The most powerful finishers in WWE at the start of 2018

Finishers aren't what they used to be. In the not-so distant past, when a wrestler would hit a finisher on an opponent, the match was over. Finisher kick-outs were extremely rare, and when they did happen, it was only on the grandest of stages. Who could forget The Rock kicking out of the Stunner in the main event of WrestleMania 17? This freak incident was integral in selling the story of Stone Cold Steve Austin's heel turn at the end of that contest.

That isn't the case anymore. In the last 10 years, finishers have lost much of their lustre. Kick-outs on free TV are commonplace. John Cena's Attitude Adjustment has become particularly infamous for its lack of power. Finn Balor kicked out of one just last week.

Other finishers, though, are more powerful in WWE. They take on the characteristics of finishers from the past - putting opponents away in decisive fashion.

The potency of finishers, unsurprisingly, mirror the booking of their users. As 2018 begins, these are the most powerful.

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#1 F5 (Brock Lesnar)

The F5 is currently the most powerful finisher in the company, having felled the likes of Braun Strowman, Samoa Joe, and Kane in a single shot. It wasn't always this way, and it won't remain this way for long. The move has clearly been built up to create a "shocking" moment when Roman Reigns kicks out of it at WrestleMania on April 8th.

But for now, The Beast Incarnate's finisher sits at the top of the mountain.

#2 Asuka Lock/Flying Cross Armbar (Asuka)

Asuka's finisher has been fluid. After Survivor Series, she began to use a flying cross armbar, but we saw the return of the Asuka Lock last week against Sasha Banks. Sometimes she uses a kick that no one kicks out of.

Whatever finisher she uses, her opponent's loss is a guarantee. The one and only person ever to escape the Asuka Lock was Bayley, and that was way back at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II in August 2016.

#3 Black Mass (Aleister Black)

Almost a year after his debut, Aleister Black's finisher has never failed to put away an opponent. The best strike in the entire company, the Black Mass has felled the likes of Adam Cole, Velveteen Dream, and would have even put away Lars Sullivan were it not for interference.

Aleister Black will soon head to New Orleans to meet the first man to fall to the Black Mass in NXT, the champion Andrade "Cien" Almas. The current Almas is a very different man from the one that met Black last year in Orlando, but I still don't expect him to be able to overcome the Black Mass. Zelina Vega better have something up her sleeve if it connects.

#4 Figure 8 (Charlotte Flair)

When Charlotte locks in the Figure 8, expect her opponents to bow to the queen. The move has forced the likes of Naomi, Natalya, and most notably, Alexa Bliss, to tap out.

If the rumored match of Charlotte vs. Asuka for WrestleMania goes forward, I expect to see the Empress of Tomorrow escape it, even in its full bridge, but she would be the first.

#5 Red Arrow (Neville)

Technically, Neville is still on the payroll, which gives me hope that we'll see the Red Arrow return someday. This was the sceptre with which the King of the Cruiserweights ruled his kingdom with an iron fist. Not one of his challengers kicked out after it connected with their unfortunate bodies.

#6 Coup de Grace (Finn Balor)

Finn Balor has suffered from haphazard booking since returning from injury last April, but his finisher has been protected. If he connects with it, it's a sure match-ender, most notably felling AJ Styles at TLC last year.

One suspects that if he were to meet the likes of Roman Reigns or Braun Strowman on a more consistent basis, his finisher wouldn't make this list, but for now, it's one of the sure shots on Raw.

#7 Freak Accident (Lars Sullivan)

Lars Sullivan tore through the NXT roster in 2017, using this move to make his presence felt. No one's kicked out of it yet.

We haven't seen much from Sullivan in 2018. He might be nursing an injury. When he comes back though, expect to see the Freak Accident take down many more superstars in NXT.

#8 End of Days (Baron Corbin)

Like Finn Balor, Baron Corbin has suffered from haphazard booking, but his finisher has been protected. Its list of victims is also more distinguished than Finn Balor's Coup de Grace.

Whether Corbin's luck can match that of his finisher in 2018 remains to be seen.

#9 Dirty Deeds (Dean Ambrose)

Dean Ambrose met with an unfortunate injury on his way to WrestleMania and during his well-received reunion with Seth Rollins. Yet, we saw Dirty Deeds destroy opponent after opponent in 2017, particularly in combination with Seth Rollins' flying knee. Sheamus and Cesaro were its foremost victims.

#10 RKO (Randy Orton)

No list would be complete without the RKO. It's the most over move in the company because it comes out of nowhere, looks really cool, and, most importantly, no one ever kicks out of it. If it hits, the match is over unless some shenanigans are in play.