5 Best Finishers In WWE Today (And 5 Worst)
9. Worst - The STF(U)
From a fantastic submission finisher to one that elicits countless eye rolls whenever it's applied. There is no denying that the STF or Stepover-Toehold-Facelock is one of the most deadly moves in wrestling. Developed by Lou Thesz, the move can easily break a man's leg if properly applied and its roots are firmly in the old stretching days of the sport.
The move itself is not the problem, but how John Cena performs it that draws so much criticism. All of Cena's signature moves have become the subject of ridicule over the years but the STF remains the most frustrating as its delivery is so inconsistent.
Cena's version of the move is not a true STF but rather a Stepover-Toehold-Sleeper. That variation goes someway to explain the more lifeless use of Cena's arms during the move.
At times, Cena has applied the move with a wrenching motion that makes you truly believe his opponents back is under agonising pressure. It was the move that helped Cena retain the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 22 and has thwarted countless opponents since.
It has only been in recent years that the hold has appeared looser and less effective. It currently consists almost entirely of screaming rather than stretching.