Wrestling isn’t just about larger-than-life personalities—it’s about the moves that make fans jump out of their seats. From devastating finishers to technical masterpieces, these maneuvers have defined eras, created unforgettable moments, and inspired countless backyard reenactments.
Whether it’s a high-flying spectacle, a brutal slam, or a simple but effective hold, these iconic wrestling moves have left a lasting mark on the sport and in the memories of fans everywhere. Most of us with siblings ended up trying these moves at home… Much to the displeasure of our mothers.
8. The RKO
Randy Orton’s signature move, the RKO, became a cultural phenomenon. This quick, out-of-nowhere maneuver captivated fans with its versatility and impact. Children everywhere attempted to recreate the move’s suddenness, often resulting in playful takedowns of unsuspecting friends. The RKO’s popularity extended beyond wrestling, spawning countless memes and viral videos.
7. The Figure-Four Leglock
The Figure-Four Leglock, popularized by Ric Flair, was a playground favorite. Kids would intertwine their legs, mimicking the complex hold. While it looked cool, most attempts ended in tangled limbs and laughter. The move’s effectiveness in real matches made it a staple of backyard wrestling reenactments.
6. The Sharpshooter
The Sharpshooter, popularized by Bret “The Hitman” Hart, was a submission move we all attempted on our siblings. This painful hold involves wrapping the opponent’s legs around one of your own, then turning them over and sitting down to apply pressure to their lower back. Despite its complexity, we persisted in mastering this iconic finisher.
5. The Suplex
The suplex, a powerful throwing technique, involves lifting an opponent and bridging backward to slam them onto their back. This move comes in various forms, including the German and belly-to-belly suplex. While impressive to watch, attempting suplexes without proper training can be dangerous, so it’s best left to the professionals.
4. The Chokeslam
The chokeslam, popularized by wrestlers like Kane and The Undertaker, involves lifting an opponent by the throat and slamming them to the ground. While it looks devastating, the move is actually performed safely by grabbing the opponent’s upper chest, not the neck. Kids often attempted this on pillows or mattresses, mimicking their favorite wrestlers.
3. The Powerbomb
The Powerbomb, a devastating move where the wrestler lifts their opponent onto their shoulders and slams them back-first into the mat, was a playground favorite. Popularized by wrestlers like Batista and Kevin Nash, kids attempted (often poorly) to recreate this high-impact maneuver on unsuspecting friends, usually resulting in grass stains rather than victories.
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2. The Frog Splash
The Frog Splash, popularized by Eddie Guerrero, involves leaping from the top rope with arms and legs spread, resembling a frog. This high-flying move captivated fans with its graceful execution and devastating impact. Children often attempted it on beds or couches, mimicking their wrestling heroes.
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1. The Clothesline
The clothesline is a classic wrestling move where the attacker extends their arm to strike an oncoming opponent’s upper chest or neck. It’s simple yet effective, making it a favorite among kids imitating their wrestling heroes. When executed properly, the move involves hitting chest-to-chest, with the arm draped over the opponent’s shoulder for dramatic effect.
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