10 Wrestlers Who Perfected A Non-Finishing Move
Wrestlers who made a move look a million bucks when it wasn't ever their finisher.
It is to be expected that a wrestler, working multiple times a week for years on end, will perfect a move or two in their time. In most cases, that move is their finisher (though John Cena's STF may be the exception that proves the rule), and they get damn good at making that move look like a million bucks.
Even wrestlers not generally regarded as A-tier in-ring workers have had that one move they just make hit different; Test's Big Boot, JBL's Clothesline From Hell, Jack Swagger's Gutwrench Powerbomb.
Sometimes, however, it isn't even a wrestler's finish that you pop for the most; it is those little moves they can be relied on to break out once a match that, for whatever reason, they just deliver better than anyone else. Whether it is due to the aesthetic of how they deliver it, or how impressive it is technically or athletically (2001 Kane uncorking a standing dropkick to Albert for example), something about the move just does it for you.
Well, we have broken down 10 of our absolute favourites here! If you know of any glaring omissions, be sure to let us know.
10. Kevin Nash - Sidewalk Slam
it is often joked - and not without some justification - that Kevin Nash only had six moves ('that's including the hair flip' - Jim Cornette). One of those moves was a mighty fine-looking sidewalk slam, however. Nash was nothing if not a traditional big man in his move set, and a fairly generic one at that. There is a certain something about Diesel's moves that do carry personality, however.
The laziness that Big Sexy was often accused of both in and outside of the ring gave a certain charisma to his moves. A leisurely style that was nonetheless devastating due to his monstrous strength and size. This sidewalk slam is no different. A favourite on bigs throughout wrestling history, it must be said that the former Master Blaster Steel executed the move to particularly stylish effect.
Nash would land in kind of a leg drop position while delivering the move, the weight of both men hitting the canvas making it feel - and sound- like a way more devastating move than it actually is. The move was simple, stylish, and effective.