10 Best Finishers In Wrestling Today

7. Randy Orton: RKO

RKO Luke Harper
WWE.com

Randy Orton is a sublime technical wrestler, something for which he is rarely credited.

He doesn't boast the same wealth of expansive holds of a Zack Sabre, Jr., but the technique behind what little he does is beyond impeccable. That technique is in character, too; when he positions himself for the RKO from a place of hidden sight, he looks like an actual snake uncoiling itself. Of course, that isn't the only position from which he can strike.

The genius of the move is such that he can hit it from anywhere. The genius of the move is such that it remains so over in spite of WWE's commentary team telling you, ceaselessly, that he can hit it from anywhere. The genius of the move is such that it remains so over in spite of his weird career trajectory. Orton is at this point the longest-serving WWE name throughout the super-service monopoly era, profoundly over-exposed, and yet that finisher is struck so perfectly and inventively that people will never tire of it.

He is also a top-tier worker. Pejoratively. A master of body preservation, the aura of the move has allowed him to just meander, very slowly, obnoxiously almost, through so many matches.

All of which are guaranteed at least one massive pop.

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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!