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 

THINGS CENA WASN'T GIVEN

I've seen many a postings about John Cena being given everything. Some foolish enough to think he doesn't at least earn what he gets, which he does. But, when you are the top guy for so long it will appear as though you are just the boss' b!tch. It happens. Regardless, despite everything that John Cena has earned over the past decade there are some things he didn't and in some cases will not get (ever). Allow my Non-Geeky Nerd butt to list those for you haha

The Undertaker's Wrestlemania Undefeated Streak

If there were a list of guys, I am sure Cena was on it along with Triple H, Kurt Angle (supposedly), etc. But, it didn't happen and Brock Lesner became the 1 in 21 and 1 (I feel like that should've began with "My name is...." haha). It is something we could still see depending on how many more Mania's we have The Phenom for. And it would still mean something win or loss. Not because of a streak, but because it is still The Undertaker.

WWE Intercontinental Championship

Of the active championships, the Intercontinental title is the one championship John hasn't won. It has evolved over the years, but the "grand slam" right now would be WWE World Heavyweight Championship, WWE Intercontinental Championship, WWE United States Championship, and the WWE Tag Team Championship. Cena is a title short at this point in time. Although it could be achieved before he retires.

Stone Cold Steve Austin

Possibly even more so than with The Rock, I am sure John wants/wanted this to happen. He got the "torch passing" with Austin giving him a beer at a Hall Of Fame ceremony, but it lacked anything really. Don't know about others, but I felt like Cena's run using a Springboard Stunner was a way to draw the Texas Rattlesnake out of retirement. Yes, I am aware of how adamant Austin is about being done, but a boy can dream for...one...more...match! If Wrestlemania 32 is as close as we get, then fine, but a boy can still dream haha

WWE Divas Championship

This started as just a joke, but then my dirty mind took into an obvious direction. Which would be John and Nikki getting it on, when out of nowhere he puts her in the STF, makes her tap, then proceeds to run around the room naked with the WWE Divas Championship belt in the air haha Okay that was a toned down version but you get it haha

That is what comes to mind at this point in time, I am sure I will think of more things later or be given a new example haha It isn't so much he's been handed the 15 World titles and other accolades, it is more that it has become "Hogan just before nWo" levels of staleness.

INJURY BUG LOOKING MORE LIKE A PLAGUE

Neville. Seth Rollins. John Cena. Cesaro. Tyson Kidd. That's just the performers who are out of action at the moment (could be forgetting some) due to injury. There are some others who are apparently working through their injuries, but are injured none the less.

Why is this happening more frequently nowadays? There have always been runs where people would get injured and be on the shelf for awhile. But, not really in the cluster it is right now, right before Wrestlemania to make things worse.Mind you, the wrestlers out right now are out with major injuries. Neville breaking his ankle and shin last night on Raw during a baseball slide. Kidd is still healing from surgery on his broken neck (hopefully he can come back from this, we all know he'll give his all in the attempt). Basically, the type of injuries the "old school" guys wouldn't have been able to work through no matter how much or what type of "gimmick" they use to numb the pain. Although the late Kerry Von Erich did wrestle after losing his foot, unbeknownst to me anyhow. But, everyone else seemed to be "done" after major injuries, partly because of where the medical field was at those times (unlike today), but finished regardless.
So again, why is this? It is getting harder to argue that the style and pace of today's wrestling is playing a factor into things. The schedule is still massive, but not what it once was. The performers are almost in superior condition compared to yesteryear. Only real difference is the style and pace. Sure, a high flyer like Neville got injured with a routine none high risk move. But, who's to say the wear and tear from before didn't play a part in things. A doctor could maybe, but again, just trying to make a
Could we go back to a slower paced, less high risk style of sports entertainment? Would fans "allow" that? Looking back at the greats of all time to the recent ones, they had a slower pace. Stone Cold, The Rock, Undertaker, Randy Orton. They didn't have a high risk style of move sets. Sure, Taker added some, but they were almost reserved for moments that called for it. Meaning he didn't do them all the time, so it made them stand out more when he did.

