NGN FAVORITES: PRO WRESTLING II-FINISHING & SIGNATURE MOVES

Another installment of my favorite things in sports entertainment and professional wrestling. This time I am listing my favorite signature and finishing moves. At times the two get confused, but signatures are more of a simple trademark move that isn't always getting a finish from it. It does at times, but it isn't really supposed to. Finishers are divided into "impact laced" and submissions.

Fav Signature Moves

• The People's Elbow (The Rock)
• 5-Knuckle Shuffle (John Cena)
• The Spinarooni (Booker T)
• The Spear (Goldberg)
• Stratusphere (Trish Stratus)

I hated when The Rock used The People's Elbow to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. It was his signature, not either of his finishers (even though nobody should tap to his Sharpshooter haha). Love it either way and was the precursor to others as well Cena and Booker for sure. Booker's has nothing to do with actual wrestling moves, but it shows the arrogance or confidence (depending on heel/face) so it makes the cut. The Spear is used as a finisher in most cases now, but Goldberg used almost exclusively as a Signature Move before delivering The Jackhammer (he even did it on Show). Stratusphere is on there as it showed Trish her creativity, as we hadn't seen the men doing that at that time. Plus, it looks great.

Fav Finishing Moves

• Stone Cold Stunner (Steve Austin)
• RKO (Randy Orton)
• Hellavator (Matt Morgan)
• The Last Ride (Undertaker)
• KO Punch (Big Show)

The Stunner and RKO (and Diamond Cutter) are there for the out of nowhere and ring clearing ability. Well, it looks good when done on everyone. The RKO would be tops if not for Austin, but what Randy Orton and his opponents have done with the move puts in right under it. Morgan's Hellavator just looked cool. Taker's Last Ride was basically a power bomb, but that little extra lift just made it feel like it had more impact. Not everyone likes the KO Punch, but to me if a Giant punches you on the button, you're going for a snooze. If they wanted to add to things, the people who are only staggered by an initial blow would be considered tough as hell. They could make it where he actually misses and gets caught in another persons finisher at times.

Fav Submission Moves

• Sharpshooter
• Walls Of Jericho
• Figure 8
• Kimora
• Bank Statement

When I say that The Sharpshooter is my favorite, I mean when delivered like Bret Hart or Natalya, and not The Rock haha And when I say Walls Of Jericho, I mean the original neck torquing version and not the Boston Crab that he does mostly now. Charlotte has shown she better than Daddy with a simple elimination of illegal rope use to add to the submission. It also shows her superior athletic gifts. The Kimora simply adds realism to things, obviously not going to break an arm, but there is that "if he wanted to" vibe when someone like Brock Lesner slaps it on someone. Sasha Banks' Bank Statement is more of a combo, but it ends in a submission and the whole thing just looks great.

This is somewhat ever evolving as I see new moves, and sometimes it is "who" and how they look delivering it. The Sharpshooter again is an example of that.

NGN FAVORITES: PRO WRESTLING I-SUPERSTARS 

CANUCK WRESTLERS I WASN'T AWARE WERE CANADIAN

There are the obvious, well know Canadian wrestlers, like Bret Hart, Chris Jericho, Edge & Christian. But, there are and were so many more. Some of these people I didn't even know were fellow Canadians, and given their "Legend Status" I am a little bit embarrassed haha While some it wasn't my fault (no, Snitsky isn't one) given the way they were promoted character wise or which background was "shown" to the public.

John Tenta/Earthquake/Shark/Golga

This discovery came with my wanting to finally know who was under the mask, who was Golga. Which of course led to the late John Tenta better remembered as Earthquake.

Abdullah The Butcher

His legend may have been tarnished at the end of his career, but couldn't believe Abdullah was a Canuck.

Fake Razor Ramon/Rick Bognar

Hey yo, the Fake Razor gimmick may have been his peak, but was interesting to find out about another Canuck in wrestling history.

Carlito And Primo

These guys are half-Canadian through their mother, and example of thinking they were "only" Puerto Rican due to how they were presented to us. Makes sense given their father was the wrestler, but interesting to see.

Steve Corino

Again, didn't get to see much of Corino but was aware of him. His Canadian roots, I was not.

Ronnie Garvin

A legend I had no clue was Canadian. Always came across as American to me as a kid.

Dink The Clown

Not a prominent player in the game, but memorable...for some of us.

Rocky Johnson

With Tony Atlas they became the first black Tag Team Champions. But, what is more interesting for me, is that he is Canadian ergo making Dwayne aka The Rock half Canuck.

