100 Best Wrestling Moves EVER
82. Shelton Benjamin | Thrust Kick
A move synonymous with Shelton Benjamin’s past became part of his present in 2024 when, upon arriving in All Elite Wrestling as The Hurt Syndicate’s first clear and present danger, he became the aggressor rather than the underdog.
Highlighting just how much WWE will always be the land of the giants even when not necessarily pushing all the monsters of old, perennial mid-sized midcarder Benjamin towered over many within AEW, and the domineering presence became a key part of his act. Never was this better illustrated than when he started drilling folk with his thrust kick.
A mirroring of arguably his famous moment could have been awkward for what it was calling back to. Shawn Michaels nailing Benjamin with a superkick from the heavens back in 2005 became the headline of former US Champion’s North American wrestling story, until he started writing a brand new one with a death blow of his own. Powered by an extra step that accelerates the motion and violence, Benjamin understands the assignment and hurts people with that thing, levelling himself up in the process to stand alongside stablemate Bobby Lashley rather than in his lofty shadow.