In the world of professional wrestling, few moments are as electrifying as the climax of a match, when a wrestler unleashes their signature move, known as a finisher, to secure victory. These iconic moves are more than just flashy displays of athleticism; they are the exclamation points of a wrestling match, leaving a lasting impact on the audience and cementing the wrestler’s legacy. The significance of finishers in professional wrestling goes beyond the physicality of the moves; it’s about storytelling, emotion, and connection with the fans.
The Art of the Finisher
A finisher is the wrestler’s pièce de résistance, the move they are most closely associated with, and one that carries a certain mystique. Think of Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Stone Cold Stunner, The Rock’s Rock Bottom, or The Undertaker’s Tombstone Piledriver. These moves are not only visually striking but also serve as a representation of the wrestler’s persona, style, and narrative arc.
For example, the Stone Cold Stunner was a perfect embodiment of Austin’s rebellious anti-hero character. The move itself was relatively simple but devastating, mirroring Austin’s no-nonsense attitude in the ring. The Rock Bottom, on the other hand, was not only a powerful slam but also a move that showcased The Rock’s charismatic personality. These finishers weren’t just means to an end in a match; they were storytelling tools, often signaling the beginning of the end for their opponents.
The Emotional Connection
What sets finishers apart from other wrestling moves is the emotional connection they forge with the audience. Wrestling is, at its core, a form of storytelling, and finishers are the exclamation points in these stories. When a wrestler hits their finisher, it’s a moment of catharsis for the fans, a release of pent-up anticipation and excitement
This emotional connection extends to the wrestlers themselves. When a wrestler wins with their finisher, it’s a validation of their character, skill, and journey. It’s a moment of triumph that the fans share with their favorite athletes. The roar of the crowd when a finisher connects and leads to a pinfall is a testament to the power of this move in creating a lasting impact on the audience.
The Legacy of Finishers
Finishers often outlive the careers of the wrestlers who popularized them. They become a part of wrestling lore, passed down through generations of fans. Even casual viewers of wrestling can often name iconic finishers like the RKO, the Attitude Adjustment, or the Sweet Chin Music, showing how deeply ingrained these moves are in the collective memory of the wrestling world.
Wrestlers who successfully execute their finishers become legends in their own right, forever linked to the move. The Undertaker’s Tombstone Piledriver and Shawn Michaels’ Sweet Chin Music are not just moves; they are symbols of an era, a reminder of the magic that took place in the ring.
The Evolution of Finishers
While classic finishers like the Figure-Four Leglock or the Sharpshooter remain timeless, wrestling is an ever-evolving art form. New generations of wrestlers create innovative finishers that push the boundaries of athleticism and storytelling. The emergence of moves like the Styles Clash and the Canadian Destroyer demonstrates the continuous evolution of finishers in professional wrestling.
These new finishers, when done right, can capture the imaginations of fans and stand the test of time, adding to the rich tapestry of iconic moves in the wrestling world.
The Psychology Behind Finishers
One of the most fascinating aspects of finishers is the psychology that underpins them. A well-executed finisher is not just about physical prowess; it’s about timing, anticipation, and knowing when to strike. Wrestlers often build the momentum of a match, gradually wearing down their opponent, before delivering the coup de grâce with their signature move. This psychological aspect adds an extra layer of drama and suspense to the match, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
Additionally, the anticipation of a finisher creates a unique dynamic between the wrestler and the audience. As the crowd senses the impending climax, the atmosphere in the arena reaches a fever pitch. The deafening cheers or collective gasps that accompany the setup and execution of a finisher create a palpable energy that sets professional wrestling apart from other forms of entertainment.
The Legacy of Iconic Matches
Some of the most memorable matches in wrestling history are defined by the finishers involved. Consider the legendary encounter between Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III. The sight of Hogan hoisting the colossal Andre for a bodyslam before finishing him off with a leg drop is etched into the annals of wrestling history. This match, culminating in Hogan’s iconic finisher, is a testament to the enduring power of these moves in shaping the narrative of a match.
