Because why not, here are my favorite 30 wrestling finishers. Discuss.
Honorable Mention: The People's Elbow (The Rock)- As somebody who unabashedly loves The Rock, I had to include this. It really isn't his best maneuver or really all that impressive phyiscally, but sweet sassy molassy if it isn't excited as hell.
30. The Pounce (Monty Brown)- Perhaps the simplest move on the list, it still is a high-impact spot that the crowd can get behind.
29. Hell's Gate (The Undertaker)- Called a gogoplata in MMA, this has ended matches in both pro wrestling and sporting events without pre-determined outcomes.
28. Codebreaker/Backstabber (Chris Jericho/Carlito)- Essentially the same move, just one is to the front and one to the back. Still looks sweet.
27. Batista Bomb (Batista)- Power upon power.
26. Gory Bomb (Chavo Guerrero)- Performed originally by his grandfather, Gory, Chavo keeps this move alive as one of the oldest moves on the list.
25. The Walls of Jericho (Chris Jericho)- A great submission finisher must be equal parts painful-looking and open for preening. Other than the Sharpshooter, no submission does this better than the Wall of Jericho.
24. The Rock Bottom (The Rock)- High impact move from my all-time favorite.
23. Ankle Lock (Kurt Angle)- Ever tried this on your younger brother? Hurts like hell.
22. Figure Four Leg Lock (Ric Flair)- WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
21. 5 Star Frog Splash (Rob Van Dam)- One the most exciting aerial moves ever. RVD also sold it better than anybody.
20. Sharpshooter (Bret Hart)- Ever had this tried on you by your little brother? Hurts like hell.
19. Vertebreaker (Gregory Helms)- This just looks dangerous.
18. Crucifix Powerbomb (Scott Hall)- Called the Razor's Edge when using his Razor Ramon gimmick, the finest example of Cuban stereotypes in American Sports.
17. Killswitch (Christian)- I liked it better when they called it the Unprettier.
16. Pedigree (Triple H)- Even without being married to the boss's daughter, the backstage politics, and the refusal to go away, Triple H still would have had a big career because he has one of the quickest and best finishers in the business.
15. Go to Sleep (CM Punk)- The GTS works so well because it's so easy to work it into a match. It can be set up and performed from just about any position.
14. The F5 (Brock Lesnar)- His power levels are over 9000.
13. Chokeslam (Kane)- Performed by plenty of big men throughout the years, there is nothing like a good, old-fashioned chokeslam to get the crowd pumped.
12. The RKO (Randy Orton)- A worthy successor to the Stunner as the lightning-quick, high-impact move that gets used in an undiscriminating manner.
11. Jackhammer (Goldberg)- For all of Goldberg's shortcomings, and there were many, you always knew what to expect: great entrance, intensity, spear, jackhammer, more intensity.
10. Alabama Slam (Hardcore Holly)- Ouch.
9. Spear (Edge)- Plenty of folks have used the spear (Goldberg, Rhyno, etc.) but Edge does it best.
8. Stunner (Stone Cold Steve Austin)- More devastating than a shot from the Six Million Dollar Man.
7. The 619 (Rey Mysterio)- While I don't particularly like Rey Mysterio (not good on the mic, same 4 or 5 moves every match, cannot be a heel, same storylines every time), this finisher is one of the best to watch when combined with the West Coast Pop.
6. Tombstone Piledriver (The Undertaker)- This move is so dangerous that it has been barred from use by anyone in the WWE other than the Undertaker, a fact which only adds to its legend.
5. Green Bay Plunge (Mr. Kennedy)- A very cool-looking finisher to be paired with perhaps my favorite gimmick of all time. You mean to tell me WWE didn't have a place for him?
4. The Shooting Star Press (Evan Bourne)- Also called Air Bourne, this move is incredibly dangerous but always looks incredible. It's especially fun when bigger guys (Brock Lesnar, etc.) have tried it.
3. Sweet Chin Music (Shawn Michaels)- Great finisher for a great wrestler. This never looks like it doesn't hurt.
2. The C4 (Paul Burchill)- An explosive move and near impossible to perform.
1. The Canadian Destroyer (Petey Williams)- Yes, hard to believe anything Canadian and not hockey-related could be #1 on any list, but, seriously, just watch it.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Best Day of the Year
Happy Opening Day, America. In a time when professional football may not be played next year, professional basketball seems doomed for a similar fate, professional hockey can't seem to get the footing it deserves, and college sports is rampant with scandal and athletes who don't go to class, it's nice to know that baseball is still there for you. Yes baseball has its problems, but it is still America's great pastime.
So please, dear fan, go off and enjoy some of the finest sport that God ever blessed us with.
Matt Wieters approves.
So please, dear fan, go off and enjoy some of the finest sport that God ever blessed us with.
Matt Wieters approves.
