For some, it’s the most exciting part of a match; seeing a performer hit their finisher has always been a crucial aspect of the sport. A few superstars recognize this and because of it, escalate to the next level. Having a flashy finisher is a huge way to get a superstar over. Austin’s Stunner and Orton’s RKO are immensely responsible for launching them into stardom. Some would argue it’s the most important thing a wrestler could posses, as it causes the end of a match for the most part. So, in the WWE today, where the in-ring product and work rate is higher than ever, let’s take a look at some of the most effective and beautiful finishers on RAW, NXT, and SDL today.
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Honorable Mentions-
Sasha Banks- Bank Statement
Samoa Joe- Muscle Buster
Paige- PTO
Salida Del Sol- Kalisto
Sheamus- Brogue Kick
Roman Reigns- Spear
Kofi Kingston- Trouble In Paradise
Finn Balor- Coup De Grace
The Revival- Shatter Machine
Tyler Bate- Tyler Driver 97 ________________________________________________________________________
Baron Corbin- End Of Days
Former MITB holder and Andre The Giant Battle Royal winner, Baron Corbin possesses one of the most brutal yet beautiful finishing maneuvers of all time. Technically a reverse STO, Corbin uses his opponent’s momentum to lift them up and then fall backwards himself, causing the unlucky superstar to fall on their face. This move is one of the most protected finishers in the WWE today and brought Corbin massive success in NXT as one of their top stars. He now wreaks havoc on the SDL roster, dishing out the End Of Days to anyone who stands in his path.
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Randy Orton- RKO
An oldie, but a goodie, Randy Orton, in my opinion, perfected the use of the “Cutter.” Although performed by countless others including legends such as DDP, Orton’s variation on the move allowed it to be hit out of nowhere. In his time, Orton has not only won countless titles with the RKO, but has sparked internet memes and Vines with his spectacular and unbelievable RKO’s out of nowhere. It only takes one, and whether you’re flipping through the air, or running off the ropes, an RKO could be just around the corner.
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Kevin Owens- Pop-Up Powerbomb
Kevin Owens bares one of the most impactful finishing moves of all time. Using unbelievable strength to throw his opponents into the air, he catches them on his shoulders before delivering a vicious powerbomb. The throw adds extra height and leverage, making for a greater impact. Owens can perform this on anybody, proving it after slamming the 400 pound Mark Henry to the mat. In my opinion, the Pop-Up Powerbomb is an awesome twist on a classic move, and always fun to watch.
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Bray Wyatt- Sister Abigail
Although lots of people disagree with this one, I happen to think the Sister Abigail is one of the most devastating finishers in the WWE today. Not only does it look nasty, dangerous, and downright painful, but Wyatt can hit it with deceptive speed, slamming his opponent ruthlessly to the mat.
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Neville- Red Arrow
I have watched this move over 1000 times, at least 200 in slow motion… and I still can’t figure out how he does this. The King Of The Cruiserweights, Neville, is the owner of what I would dare call the most beautiful aerial maneuver of all time. It’s not every day that you see a talent with the body of John Cena, yet the move set of Rey Mysterio, and since the debut of 205 Live, Neville has flourished in the WWE!
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AJ Styles- Styles Clash
The Styles Clash is a highly creative and highly dangerous finisher that ends in a flashy finish or a broken neck. Styles picks his opponent up like a Piledriver, but wraps his legs around the opponent’s arms, trapping them, before dropping them face first along with the weight of two bodies. The Styles Clash is one of my favorite wrestling moves, and I’m overjoyed that the WWE has allowed AJ to use it.
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Brock Lesnar- F-5
Brock Lesnar’s F-5 is one of, if not the most terrifying move in the WWE. Could you imagine a man like Brock Lesnar picking you up on his shoulders before twirling you in the air like a tornado before letting you viciously splat on the canvass? The F-5 is responsible for Lesnar’s multiple World Titles and most importantly, ending Undertaker’s Wrestlemania Streak. Brock is a certified Badass, and this move is perfect for a powerhouse of his stature. ________________________________________________________________________
Ember Moon- Eclipse
This is the definition of a flashy, yet extremely effective finisher performed by NXT Women’s Superstar, Ember Moon. After learning her craft from Booker T, Ember went on to defeat countless women in NXt with this top rope corkscrew stunner! It’s a truly beautiful sight and keeps me glued to my screen in anticipation of the finish.
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Roderick Strong- End Of Heartache
Roderick Strong used this finisher to end many matches during his tenure on the independent scene, yet used a different finisher upon arrival to NXT. One day though, he hit the End Of Heartache, putting an end to my heartache from missing this beautiful move. The End Of Heartache is a dangerous finisher in which the taker has no control over the bump they take. As sinister as it sounds, that’s why I love this move as you never know how anybody will land.
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Pete Dunne- Bitter End
The Bitter End is a satisfying finisher that has been heavily protected in the early stages of WWE’s UK exclusive brand. After an instant classic at NXT Takeover:Chicago, Dunne captured the WWE UK Championship after nailing his adversary, Tyler Bate, with this pump-handle, spinning DDT. It’s a gorgeous maneuver and deserves a spot on this list.