Ivan Koloff

Didn't see much of his career, but his name is almost always mentioned. And given the Russian gimmick, I assumed Russian and not Canadian.

Little Beaver and Sky Lo Lo

Had no idea the two biggest LP in wrestling history were Canadian.

Jinder Mahal

Beyond his time in 3MB, didn't care as much for him. But, Knowing now he is a Canadian, would've been nice to see him at least continue in a jobber-esque role.

Kurrgan

Another Odity member who is Canadian. But, I remember him more from his small role in RDJ's Sherlock Holmes.

Santino Marella

Although entertained by the comedy route, was always annoyed they never let Santino show his inring skills. Knowing now he is Canadian, I understand. We're athletic and funny as hell.

The Missing Link

Can only remember images of him, but as a child he looked like a legit badass. Apparently, a Canadian badass.

Lanny Poffo

Should've known a person with The Genius gimmick would be a Canuck. Only born here though, but being Macho Man's little brother makes that okay.

Stan Stasiak & Shawn "Meat" Stasiak

Only knew of his Stan's career, and didn't care much for Meat (whether in WWE or WCW). But, it is interesting to find out about their Canadian roots.

Vampiro

Honestly, haven't followed him since WCW died out. Last heard he was doing his thing on the indies last I heard. I did think he had a cool concept, that needed WWE and not WCW behind it.

Viktor (The Ascension)

Not really been much since moving to the main roster, but that is likely Vince not knowing people like tag teams. Regardless, glad to see another Canuck in WWE.

Rosa Mendes

Well, they can't all be as gifted as Trish Stratus.

Rhonda Sing/Bertha Faye

Like Medusa (aka Alundra Blayze), can't remember much about her WWF career (women's wrestling was uber back burner then), but she was memorable regardless.

Rowdy Roddy Piper

Saved the best for last. I am a bit ashamed that I wasn't aware that Hot Rod was Canadian. I knew he had wrestled through here, as Canada did have some legit territories. I just assumed he was from the USA, and showcasing his Scottish heritage. Now the argument for greatest Canadian wrestler of all time has changed.

There are some others, but they just didn't do too much (in my opinion of course), or I missed them in the search. Again, this all came from wanting to know who Golga was under the mask. Although I am a bit embarrassed by having not known these people were Canadian, I am glad I know now. Still shocked that Piper was a fellow Canadian, and like I said the discussion on who is the best Canadian wrestler of all time is different now. Bret is likely the majorities vote, but knowing about Piper's roots makes for an interesting argument.

DREAM MATCHES

The obvious would be something like Big Show V Andre The Giant, or  Stone Cold V Goldberg, but attempting to take the least obvious route. Some will be ridiculous to some, while others may have made for a decent match at a certain point of time.

Brock Lesner V Scott Steiner

Not sure if this happened or not in WWE during the early 2000's, but even if it had it likely wasn't really a match with a story behind it. This match would put a lot of things to the test. Most notably, professionalism. Both are legit amateur wrestlers. Both are freaks of nature. Both have egos. Whether "on the same page" or not, this would make for a true slobber knocker. You know, like how Lesner V Goldberg was supposed to be.

Bret Hart V Kurt Angle

Two reasons. I'm Canadian, and love "Canada V USA" stuff in wrestling (especially with Bret). Also, have you seen Chris Benoit V Kurt Angle matches? If not, go take a look. Sure, Bret has a different style with not so much explosiveness, but technically gifted beyond most. Put that against someone at par if not further ahead in technical ability and we have gold. No, not what is around Angle's neck.

Samoa Joe V Taz

It was a rare "TNA did something right" moment when they paired Taz with Joe in a mentor type role. The styles were similar. Looks....kinda, kinda not. Regardless, this would have made for an amazing match if Taz were still able to safely go in the ring. Although the "Muscle Buster" would make me cringe now if on someone with neck issues. But again, most of the moves.throws performed in this match, and how they are performed might keep my stomach on the edge of its own seat let alone me on mine....trying not to yak.

Undertaker V Andre The Giant

The Deadman seems to be able to have a decent to great match with anyone (ie Giant Gonzalez). What could he have done with Andre before or even after his prime. It would be safe to say that Andre would have "accepted" 'Taker, given the locker room status he has. If not, likely would be Andre trying to be alpha. Even then, The Phenom would have a good match with The 8th Wonder Of The World.