Friday, March 25, 2011
(Kinda) Daily Good Music
Today's jam is "The Break Up Song" by Wale.
Wale, despite already having a couple of hits and collaborating with some high-profile artists, is an up-and-coming artist from DC. With a smooth delivery and some impressive lyrical skill, he is helping to lead the movement of young, talented DC-based artists (including the previously-mentioned Young Prince) who will soon be dominating the hip-hop scene.
Enjoy.
Wale, despite already having a couple of hits and collaborating with some high-profile artists, is an up-and-coming artist from DC. With a smooth delivery and some impressive lyrical skill, he is helping to lead the movement of young, talented DC-based artists (including the previously-mentioned Young Prince) who will soon be dominating the hip-hop scene.
Enjoy.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
(Kinda) Daily Good Music
Today's jam is "BOB" by OutKast.
Straight up: this is a dope-ass track (as the kids are saying). OutKast's library is full of great tracks and I believe this to be the greatest.
Enjoy.
Straight up: this is a dope-ass track (as the kids are saying). OutKast's library is full of great tracks and I believe this to be the greatest.
Enjoy.
Monday, March 14, 2011
(Kinda) Daily Good Music
Today's jam is actually a mashup.
A few years old, this mashup combines the Notorious B.I.G.'s Party and Bullshit with Miley Cyrus's Party in the USA. No doubt an odd combination, but really that's the fun of a mashup. And this one certainly works.
Enjoy.
A few years old, this mashup combines the Notorious B.I.G.'s Party and Bullshit with Miley Cyrus's Party in the USA. No doubt an odd combination, but really that's the fun of a mashup. And this one certainly works.
Enjoy.
Adventures in Advertising 2
At the risk of sounding like an 80s comedian, did you ever notice how the Olive Garden logo has the words "Italian Restaurant" written below its name?
It's like they have to remind you what they're supposed to be. And really, why wouldn't they? Nothing at the Olive Garden is particularly Italian. I mean, they use Italian ingredients, kinda. And the dish names are Italian, kinda. But really it's just terrible.
"But, Ben! They have great breadsticks!" I hear some of you protest. Maybe so, but bread is free. Literally every restaurant ever gives out bread. So to claim that the free thing that everybody else does is what you do best is pretty lame. That's like saying, "Ted's shits are the best. Nobody shits better than Ted." Yeah, fine. But nobody mentions that Ted is also a terrible accountant and has cost his clients tons of money.
And their slogan, "When you're here, you're family." That's all well and good, but if I'm with my family, are they not when I'm elsewhere? "Mom, Dad, your decision to go to the Cheesecake Factory this evening was a disastrous one, we are no longer related." "I'm sorry to hear that, son. I guess we're going to have to kick you out of the house now or you're gonna have to start paying rent." "But, Mom, I'm 14." "Yes, but we didn't go to the Olive Garden."
Also, maybe I don't want to be family. Maybe I'm taking a girl out on a first date (and if I'm going to the Olive Garden, also a last date). Maybe I'm wooing (and losing) a client. I'm not trying to be that person's family, I just want a cheap meal that won't give me food poisoning.
One final point: do you really send your chefs to Italy? If so, maybe you shouldn't be trying to make Italian food. Either that or you're sending them to Italians who can't cook. As shocking as it may seem, not every Italian can cook, just like not every American can cook, not every Frenchman can cook, and every Englishman cannot cook.
But whatever, do your thing, Olive Garden. I'm off to Chili's.
It's like they have to remind you what they're supposed to be. And really, why wouldn't they? Nothing at the Olive Garden is particularly Italian. I mean, they use Italian ingredients, kinda. And the dish names are Italian, kinda. But really it's just terrible.
"But, Ben! They have great breadsticks!" I hear some of you protest. Maybe so, but bread is free. Literally every restaurant ever gives out bread. So to claim that the free thing that everybody else does is what you do best is pretty lame. That's like saying, "Ted's shits are the best. Nobody shits better than Ted." Yeah, fine. But nobody mentions that Ted is also a terrible accountant and has cost his clients tons of money.
And their slogan, "When you're here, you're family." That's all well and good, but if I'm with my family, are they not when I'm elsewhere? "Mom, Dad, your decision to go to the Cheesecake Factory this evening was a disastrous one, we are no longer related." "I'm sorry to hear that, son. I guess we're going to have to kick you out of the house now or you're gonna have to start paying rent." "But, Mom, I'm 14." "Yes, but we didn't go to the Olive Garden."
Also, maybe I don't want to be family. Maybe I'm taking a girl out on a first date (and if I'm going to the Olive Garden, also a last date). Maybe I'm wooing (and losing) a client. I'm not trying to be that person's family, I just want a cheap meal that won't give me food poisoning.
One final point: do you really send your chefs to Italy? If so, maybe you shouldn't be trying to make Italian food. Either that or you're sending them to Italians who can't cook. As shocking as it may seem, not every Italian can cook, just like not every American can cook, not every Frenchman can cook, and every Englishman cannot cook.
