9 Wrestling Moves Sami Zayn Doesn’t Do Anymore

7. Barricade Moonsault

Not seen since it flattened Randy Orton in October 2017, Sami Zayn’s barricade moonsault is proof that a wrestler’s moveset need not be diminished by moving from NXT (or even outside the realm of WWE) to the main roster. In fact - as the Twitter thread suggests - this move was made possible by the circumstances of the main roster, which meant performing in arenas with wider barricades. This allowed Zayn to jump on the barricade and springboard off with a picture-perfect moonsault.

Analysing professional wrestling is a beautiful thing, something that the WWE really doesn’t do enough. Zayn’s barricade moonsault is equal parts desperation and confidence, the act of countering a dangerous move with something even more outlandish, reversing simplicity with technique.

It also happens to engage with the crowd on a real ‘incredible show’ sort of level, as those lucky enough to get a front-row seat come thrillingly close to sharing that vantage point with Zayn, only for the elite athlete to thrust himself back in the direction of his opponent. It is a move that is guaranteed to elicit excitement and cheers. That is almost certainly why Zayn no longer performs this move.