My 10 Favorite WWE Finishing Moves
No particular order — just pure impact, nostalgia, and chaos.
Wrestling finishers are more than just match-enders — they’re iconic. They’re the punctuation marks at the end of classic bouts, the moves that make you leap off the couch, shout at the screen, or rewind the clip just to see it again. Whether they’re flashy, brutal, or just perfectly timed, the best finishers don’t just win matches — they define legacies. So in honor of the moves that stuck with me through eras of Attitude, Ruthless Aggression, and beyond, here are 10 of my all-time (so far) favorite WWE finishing moves. No rankings, no order — just a collection of chaos, nostalgia, and pure wrestling beauty.
No. 10: Go To Sleep (GTS)
Used by: CM Punk (and briefly by KENTA, for those who know...)
How it works: The opponent is hoisted onto the wrestler’s shoulders in a fireman’s carry, then dropped forward so their face meets a running knee on the way down. Brutal, simple, and effective.
Why I Like It:
The GTS doesn’t just hit — it cracks. There’s something so crisp about the motion: Punk effortlessly flips his opponent forward, then BAM — knee to the jaw. It feels like a finishing move you could see in a real fight, and when it’s landed clean (looking at you, WrestleMania 29 vs. Taker), it’s art. Add in the “clobberin’ time” setup and that intense crowd reaction when Punk locked eyes and lifted someone up… yeah, the GTS always lived up to its name.
No. 9: Five-Star Frog Splash
Used by: Rob Van Dam
How it works: RVD ascends to the top rope, launches into the air with jaw-dropping height, extends fully mid-flight, and crashes down chest-to-chest (or gut-to-gut) with a splash that looks like it folds both men in half. His signature bounce upon impact makes it feel like a small explosion just happened in the ring.
Why I like it: It’s a move that feels like controlled chaos. The elevation, the sell, and the sheer spectacle of it make every Five-Star Frog Splash feel special. RVD's ability to make it look both graceful and devastating is what elevates this above your standard top-rope fare—it’s part art, part impact.
No. 8: Razor’s Edge
Used By: Razor Ramon (Scott Hall)
How it works: The opponent is hoisted onto the wrestler’s shoulders in a fireman’s carry position, then flipped forward and slammed face-first into the mat with a powerful falling motion.
Why I like it: The Razor’s Edge is a classic that perfectly matches Scott Hall’s cool, confident persona. It’s visually impressive — the way the opponent is flipped and slammed makes it feel like a real game-changer, especially when the crowd starts counting the pinfall. Plus, it has that iconic 90s vibe that takes me back to wrestling’s golden era.
No. 7: Coup De Grace
Used By: Finn Bálor
How it works: Finn Bálor climbs to the top rope and leaps off, landing a precise double foot stomp right onto their opponent’s chest or torso.
Why I like it: The Coup De Grace perfectly combines athleticism and impact — it’s a breathtaking moment every time Bálor takes flight. It’s one of those moves where the tension builds as he climbs the ropes, and the payoff is a spectacular splash that really looks devastating. Plus, it fits Bálor’s high-flying, fast-paced style perfectly.
No. 6: Batista Bomb
Used By: Batista
How it works: Batista lifts his opponent onto his shoulders in a fireman’s carry position, then slams them down hard onto the mat with a powerful sit-out powerbomb.
Why I like it: The Batista Bomb is pure power and aggression wrapped into one move. It’s a statement finisher that feels like a game-changer every time — when Batista plants someone with this, you know the match is about to end. The move’s impact and sheer force perfectly match Batista’s intimidating presence and intensity in the ring.
No. 5: Stone Cold Stunner
Used By: Stone Cold Steve Austin
How it works: Stone Cold kicks his opponent in the midsection, causing them to bend forward, then quickly drops down into a seated position while grabbing their head and driving their jaw into his shoulder.
Why I like it: The Stunner is one of the most iconic finishers in wrestling history—simple, sudden, and devastating. It’s got perfect timing and crowd impact, often leading to huge pops when Austin nails it out of nowhere. Plus, it fits Stone Cold’s no-nonsense, rebellious attitude, making it a perfect signature move for the Texas Rattlesnake.
No. 4: Figure-Four Leglock
Used By: Ric Flair (most famously), and many others inspired by him
How it works: The wrestler traps one of the opponent’s legs around their own, then crosses and hooks the other leg behind the opponent’s knee, applying pressure to the knee and ankle to force a submission.
Why I like it: The Figure-Four is a classic submission that’s as much about storytelling as pain. It’s a slow burn that builds tension in the match, and Flair’s iconic use of it made it legendary. I love how it can turn a match into a drama of endurance and resilience, making every moment feel critical. Plus, the crowd reaction when someone finally taps is always electric.
No. 3: Sweet Chin Music
Used By: Shawn Michaels
How it works: Shawn Michaels stomps on the opponent’s raised foot to set them up, then delivers a superkick — a sudden, high-impact kick right to the chin — knocking the opponent out cold.
Why I like it: Sweet Chin Music is pure showmanship with a killer payoff. It’s flashy, sudden, and has that electric “whoa” moment that can end a match in an instant. Shawn Michaels made it iconic by selling it with charisma and timing, and I love how the build-up with the foot-stomp creates suspense before the big hit. It’s a perfect blend of style and impact.
No. 2: Spear
Used By: Goldberg, Edge, Roman Reigns, Batista (early career), and many others
How it works: The wrestler charges at their opponent with a powerful, running tackle, driving their shoulder into the opponent’s midsection and knocking them down hard, often leading to a quick pinfall.
Why I like it: The Spear is pure, unstoppable force — it looks brutal and decisive, like a freight train crashing through a defender. It’s simple but effective, and it instantly changes the momentum of any match. The best Spears are perfectly timed and delivered with authority, giving that thrilling, spine-tingling moment every fan loves. Plus, it’s versatile, fitting both powerhouse and high-impact wrestlers.
No. 1: Tombstone Piledriver
Used By: The Undertaker, Kane, and occasionally others paying homage
How it works: The wrestler lifts their opponent upside down, holding them vertically with the opponent’s head between their thighs, then drops to their knees, driving the opponent’s head into the mat with devastating impact.
Why I like it: The Tombstone is the ultimate finisher—simple, iconic, and instantly recognizable. It perfectly fits The Undertaker’s mystique and aura, combining power and precision in a move that looks absolutely lethal without crossing into unsafe territory. It’s a move that demands respect and delivers a satisfying conclusion to any match, embodying the dark, dominant presence that made The Undertaker a legend. Plus, it’s got that chilling “oomph” that makes every pinfall feel monumental.
Whether it's the poetic precision of Sweet Chin Music, the spine-rattling impact of the Batista Bomb, or the sheer finality of the Tombstone Piledriver, finishing moves are the punctuation marks that end matches, define careers, and live rent-free in our memories. They’re more than just flashy moves—they're storytelling tools, crowd-popping moments, and signatures that forever tie a move to a superstar. These ten favorites of mine might come from different eras, styles, and superstars, but they all share one thing in common: when they hit, you know it's over. And really, isn’t that what makes a finisher… legendary?
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