The 5 best promos of the past 5 years in WWE

Promos: the art of speaking to the audience, to help build a story and feud is arguably a wrestler's most effective tool.

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When we think of the greatest promos of all time, we may think back to 1996, with Steve Austin's infamous 'Austin 3:16' speech.

The short speech which followed Austin winning that year's King of the Ring helped immortalize the Texan overnight, as well as make one of the most recognizable slogans of all time.

But you don't need to look back to 1996 to find some of the greatest of all time. Since 2013, we have seen plenty of already classic moments and scathing promos, and today, we look at just 5 of the best, over the past five years in the WWE.

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#1 Mark Henry 'retires' (RAW June 17, 2013)

Crocodile tears roll down the cheeks of Henry

The focus of Mark Henry has always been raw strength. From competing in the Olympics to winning the 2002 Arnold Strongman competition, Henry's incredible power has never been questioned.

But what happened on RAW in 2013, showed that Henry was more than a strongman. After a week of cryptic messages hinting at retirement, Henry interrupted then WWE Champion John Cena, wearing a now-iconic salmon pink jacket.

Henry thanked Cena for the opportunity to speak, before thanking the fans for their support. Placing his wrestling boots down, the Texan fought back tears, as he announced his retirement.

Mentioning his career highlights (and even Mae Young), it was an emotional time for the fans, Cena and especially Henry.

But it was all for nothing, when Henry ended, and attacked the champ, revealing his true intentions, and laying his claim to a WWE Championship match at Money In the Bank.

Whilst Henry would lose to Cena, this promo will go down as one of the career highlights for a man who can walk the walk and talk the talk.

Cody Rhodes gets fired (RAW, September 2, 2013)

This promo definitely showed fans what they could expect of the American Nightmare

In 2018, Cody Rhodes is one of the hottest commodities in wrestling. With his All In event just days away, the grandson of a plumber is continuing to prove himself as the crown jewel of the independent circuit.

But in 2013, things were different. A proven mid-carder, Rhodes was still seen by many higher ups as lacking in mic skills. After questioning the decisions of the newly formed Authority, Rhodes found himself on the losing end to Randy Orton, in a match with Cody's career on the line.

Being escorted by security, Rhodes spoke about his wife and his wrestling family, before walking away. It was a promo that made many see Cody in a new light, on par with his legendary brother, and hall of fame father. The trio would work together to get Cody's job back, and this promo definitely showed fans what they could expect of the American Nightmare.

#3 The Miz lets loose on Talking Smack (WWE Talking Smack, August 26, 2016)

The Miz raised some very valid points at that time

If there was one main criticism of The Miz since his debut in WWE, is that he's too soft. He plays it safe and whilst the A-Lister has been a multi-time champion, too many, he lacks that legitimate mean streak.

On the August 26 edition of Talking Smack, the irate Intercontinental Champion was furious at then-General Manager Daniel Bryan, that the A-Lister was left off the show, in favour of debuting the new SmackDown Live Women's and Tag Team Championships.

When told he was too safe by the YES! Movement leader, the Miz snapped, verbally berating Bryan and telling him to quit.

It was a fascinating promo that got the entire WWE Universe talking, with many conceding that Miz raised some good points.

How was the IC title supposed to be seen as esteemed, if the champion couldn't make it to the show?

Why was Bryan remaining in a company that (at the time) wouldn't let him compete if he loved to wrestle as much as he claimed? It was a scathing promo, delivered perfectly by the A-Lister.

#4 Kevin Owens keeps his friends close (RAW, February 13, 2017)

Owens decimated his best friend

The teaming of Kevin Owens and Y2J was by far one of the most entertaining things on RAW in recent memory. The two Canadians had worked together to keep the Universal Championship on Owens, with Jericho capturing the United States Champion from Roman Reigns.

After accepting a Universal title match against Goldberg on Owen's behalf, the first-ever Undisputed Champion wanted to show his best friend a good time, with the Festival of Friendship. With gifts of a statue as well as a very tastefully `painted statue, Jericho proved his love.

Unfortunately, Owens didn't take this too well, assaulting his bestie, and decimating Jericho. Everything about the story was perfect and even now, it makes for excellent viewing.

#5 "Your arms are just too short to box with God" (RAW, January 7, 2013)

What happens when you have two of the best talkers in WWE history in the ring together at the same time? CM Punk and The Rock.

After vowing to take the WWE Championship from the Straight-Edge saviour, The Rock did his best to take Punk down verbally, but the Chicago native more than held his own.

Many fans thought they'd never see The Rock return, nevermind wrestling for the WWE Championship. But whilst Punk may easily be one of the greatest talkers of all time, Punk was able to show that Rock was just too short, to box with God.

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Did we miss out on any promos from this list? Sound off your opinions in the comments section below!