Finishing moves are some of the most devastating moves in pro wrestling. They provide wrestlers the individuality that is so important to find success in pro wrestling. They gives wrestlers a unique identity and a chance to creating a lasting impression in fans minds.
They’ve become as integral to pro wrestling as entrance music. We are all familiar with the devastating finishers of the WWE from the Stone Cold Stunner and the Tombstone Piledriver to Roman Reigns’ Spear and AJ STyles’ Styles Clash. In this list, I’ve compiled some of the best non-WWE finishing moves in pro wrestling today.
5: Zack Sabre Jr – New School Armbreaker
Zack Sabre Jr. is one of the best technical wrestlers in independent wrestling today. He’s a former winner of Wrestling Observer’s Bryan Danielso Award for Best Technical Wrestler for 2014 and 2015 consecutively. The award that was named after Bryan Danielson (Daniel Bryan), who won the award 9 years in a row from 2005 to 2013. Chris Benoit and Kurt Angle are former winners of the award. That’s how highly regarded Zack Sabre Jr. is and it’s only a matter of time before he signs for WWE.
Zack Sabre Jr. has a variety of submission moves in his arsenal the most devastating of which is the New School Armbreaker. The move is a modified version of a cross-armbreaker. The move looks devastating and some of the biggest names in independent wrestling and Japanese wrestling have tapped out to it.
Check out the video where Zack Sabre Jr. absolutely destroys former NXT Superstar Chris Hero with his New School Armbreaker. How can you destroy someone with a submission hold? See for yourself.
4: Will Ospreay : Standing Shooting Star Press
Will Ospreay was born to fly. He can do things with his body that you’d think are against the laws of physics. He was on of the hottest wrestlers on the independent scene before signing with New Japan Pro Wrestling.earliernthis year. He made an electrifying debut at Invasion Attack 2016 in a losing effort against IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, Kushida.
To say that WIll Ospreay is a high-flyer is an understatement. Yet, calling him just a high-flyer doesn’t do him justice. He has a host of awesome moves in his arsenal including a variety of moonsaults, but the move that’s really unbelievable is his Standing Shooting Star Press. It’s a thing of beauty.
3: Ricohchet/Prince Puma : 630 Splash
Ricohchet has wrestled everywhere from New Japan to EVOLVE, Lucha Underground and PWG for the last two years. Repeated rumours of him signing for WWE have surfaced so far this year. He came out earlier this week squashing the rumour and announcing his intention to compete in New Japan’s Best Off Super-Juniors tournament later this year.
Ricochet has it all. His ability is breathtaking and he oozes charisma. Froma moonsault to ring-psychology, it all comes so naturally to him. He was born to be a wrestler. Ricohchet’s finishing move, the 630 Splash looks incredible. It’s the apex of his high-flying offense.
2: Dragon Kid - Dragonrana
Dragon Kid is one of the greatest high-flyers of the modern era of professional wrestling. He’s on par with Rey Mysterio as one of the greatest luchadores of recent times. His gravity-defying. Lucha libre inspired offence is truly breathtaking. He was trained by the legendary Japanese cruiserweight, Ultimo Dragon. Dragon Kid has definitely lived up to his mentor.
The Dragonrana is one of a kind. It’s one of those moves that just leave you with your mouth wide open, wondering how someone can pull it off.
1: Kenny Omega : One Winged Angel
Kenny Omega is the current leader of the Bullet Club and the holder of the prestigious IWGP Intercontinental Champion. He turned on AJ Styles and drove him out of the Bullet Club and took over earlier this year. Omega had wrestled in WWE’s developmental system in the past before moving to Japan. He dresses like an 80’s rock star with his perm and leather jacket.
His finishing move, the One Winged Angel is one of the most devastating moves in wrestling today. Check out the video to see Kenny Omega take out AJ Styles with the One Winged Angel to take over as leader of the Bullet Club.
What finishers have I missed out on? Tweet me @pratyaygh and let me know.