Similarly, the ‘Montreal Screwjob’ at Survivor Series 1997 is remembered not just for the controversial ending, but also for the sharpshooter applied by Bret Hart and the subsequent betrayal by the referee. The image of Shawn Michaels locking in the sharpshooter with the infamous outcome is forever etched in wrestling lore, showcasing how finishers can be central to the most significant moments in wrestling history.
Innovation and Adaptation
As the wrestling landscape continues to evolve, so too do the finishers themselves. Wrestlers are constantly innovating and adapting their movesets to create new and exciting finishers. This innovation not only keeps the art form fresh and dynamic but also allows each generation of wrestlers to put their own stamp on the industry.
For example, the emergence of high-flying finishers like the Shooting Star Press or the 450 Splash has added a new dimension to the repertoire of many wrestlers. These gravity-defying moves captivate audiences with their sheer athleticism and risk-taking, showcasing the evolution of finishers in response to the changing demands of the wrestling landscape.
The Enduring Appeal of Finishers
In an era where entertainment options are abundant, the enduring appeal of finishers speaks to the unique blend of athleticism, drama, and storytelling that professional wrestling offers. Whether it’s the raw power of a chokeslam or the precision of a submission hold, finishers continue to captivate audiences and leave an indelible mark on the wrestling world.
In Conclusion
Finishers are not just the icing on the cake in a wrestling match; they are an integral part of the storytelling process, the emotional connection between fans and wrestlers, and a lasting legacy in the world of professional wrestling. These iconic moves, with their significance and power, demonstrate the enduring appeal of professional wrestling as a form of sports entertainment, captivating audiences around the world for decades and beyond.
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) along with their answers:
Q: What is a finisher in professional wrestling?
A: A finisher is a wrestler’s signature move, often used to conclude a match by incapacitating the opponent and setting them up for a pinfall or submission. It is the move that a wrestler is most closely associated with and is meant to be a high-impact, definitive maneuver.
Q: Can wrestlers have multiple finishers?
A: Yes, some wrestlers may have more than one finisher, especially if they have a diverse moveset or if they adopt different personas or characters over their career. However, typically, one finisher is considered the wrestler’s primary and most iconic move.
Q: How are finishers developed and named?
A: Finishers are often developed based on a wrestler’s style, strengths, and character. Some finishers are created to highlight a wrestler’s physical prowess, while others may be designed to reflect their persona or storyline. The name of a finisher is usually chosen to evoke a certain image or to tie into the wrestler’s character.
Q: Can a wrestler change their finisher?
A: Yes, wrestlers can and sometimes do change their finishers over time. This might happen due to a change in character, a desire to freshen up their moveset, or for other creative reasons. However, changing a finisher can be a significant decision, as it may alter the way a wrestler is perceived by the audience.
Q: Are finishers choreographed?
A: While many wrestling matches are planned and rehearsed to some extent, the actual execution of moves, including finishers, relies on the skill, timing, and coordination of the wrestlers involved. It’s important for wrestlers to communicate and work together to ensure moves are performed safely.
Q: What are some iconic finishers in wrestling history?
A: There are numerous iconic finishers in wrestling history. Some examples include Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Stone Cold Stunner, The Rock’s Rock Bottom, The Undertaker’s Tombstone Piledriver, John Cena’s Attitude Adjustment, and Shawn Michaels’ Sweet Chin Music, among many others.
Q: Can wrestlers have a submission hold as their finisher?
A: Yes, submission holds are a common type of finisher. Rather than relying on impact, submission holds are designed to force an opponent to give up by applying pressure to joints or muscles. Examples include Bret Hart’s Sharpshooter and Chris Jericho’s Walls of Jericho.
Q: Are finishers more about entertainment or athleticism?
A: Finishers are a combination of both entertainment and athleticism. They are designed to be visually impressive and emotionally impactful for the audience, while also showcasing the physical abilities and skills of the wrestlers performing them.