Kurt Angle V Ken Shamrock

Most probably thought I would go with Lesner in place of Angle. Understandably. However, this has been in my mind since the moment Kurt Angle began using the Ankle Lock as his Finishing Submission move. I immediately thought of Shamrock. Given the knowledge now of MMA, I don't worry too much about Kurt getting messed with, or provoking anything given what he pulled of with Jeff Jarrett and their circumstances.

There are others, just simply can't think of the ones that aren't your typical dream match.

IT'S IN THE GENES

It may not always be genetics, but there is definitely a perk to being apart of a wrestling family. Since the end of the territory days, with the exception of Kerry Von Erich maybe, there hadn't really been a known to be next generation wrestler until The Rock in the late 90's being the WWE's first 3rd Generation Wrestler. Most but not were aware of the 2nd Generation stars like "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Bret "The Hitman" Hart amongst others.

The WWE currently has roughly 10+ next generation wrestlers working both the current main rosters as well as NXT. Some are part of their characters or announced every show like Cody Rhodes and Goldust being the 2nd Generation stars following in their legendary father, Dusty Rhodes footsteps. There is Curtis Axel (Joe Henning) who is currently following in The Rock's initial steps, using a combo of both his father (Rocky Johnson) and Grandfather (High Chief Peter Maivia) with Rocky Maivia. Then there is Roman Reigns of The Shield, who is in fact a third generation superstar in his own right being son of Afa (and is also brother of former WWE star Rosie, Super Hero In Training). Plus others, some of whom will be mentioned below.

Here are a list of some of the wrestling families, while I'll be sticking with the better known members, in most cases some of these bloodlines seem to produce nothing but wrestlers, who simply never made it to WWE, WCW or even TNA Wrestlings rosters over the years.

The Anoa'i/Maivia Family

Possibly the largest wrestling family there is, and a knack for giving us top performers over these years. Greats like High Chief Peter Maivia, Wild Samoans Afa and Sika, Yokozuna (yes non-hardcore fans he was actually Samoan), Rikishi (who's used many monikers), The Rock, Umaga, Rosie, and a bunch of others who've both made the top companies and haven't, yet wrestled elsewhere. Current stars from this family include Jimmy and Jey Uso (Rikishi's sons) and Leati Joseph Anoa'i better known as Roman Reigns.

The Hart Family

Canada's top or better known wrestling dynasties. With the Hart's every one of wrestler/promoter/trainer Stu Hart's sons wrestled and his each of his daughters married a wrestler. Best known would be Bret "The Hitman" Hart and his brother Owen Hart and their brother in-laws Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart and "British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith (who is cousins with Dynamite Kid, who's ex-wife is Bret's ex-wifes sister). Of course there is a third generation with D.H. Smith (Harry Smith, son of Davey Boy Smith and Diana Hart), Teddy Hart (son of wrestler B.J. Annis and Georgia Hart, and Natalya Neidhart (Jim Neidhart and Ellie Hart) who recently married WWE star Tyson Kidd (TJ Wilson).

The Guerrero Family

They are Mexico's Dynasty to at least the mainstream media. Similar to the Hart Family, every one of Gory Guerrero's sons was a wrestler, even his wife, Herlinda Llanes came from a wrestling family. Best known is the late Eddie Guerrero and his wife current EXCUSE ME! star Vickie Guerrero. Also there's Hector Guerrero, Chavo Guerrero Sr (better known to current generation as Chavo Classic perhaps) and since I don't want to leave him out finally Mondo. Third generation star is Chavo Guerrero Jr who's been in WWE, WCW and TNA. Also there is Eddie and Vickie's daughter, Shaul Guerrero, working under the name Raquel Diaz on NXT. Guerrero Siempre!

The Windham-Rotunda Family

I was surprised by this at first, but then everything made sense. In this family it seems to be a case of genetics and upbringing. Wrestling legend Black Jack Mulligan (Robert Jack Mulligan) is the father of wrestling greats Barry Windham and Kendall Windham, but is also the step-father of another great, Mike Rotunda or I.R.S., Irwin R. Schyster. Rotunda is father of current WWE and NXT superstars, Windham Rotunda aka Bray Wyatt (he was known as Husky Harris during the "Nexus" days) and Bo Dallas (Taylor Rotunda).

The Poffo Family

Even though there isn't going to be a next generation star from this bloodline by the looks of it, they deserve mention, not just for level of greatness, but for the shock that I am sure I wasn't alone in feeling when I heard this bloodline. Angelo Poffo, Randy Poffo and Lanny Poffo. The late Angelo Poffo is the wrestling legend and father of the late and legendary "Macho Man" Randy Savage and his brother "The Genius". And of course we all know that Randy was once married (in real life) to the late Miss Elizabeth (Elizabeth Hulette). If never going to be an induction into WWE's Hall Of Fame, we would love to know the reason.

