Ranking What Was Really The Best Wrestling Finisher Every Year 1990-2020

2. 2019 - Death Rider/Paradigm Shift

Best Finishers
AEW

Jon Moxley tore the pro wrestling world a new a*shole in 2019, and the modification of his old WWE finish was such a great, integral part of his transformation.

He banished the old version to the past - cannily, by allowing Juice Robinson to kick out of it - and introduced the new spiked version immediately. This disgusting new variation put over the idea, through stunning use of contrast, that this was an exponentially more dangerous performer than the WWE clown that the wrestling world was going to have to reckon with.

Mox was so great at selling the move with his words, too, by casually staring down the lens to warn his opponents that they were about to get "dropped on their head". He spoke with full, gleeful awareness of the taboo that phrase had developed throughout his years "inside".

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!