What Makes a Good Wrestling Finisher?By Coder| September 1, 2023 Wrestling What Makes a Good Wrestling Finisher? When it comes to professional wrestling, one of the most exciting moments for both the wrestlers and the audience is the finisher – that signature move that brings a match to its climax. A good finisher can leave a lasting impression and become an iconic part of a wrestler’s persona. But what exactly makes a finisher great? Let’s explore some key elements. The Element of Surprise A good wrestling finisher needs to catch the audience off guard and create that “wow” factor. It should be unexpected and unique, setting it apart from other moves in the wrestler’s repertoire. This element of surprise adds excitement and keeps fans on the edge of their seats. For example, The Undertaker’s Tombstone Piledriver is a classic finisher that always elicits a strong reaction from the crowd. When he lifts his opponent upside down and drives their head into the mat, it creates an unforgettable moment that leaves everyone in awe. Showcasing Strength and Skill A great finisher should demonstrate not only the wrestler’s strength but also their technical prowess. It should require precision, timing, and athleticism to execute properly. When done right, it becomes a testament to the performer’s abilities. Take Kurt Angle’s Ankle Lock as an example. Angle would lock his opponent’s ankle while applying immense pressure, showcasing his Olympic wrestling background and adding legitimacy to his character. The move required both technical proficiency and raw power, making it an effective finishing maneuver. Making an Impact The impact of a finisher is crucial in determining its effectiveness. It should look devastating and leave no doubt about its potential for ending a match decisively. This visual impact adds drama and intensifies the overall experience for the audience. One example of a finisher that makes a tremendous impact is Randy Orton’s RKO. This move involves Orton suddenly grabbing his opponent’s head and driving it into the mat with a swift and forceful motion. The suddenness and brutality of the RKO always make it a highlight of any match. Memorability A good finisher should be memorable, leaving a lasting impression on the audience long after the match is over. It should become synonymous with the wrestler and evoke instant recognition when mentioned or performed. Hulk Hogan’s Leg Drop is a prime example of a memorable finisher. Hogan would drop his leg onto his opponent’s throat, often leading to victory. This move became synonymous with Hogan’s persona and remains an iconic part of wrestling history. Presentation and Storytelling While the physical aspects are crucial, presentation and storytelling also play a significant role in making a finisher great. The wrestler’s charisma, character development, and ability to engage the crowd all contribute to enhancing the impact of their finishing move. For instance, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s People’s Elbow is not necessarily the most devastating move in terms of physicality, but its presentation makes it iconic. The Rock would theatrically remove his elbow pad, run across the ring ropes, and then drop an elbow onto his opponent while they lay motionless. The crowd would go wild every time he performed this move because it was part of his larger-than-life persona. The element of surprise Showcasing strength and skill Making an impact Memorability Presentation and storytelling In conclusion, a good wrestling finisher encompasses a combination of factors. It needs to surprise, showcase the wrestler’s abilities, make a visual impact, be memorable, and fit into the larger narrative of the performer’s character. When these elements come together, a finisher becomes an integral part of a wrestler’s identity and leaves a lasting impression on fans around the world.