The Rhodes Family

"The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes (Virgil Runnels Jr.) is a legendary WWE Hall Of Famer, and is father of two future HOF inductees, Goldust/Dustin Rhodes (Dustin Runnels) and Cody Rhodes (Cody Runnels). Dustin really came into his own once he became Goldust, and is leading a small "Attitude Era" resurgence within the the WWE. And was of course once married to Marlena (Terri Runnels). Cody is so good he successfully "gimmicked" a protective mask and then a mustache. That takes skill. Also, Dusty Rhodes is the brother in-law of Nasty Boys member Jerry Sags (Jerome Saganovich) and Tugboat/Typhoon/Shockmaster (Fred Ottoman). Both of whom are also Cody's Uncle. Cody's Godfather is also wrestling great Magnum T.A. (Terry Allen).

The Flair Family

Perhaps Ric Flair was "too great" for his sons to succeed in wrestling. With David Flair, it could have been from being in WCW during the wrong era and/or not being in the WWE instead. With Naitch's other son, Reid Flair, it was a tragic case of a drug over-dose that is likely the cause for not getting to the level he was capable of reaching if not for his demons. There is a ray of light within the Flair Family (which is Fliehr in real life) with The Nature Boy's daughter Ashley Flair is on NXT using the name Charlotte (likely homage to Flair country Charlotte, NC) WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

The Von Erich Family

Possibly the most tragic stories of all the wrestling families and in a business loaded with it. Wrestling great Fritz Von Erich (Jack Adkisson) had 6 sons; Jack Jr, Kevin, David, Kerry, Mike and Chris. Jack Jr passed at the age of 6, but the other Von Erich sons all followed their father into the business of pro wrestling. Tragically, only Kevin Von Erich is still alive, with his brothers all meeting untimely deaths at young ages. Kerry Von Erich was best known to WWE fans as the Texas Tornado back in the 90's, where he actually wrestled on a prosthetic leg, but took his own life at the age of  . There is a ray of hope in the Von Erich clan, while Kerry's daughter Lacey Von Erich was at one time wrestling in TNA, and Kevin has two sons currently breaking out in the business. Perhaps one day we will see The Claw return to the main stage at the hand of a Von Erich..

The Henning Family

The wrestling great, Larry "The Axe" Henning is father to the late, legendary "Mr. Perfect" Curt Henning. And of course put the names together and you get current WWE third generation superstar, Curtis Axel (Joe Henning). Curt's daughter Amy is also a wrestler apparently. An almost "perfect" wrestling family. Pun obvious. Pun intended.

The DiBiase Family

"The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase Sr., was the son of Helen Nevins a female wrestler and her husband, his adoptive father, "Iron" Mike DiBiase. Tragically, Mike died from a heart attack during a match with "Mountain Man" Mike in July 1969. There is a thrid generation of DiBiase's in the wrestling business, with Ted DiBiase Jr having formerly been in WWE, and his two brothers Mike DiBiase II and Brett DiBiase although currently retired were also professional wrestlers.

The McMahon Family

We may not always like the product that they give us, or the desicions that they make at times, but we should all be thankful that this family has existed in professional wrestling. Beginning with boxing and wrestling promoter, Roderick McMahon. Followed by his son also a wrestling promoter, Vincent J. McMahon who gave us Vinnie Mac, Vince K. McMahon. Hard to put one label on Vince promoter, entrepreneur, wrestler list goes on. Even that applies to Vince and Linda's children, Shane McMahon who worked for the family company on all levels from office to ref to even wrestling as well, and same can be said for Stephanie McMahon-Levesque, who is married to WWE great Triple H (Paul Levesque) who is now doing what the McMahon's do behind the scenes also after a stellar and now part-time wrestling career.


The list of wrestling families is pretty extensive, with mine being the tip of a massive ice berg. Remember the little baby Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat brought with him during Wrestlmania IV? For those unaware, that was his son and even he's in the business right now

A few others from the endless list of other 2nd and 3rd generation stars are;

• Jake "The Snake" Roberts
• Wes Brisco
• Tamina Snuka
• Deuce (Jimmy Snuka Jr.)
•  "The Mountie" Jacques Rougeau
• Ray Rougeau
• "Road Dogg" Jesse James and referee brother Scott Armstrong