So, perhaps it is time to tone things down. We already have to now worry about others joining Daniel Bryant in retirement due to concussions. Which are always a risk with even the most basic of bumps. Speaking of D-Bryan, he showed that the audience can dictate things, and with all these stars out it is the era of opportunity right now. Creative or Vince can't hold anyone back right now, even if they wanted to.

Rumors

Making my rounds reading things across the web, some headlines and rumors caught my attention. Now which are 100% truth, and which are completely untrue, we'll never know unless they actually happen, and/or are admitted by legitimate sources. A lot are hard not to believe, even if far from the truth. None the less they are quite interesting.

STING & WWE

Now every year really since Vince McMahon won the Monday Night War, people have been speculating that Sting was going to sign on with the WWE. Especially at this time of year with the "Road To Wrestlemania" and the Hall Of Fame inductions, and The Undertaker's "Streak".
This time around however, there seems to be some valid steam behind the rumors this year. Sting is currently not under contract nor working with TNA Wrestling, and according to the bigger wrestling sites, the deal with WWE is all but finalized.
The ink isn't even on the dotted line yet, but rumors of who, what, when and where are rabidly swirling around, "Will he face Taker at Wrestlmania XXX? Or will it be next year when WM31 is in Sting's hometown of Los Angeles? When is the Hall Of Fame induction? If not Wrestlemania, will it be the next night on Raw?" The list goes on. Regardless, with some actual validity behind this one, personally I cannot wait for Stinger to make a splash in WWE (pun intended).

CM PUNK QUITS WWE

This is even more interesting than the Sting situation. While many say they think that this is true, nobody can give 100% that this isn't some kind of "work". When everything is "analyzed" by at least us "outsiders", everything points to both a legit walk out and a scripted event.
Legit: Drained both mentally and physically from a grueling schedule, mixed with frustrations with "Creative". Needing a break is totally understandable.
Work: With similarities with Stone Cold in the past, this "take your ball and go home" moment is very familiar with what happened with Austin back in the day, where he was just totally burnt out. Absence can also make the heart grow fonder as they say, Punk is already "over", imagine the size of the crowd pop he would get upon a return?
Everyone says we likely haven't seen the last of CM Punk in a WWE ring, but who knows, maybe we have.

NEW WRESTLING PROMOTION

Another rumor making its rounds is that former co-founder of TNA Wrestling, Jeff Jarrett left his "office" job with the company to possibly form a brand new wrestling promotion with country music star, Toby Keith. Jarrett and Keith were apparently close to buying the sinking ship that appears to be TNA, from the Carter's. Supposedly the deal went south when Bob Carter's only stipulation was the Dixie stay on in the same spot (title as well as tv spots), with the same amount of stroke she had when her father owned the company. If that is truly the case, we all should be thankful Jarrett and Keith walked away from what would clearly be a bad business venture.
If Double J and Toby really are bringing us a new promotion, it will be interesting to see for many reasons. Will it be new? Will it just be TNA 2.0? Successful? Can it compete with the WWE? Will they even try too? AJ Styles needs a new home, unless WWE gets smart and gives him a chance. Plus, there's always the question of how long until Jarrett puts the main belt on himself. Half joking on that one. I did enjoy some of his runs as Champ with WCW and TNA.

WHO'S #22?

I've come across rumors stating that WWE was hoping for Brock Lesner Vs Undertaker, but it isn't a lock. John Cena was also another high on the rumor list to be facing the Deadman, but rumors all seem to point to Cena Vs Bray Wyatt at the big show. I haven't come across anything stating so, but remember the last time we saw Undertaker. The red hot Shield took over his yard. Well, fast forward to present day, and we have what looks like a possible if not likely split amongst the talented trio. Why not have that happen at or during the aftermath of becoming victims number 22? With Reigns being over, perhaps Ambrose or Rollins try to steal the glory or turn on Reigns causing the loss, I would go with Rollins with the turn, being played out as the voice of reason at the moment and Ambrose is too obvious....wait...why am I even thinking about this group breaking up? Likely will happen though, the split. Who knows, maybe Punk will come back if given the option to do the honors a second year in a row, if he returns.

Stay Nerdy!