Professional wrestling is known for its larger-than-life characters and high-impact moves, which are the hallmark of every great match. Whether it’s a powerful finisher or a gravity-defying aerial maneuver, these moves capture the imagination of fans and have become synonymous with some of the most iconic wrestlers in history. Some moves have even transcended the ring, becoming pop culture phenomena.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best and most memorable wrestling moves of all time that have helped define the sport.
1. The Stone Cold Stunner
One of the most iconic finishers in wrestling history, The Stone Cold Stunner was made famous by Stone Cold Steve Austin. The move is simple yet devastating: Austin grabs his opponent’s head, sits down, and drives their chin into his shoulder. The sudden impact and the quick execution made it a fan favorite, often sending the crowd into a frenzy.
The Stunner became synonymous with Austin’s anti-establishment persona and is still one of the most recognized moves in wrestling today. Its popularity skyrocketed during the Attitude Era, and it remains a move that fans worldwide remember with fondness.
2. The RKO
Randy Orton’s finishing move, the RKO, is a stunningly simple yet highly effective move. Orton uses his opponent’s momentum against them by grabbing their head and jumping forward to drive their face into the mat, creating a sudden and impactful result.
The move’s beauty lies in its versatility and surprise factor—it can be hit out of nowhere, making it one of the most thrilling finishers in the sport. The “RKO outta nowhere” became a staple of Orton’s career, and its reputation as a jaw-dropping finisher remains intact to this day.
3. The Tombstone Piledriver
Few moves have as much impact as the Tombstone Piledriver, which is closely associated with The Undertaker. This move sees The Undertaker lifting his opponent upside down and dropping them headfirst onto the mat. The sheer force and danger of the move made it one of the most feared finishers in professional wrestling.
The Tombstone Piledriver is a move that defined The Undertaker’s career, as it helped solidify his legendary persona as the “Deadman” and his ominous presence in the ring. Its sheer impact has left a lasting legacy in the world of wrestling.
4. The People’s Elbow
As one of the most charismatic wrestlers in WWE history, The Rock became famous for his electrifying persona and entertaining finishing moves. Among these, The People’s Elbow is perhaps the most famous. While it may not be the most devastating move, its theatrical build-up and the crowd’s reaction made it one of the most beloved finishing moves in wrestling history.
The People’s Elbow involves The Rock running across the ring, throwing his elbow pad into the crowd, and then delivering a dramatic elbow drop to his opponent. The move is celebrated not for its impact but for its showmanship and how it connects The Rock with the audience, making it an iconic part of his wrestling legacy.

5. The Suplex
The suplex is a classic wrestling move that has been used by countless wrestlers over the years. It involves lifting the opponent off the mat and then throwing them backward over the wrestler’s head, often landing them on their back or neck.
While the suplex may seem like a simple move, its versatility and ability to be modified into various forms—such as the German suplex, overhead suplex, or fisherman suplex—have made it one of the most frequently executed and impactful moves in wrestling. Wrestlers like Kurt Angle, Brock Lesnar, and Chris Benoit have used this move to devastating effect, and its role in storytelling during matches cannot be understated.
6. The Attitude Adjustment (AA)
John Cena’s Attitude Adjustment (AA) is a powerful move that became Cena’s signature finisher. The move involves Cena lifting his opponent onto his shoulders in a fireman’s carry position before flipping them over his head and slamming them onto the mat.
The AA is effective not just because of Cena’s immense strength but because it became a symbol of his relentless, never-give-up attitude, which was a hallmark of his character. Cena’s dominance in WWE was defined in large part by this move, and it remains a fan favorite to this day.
7. The F5
Brock Lesnar’s F5 is a move that embodies both power and brutality. Lesnar hoists his opponent onto his shoulders, spins them around, and then throws them face-first into the mat. The F5 has become synonymous with Lesnar’s unstoppable force and was a move that often ended matches with an exclamation point.
Known for its quick execution and devastating impact, the F5 helped establish Lesnar as one of the most dominant wrestlers in WWE history. Its raw power makes it a fearsome finisher that has put many top stars to rest over the years.
8. The Sharpshooter
Bret “The Hitman” Hart made the Sharpshooter one of the most iconic submission holds in wrestling history. The move involves the wrestler flipping their opponent onto their stomach, pulling their legs apart, and then twisting them into a painful submission hold that targets the lower back and legs.
The Sharpshooter became a staple of Hart’s matches and is one of the most respected submission moves in professional wrestling. It represents Hart’s technical wrestling ability and is forever tied to his legacy as one of the greatest of all time.
9. The DDT
The DDT (Dwayne’s Drop or Dynamic DDT) is a move that can be executed by nearly anyone and has been used in a variety of ways over the years. The move involves the wrestler grabbing their opponent’s head and driving it into the mat, often with the opponent’s neck taking the brunt of the impact.
This move, popularized by wrestlers like Jake “The Snake” Roberts and Raven, has become one of the most consistent and effective moves in wrestling. The DDT can be delivered quickly, with great impact, and can catch an opponent off guard, making it a move that remains popular in modern wrestling.
10. The 450 Splash
The 450 Splash is a high-flying move that showcases the athleticism of the performer. Wrestlers like Samoa Joe, AJ Styles, and Ricochet have perfected this move, where the wrestler flips forward 450 degrees in mid-air before crashing down onto their opponent with their full body weight.
This move is one of the most impressive aerial maneuvers in the sport, requiring agility, precision, and incredible body control. It is often a highlight of high-flying wrestling styles and leaves crowds in awe of the wrestler’s daredevil performance.
Conclusion
Wrestling has produced an array of spectacular moves throughout its history. From the power of the Stone Cold Stunner to the gravity-defying 450 Splash, these moves have not only defined wrestlers’ careers but have also become iconic symbols in professional wrestling. They highlight the diverse nature of the sport, blending strength, agility, and showmanship into unforgettable moments that continue to captivate fans worldwide.
Each of these moves represents a unique element of professional wrestling—from power-based finishers to high-flying, jaw-dropping stunts—and they all contribute to the rich history of this dynamic sport. Whether you’re a wrestling fan or aspiring to become a wrestler yourself, these moves have left an indelible mark on the industry and will continue to inspire new generations of performers.