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Finishers are one of the most important aspects of a wrestling match. These are the most dangerous moves that a wrestler possesses, and the execution of these finishers often leads to the end of a fight. A finisher should not only suit the style of the wrestler but should also go along with his physique and character. The quick execution of Stunner reflected on the explosive personality that Stone Cold was, while Ricochet's 630 Senton makes us realize his talent each and every time. However, since there are a limited number of moves, there are instances where WWE Superstars use the same finishing maneuver.
An example of this is the Spear and the Stunner, which have become the go-to finishers for many WWE Superstars. The ban imposed by WWE on some wrestling moves reduces the list of effective finishers even further.
But, pro-wrestling is a sport based on invention, and over the years, many new moves have come up outside of the wrestling behemoth. In this article, I present to you a few such maneuvers that can be used by the talented wrestlers of WWE as their finishers.
Honorable Mention: Gonzo Bomb
Also known as: Ganso Bomb, Powerbomb Piledriver, Kawada Driver
The Powerbomb and The Piledriver (now banned in WWE) are the most effective and easy-to-execute moves in the wrestling world. Combine them both, and you get the devastating maneuver known as the Gonzo Bomb. Invented by the wrestling legend Lou Thesz, it became popular as Japanese wrestler Toshiaki Kawada's super finisher.
Who could use it in WWE?
A move as brutal as the Gonzo bomb is sure to assert the dominance and threat of the wrestler using it, with Karrion Kross being my pick to take on this finisher. However, the only reason that this move makes it to the honorable mention is because it is a variation quite similar to the classic Piledriver, and as such, WWE may not allow Superstars to use the move.
#1 Fear Factor
Also known as: Package Piledriver
While the Gonzo bomb may never get approval from WWE, this Piledriver, innovated by wrestling legend Aja Kong and used by AEW star Pentagon Jr, has already made its way to our TV sets in the reality era. The event was SummerSlam 2016, which saw Rollins executing not only this, but every possible move on Finn Balor, in the match to crown the inaugural Universal Champion.
With WWE allowing the use of the Canadian Destroyer and the Panama Sunrise (Sunset Flip Piledriver), there are chances that the Fear Factor escapes the list of banned moves and becomes a fixture on WWE programming.
Who could use it in WWE?
Initially popularized by Kevin Owens as his finisher before he joined WWE, he seems to be an obvious pick to use this move, but the Stunner is doing just fine for him. A returning Sami Zayn can go after Kevin Owens, introducing the Fear Factor as his new finisher to mock Owens. Also, Otis is someone who can adopt the move and make it his own, courtesy of his funny theatrics, without destroying the effectiveness of the maneuver.
#2 Powerbomb Backbreaker
This move is very similar to WWE Superstar Cedric Alexander's Lumbar Check, but there is a slight difference. This move sees the performer lifting the victim for a powerbomb, before catching him mid-air with a backstabber, whereas Cedric lifts his opponents like one does for a Back Suplex, and this minor difference is where the game changes.
The Powerbomb Backbreaker is not as instantaneous a move as the Lumbar Check, allowing less agile wrestlers to use it too. Also, the Powerbomb Backbreaker is more vulnerable to reversals, making it a better choice, as wrestling isn't only about winning a match, but telling a story in the ring, and reversals are an integral part of this story.
Who could use it in WWE?
Coming to the wrestlers who can use this maneuver, it would be criminal not to mention The Messiah of Backbreakers Roderick Strong. Also, this move can be taken up by the current WWE United States Champion Apollo Crews, as it gives him a better finisher, befitting his amazing skills.
#3 Coffin Drop
Also known as: Reverse Splash
Though the move is quite dangerous per WWE's system, they still allow Daniel Bryan to use the Diving Headbutt, so why not introduce the Coffin Drop? Popularized by AEW star Darby Allin, this move involves the performer going on the top rope, before falling back first on their opponent.
Who could use it in WWE?
This move is a perfect fit for someone as agile as WWE Superstar Ricochet, who can use this move as a super finisher, a final resort, which will end any match for sure when the wrestler is able to hit it. Being an easy to reverse move, a missed Coffin Drop can often lead to the performer losing the match, making this move one which (in kayfabe) will require a lot of thought from the performer.
Other stars who can use this move are Ali and Cedric Alexander.
#4 Argentine DDT
Also known as: Burning Hammer (The Tyler Reks version), Inverted AA
The Burning Hammer is the most sacred maneuver in the history of wrestling. It is not easy to execute and can have fatal consequences, leading to its rare use. Brian Kendrick famously performed this move in the Cruiserweight Classic. Wrestling pundits were shocked to see such a risky move take place in a WWE ring but were equally disappointed as the maneuver did not give Kendrick the victory.
The best way to avoid this unnecessary backlash and chances of injuries is to use a much safer version of the move, which is the Argentine DDT.
Who could use it in WWE?
Used by Tyler Reks on WWE TV, WWE billed this move as the 'Burning Hammer' much to the disappointment of wrestling fans, given the original Burning Hammer's reputation. WWE only needs to avoid calling it the Burning Hammer, and they'll be good to go. This move is very similar to the Attitude Adjustment, and so it can be adopted by someone like Samoa Joe or even Braun Strowman, who can mock John Cena by using this move as their finisher.
John Cena reportedly stopped many wrestlers from using any move similar to the AA, and this can be played into a storyline, which will ultimately see Cena returning to the ring and putting over another talented Superstar.
#5 Stormbreaker
Also known as: Will Ospreay's finisher, Canadian Backbreaker Rack transitioned into Modified Corkscrew Neckbreaker (that's a huge name!)
Will Ospreay is one of the best wrestlers to have not joined WWE. His in-ring skills speak for him, and the sky is the ceiling for the Englishman. The only shortcoming of the Aerial Assassin was his finisher, which did not do justice to his moveset. His old finisher was the Oscutter (Springboard Cutter, aka Cody Cutter), and fans were happy to see him transition into a move, which was a visual treat but dangerous at the same time.
This move begins with the performer lifting the rival up from a Double Underhook position and transitioning into the Canadian Backbreaker rack. The performer then brings his opponent crashing down to the mat with a standing Corkscrew Neckbraker.
Who could use it in WWE?
Someone like Adam Cole could take up this move, with the Last Shot serving as his signature, the reason being that Shinsuke Nakamura uses the very same maneuver on WWE SmackDown under the name of Kinshasa. Stormbreaker will be a great addition to the repertoire of the Undisputed Era leader and will give him a finisher befitting his amazing in-ring skills.
Which wrestler is your pick to use the moves mentioned in this article? Also, which other moves should WWE Superstars start using as their finishers? Sound off in the comments section.
