10 Wrestling Moves More Dangerous Than You Realise
7. Doomsday Device
The Doomsday Device is wrestling's most iconic tandem finisher. Unlike other often-replicated duo moves, such as the 3D which is cool and awesome and other synonyms for "well mint", the Doomsday Device has a certain majesty to it. While at first glance it may appear uncoordinated, it's the exact opposite; Hawk must clobber the opponent with his diving Lariat at the precise moment Animal launches them off his shoulders. An inch off-target and it won't have the same effect that it was acclaimed for.
In the traditional sense, it won't be an electric chair drop that Animal performs. Pushing the opponent off his shoulders from that position, the Lariat portion causes the opponent to fold, typically landing on their front or, if they fail to rotate the full angle, on their neck unforgivingly.
Rightfully so, the move has taken on a new lifeform in the years since. Breaking Henry Godwinn's neck, the push-off was ultimately swapped out for an electric chair, Animal dropping to the mat with the opponent still on his shoulders. This modernised variant is now the go-to.
Mostly.
The Briscoes were known to maintain the move's heritage prior to Jay's tragic passing. Like the Road Warriors, their execution of the Doomsday Device was violent, potent, homicidal; it was instantly legendary.