When the Attitude Era wound down in 2002, WWE began a process of retraining fans to watch and appreciate longer, more technical matches. The Russo era of 3-minute match after 3-minute match filled with outside weapons and screwjob finishes were phased out (even the Hardcore title was retired) as WWE began to focus on actual wrestling. As part of that move, submission-style wrestling became more prevalent. Chris Benoit, Kurt Angle and others led the charge, but if you look at the WWE 2002 roster, many upper-card superstars either already had or incorporated a submission hold into their repertoire: Edge, Eddie Guerrero, Jericho, Regal, Lance Storm, Tazz and Ultimo Dragon. Fast-forward to todays WWE product and submission finishers continue to be fashionable, albeit a different crop of holds. The crossface and Boston and half-crabs are now used more as mid-match submissions. In their place are a variety of holds some familiar, some new with new wrestlers wrenching back on arms, legs and necks.
Honourable Mention: Anaconda Vise (CM Punk) and Hells Gate (Undertaker)
These two just missed the cut for one very important reason: Its unclear if the wrestler who applies each hold will compete in a WWE ring again. Both moves are vicious and rooted in MMA, and both can be applied to an opponent quickly. Also, if Punk or Taker were confirmed to be competing again, these would obviously rank high on the list and bump a couple out. As things stand, they are on the outside for the time being. But hey, both are better than Mizs sorry Figure Four. That wasnt making the cut regardless. Sorry Naitch, next time bestow your finisher on someone who actually knows how to apply it.