10 Times Wrestlers Busted Out Moves You'd NEVER Expect

3. Bad Bunny Busts Out The Canadian Destroyer

Bad Bunny John Morrison Destroyer
WWE

The Canadian Destroyer is probably the most controversial move of the century; indeed, it defines the chasm between the enduring "old school versus new school" discourse.

Even though the opponent must post for something as simple and accepted as a body slam, revealing the ruse if you look closely enough, the destroyer is considered too cooperative for some. The back flip component is simply meant to look spectacular, and if you wish to apply head canon logic to it, the idea is to discombobulate and then damage the opponent. Even those enamoured with the move draw a line under certain instances of it; Adam Cole should not execute it on Keith Lee, but set up well enough, Penta El Zero Miedo actually can deliver it to the same wrestler.

As with everything, context is crucial.

While the destroyer is shorthand for "wrestling looks too fake now", its divisive power means that it is also a shortcut to get over.

Wrestling at its best elicits an emotional or adrenalised response, and WWE under Vince McMahon - masters at laying out the celebrity match - recognised the indie trend of the Incredulous destroyer - i.e., someone you least expect busting out one of the form's more convoluted manoeuvres. When Bad Bunny blasted John Morrison at WrestleMania 37, it was electrifying. He evolved from eager to exceptional in the span of seconds.

Credit to Morrison, too; his spring-like bump was some feat, and he more than played his part in making the Moment.

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!