before the pin.

Score: 100%

Petey Williams' Canadian Destroyer

Petey Williams’ Canadian Destroyer is a highly impactful wrestling move known as a flipping piledriver. The opponent is bent forward, and Petey Williams jumps, grabbing their head and flipping over them in a front flip motion, driving the opponent’s head into the mat. It’s fast, acrobatic, and visually spectacular—often considered one of the most exciting and innovative finishers in wrestling.

The Best Finishing Moves in Wrestling History

Stone Cold Steve Austin's Stunner

Randy Orton’s RKO

The Undertaker's Tombstone

Shawn Michaels' Sweet Chin Music

Triple H - Pedigree

Jeff Hardy's Swanton bomb

Bret Hart's Sharpshooter

Goldberg's Jackhammer

The Undertaker Last Ride

Brock Lesnar's F5

Ric Flair's Figure Four Leglock

The Rock's Rock Bottom

The Chokeslam

Dudley Boyz - Dudley Death Drop (3D)

Rob Van Dam's Five Star Frog Splash

Scott Hall's Razor's Edge

Chris Jericho - Walls of Jericho

Rey Mysterio's 619

Rey Mysterio’s 619

Kevin Nash - Jackknife Powerbomb

Dave Bautista's "Batista" Bomb

Jericho's Codebreaker

Sting - Scorpion Death Lock

CM Punk's GTS

CM Punk’s GTS (Go to Sleep)

Edge's Spear

Chris Benoit's Crippler Crossface

AJ Styles - Styles Clash

Diamond Dallas Page's Diamond Cutter

Bray Wyatt's Sister Abigail

Kurt Angle's Ankle Lock

Jeff Hardy's Twist of Fate

Roman Reigns Spear

Randy Orton's Punt Kick

AJ Lee's Octopus

Samoa Joe - Muscle Buster

Eddie Gurrero's Three Amigos

Rhyno’s Gore

Kofi Kingston - Trouble in Paradise

Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig's Perfect Plex

Christian's Killswitch

Booker T's Scissors Kick

Petey Williams' Canadian Destroyer

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