Pro Wrestling Review: Top 10 Finishers of all Time

Pro Wrestling Review is back from hiatus and kicking things off with the top 10 finishers of all time. First lets make it clear, I'm considering anything someone uses regularly to win matches as a finisher, so submissions are allowed.

10: Powerbomb

The powerbomb has always been the perfect way to showcase the power and strength of a talent while being visually astounding at the same time. Made famous by many hall of famers over the years; it's invention is said to have came in the 1950s when Lou Thesz apparently botched a piledriver and created the powerbomb. It's not the only move created by accident, the ddt and flying head butt among others both came to be the same way. Whether you prefer it as the Jackhammer, the Last Ride, or my favorite utilization, the Batista bomb it's definitely earned a place on the list.

9: Tombstone

The Tombstone is without a doubt the perfect finisher for the Undertaker, the way he leads up to it, executes, and then finishes off with the famous tongue out, hands on chest pin is absolutely perfect. Even the name fits it right. Basically an intervened version of the piledriver, it's won the undertaker countless matches over the years.

8: 450 Splash

As a fan of the cruiserweight division I wanted to put a high flying move on the list, the question was which one. I narrowed it down to five, the 450, Starship Pain, the Swontan, the Frog Splash, and AirBourne. Ultimately I chose the 450 but feel free to tell me your favorite high flying finisher in the comments or on twitter/facebook. 

 Variations of it used by many over the years, it was apparently banned for a time in wwe starting in 2005 until Justin Gabriel added it to his arsenal in 2010.  The move epitomizes a cruizerweight's talent and is perhaps the most visually awesome finisher in the wwe today, it'd just be nice to see it every week on Raw instead of only on NXT and Superstars. 

7: The Cutter/RKO/Twist of Fate

 Originally utilized by Johnny Ace AKA John Laurinaitis, variations of the cutter have been passed down from generation to generation being used as the Diamond cutter by DDP, and the Twist of Fate by the Hardys and Lita. Currently it's utilized in my favorite variation as the RKO by Randy Orton. 

 One thing that's important for most finishers is the ability to be hit out of nowhere; the cutter definitely has that which makes it the perfect finisher for someone dubbed the Viper.

6: Crossface

 Like the powerbomb is for a heavyweight and the 450 is for a cruiserweight, the crossface is the perfect finisher for a technical wrestler. The great thing about it is it's ability to be applied almost out of nowhere which makes it a perfect finisher. Back in the day Chris Beniot could lock it on nearly as a fast a superkick. 

Utilized by many main eventers over the years it currently belong to two of my favorites Bobby Roode and Daniel Bryan.

5: Chokeslam

Used by many over the years, no one's ever done it better than the Undertaker, the way he sets up and then viciously snatches his opponent with the crazy look in his eyes, is brilliant.

 The chokeslam has etched it's place into wrestling history and I have a feeling it will stay the industry for a long time to come.

4: F-5

The F-5 is one of the most exciting and visually appealing moves in wwe history. It's the perfect finisher for Brock Lesner as it encapsulates his brute force and and power. Also named accurately it's the perfect way to truly establish Lesner as the beast incarnate. 

 Another component it posses is the excitement factor that gets you pumped up everytime you see it done. Taking that all into account I'm sure Lesner won't be the last powerhouse to own the F-5

3: Spear

  I've always loved the spear, it's an awesome looking move that can be perfect for big powerhouses like Goldberg and Roman Reigns or average size guys like Edge. Over the years it's had many unique spins added to it, I always liked Edge's variation where he would wait in the corner getting you pumped up for the move.

 Like many of the finishers on this list the spear has been passed down through the generations, used by names such as Goldberg, Edge, Rhino and now Roman Reigns. Reigns is a great edition to the list as the move fits him perfectly and I see him doing great things with it.

2: Stunner

  No finisher ever had the level of anticipation and excitement as the stunner. Sometimes classified as a version of a cutter; I gave it a separate place on the list because of the massive impact it's had. Brilliantly used by Stone Cold Steve Austin; it could be hit out nowhere and was part of some of the biggest moments of the attitude era.

 Though it will always be known as the stone cold stunner I expect it will eventually be passed down when the right person comes along.

1: Superkick

 Throughout the years there have been many great finishers but for me nothing has ever beaten the superkick. Most famously used by my favorite wrestler of all time Shawn Micheals. It has everything a great wrestling move needs, anticipation, excitement, and the ability to be hit out of nowhere. It's currently used by many such as the Usos, The Youngbucks, and the Cowboy James Storm. 

 The superkick is a move that will probably stay in wrestling forever and it's only fitting that in my opinion the greatest finisher of all time will forever be synonyms with the greatest superstar of all time.

 Be sure to tell me your favorite finishers in the comments below or on twitter: @ENC_98 or on facebook: Enc Wwe. Thanks for reading.