But whatever, do your thing, Olive Garden. I'm off to Chili's.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
(Kinda) Daily Good Music
Today's jam is "MoneyGrabber" by Fitz and the Tantrums.
Their appearance on last night's episode of Conan inspired me to research the band and I'm quickly becoming a fan. I encourage you all to follow suit.
Enjoy.
Their appearance on last night's episode of Conan inspired me to research the band and I'm quickly becoming a fan. I encourage you all to follow suit.
Enjoy.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
(Kinda) Daily Good Music
Today's jam is "Hot Mess" by Chromeo.
Chromeo is sweet. Supremely talented and with a sense of humor, the Montreal duo has made a name for itself with its great beats and soulful melodies.
This is the lead single and sexy video from their most recent album, "Business Casual".
Enjoy.
Chromeo is sweet. Supremely talented and with a sense of humor, the Montreal duo has made a name for itself with its great beats and soulful melodies.
This is the lead single and sexy video from their most recent album, "Business Casual".
Enjoy.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Wrestling Theme Song Extravaganza
In honor of the stupendous news that the Rock is returning (at least temporarily) to the WWF/E, below you will find my list of my 30 favorite wrestling theme songs of all time. If you didn't watch wrestling at some point in your history, you're either a girl or lying.
Enjoy.
#30: The New Age Outlaws- One of the finest and most entertaining tag teams of the Attitude Era (the best for professional wrestling) deserve one of the best intros.
#29: The Ultimate Warrior- A theme that suggests boundless energy and intensity fits nicely with the fact that Warrior Warrior is legitimately insane.
#28: AJ Styles- I have never watched much TNA, but Styles is very talented and he should be the focal point of their promotion.
#27: Rob Van Dam- Tacos? I like how in the music video for this track, Rob hands over the keys to his car by Spinning Heel Kicking them to the other fellow.
#26: The Million Dollar Man- That laugh is awesome. Imagine being able to laugh like that at any time.
#25: Batista- I prefer his old, lyric-free theme but the Saliva version is pretty saucy too.
#24: Booker T- Always entertaining, Booker is responsible for the greatest wrestling blooper of all time.
#23: Christian- Christian has had a lot of good themes, but I think this one qualifies as the best.
#22: Brock Lesnar- I always liked Brock but I wish he would incorporate more of his wrestling character into his MMA career.
#21: CM Punk- Legitimately a great song. Perfectly fits Punk's personality.
#20: Triple H (The Game)- As hard and fast a life as pro wrestlers lead, Lemmy of Motorhead puts them all to shame.
#19: Kurt Angle- A legitimately great wrestler, the guy won a gold medal. He also abuses steroids, domestically violences, and burns just about every bridge he ever made. Oh well.
#18: Chris Jerico- A guy whose music was good but his whole entrance was better.
#17: Ric Flair- WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
#16: D-Generation X- The WWF's answer to the NWO had its share of seminal wrestling moments as well as a very Rage Against the Machine-esque theme.
#15: Bret Hart- That guitar at the beginning is impossibly 80s. And Canadian. And pink.
#14: Goldberg- While the music was good, what set Goldberg apart was the awesome prize fighter entrance and great stage pyro.
#13: Shane McMahon- Underrated theme for an underrated wrestler. Obviously never a full-time guy, but few guys could or would take bigger bumps.
#12: Edge- Did you know: Alter Bridge, the band playing Edge's theme, is the remnants of Creed minus Scott Stapp.
#11: NWO- Great theme that signaled the arrival of the greatest faction of all time. The infection effect was especially cool.
#10: Hulk Hogan- Classic. Say your prayers. Eat your vitamins.
#9: The Legion of Doom- They could stop after those first few seconds and it would be a top 10 theme. Instant intensity upgrade.
#8: The Undertaker- I love all of Taker's themes (his dirge-esque ones better than American Badass) but I'll post the Ministry era theme, as it's my favorite version.
#7: Shawn Michaels- HBK is one of the best ever and you gotta love when superstars sing the lyrics to their own theme.
#6: Kane- Why can't we bring back the mask?
#5: Stone Cold Steve Austin- A popular choice for best ever, and no real argument. The breaking glass is quick, to-the-point, and awesome.
#4: The Rock- Of course. He's the best. Luv u, Dwayne.
#3: Evolution- Triple H Dominates this list. But he was smart and married the boss's daughter. So there.
#2: Chris Benoit- Controversial choice perhaps, given the whole murder-suicide thing, but this was just a great track along and let you know that you were about to see an intense display of physicality.
#1: Triple H (My Time)- My absolute favorite theme. Embodied the edge of the Attitude Era and got the crowd pumped.
Enjoy.
#30: The New Age Outlaws- One of the finest and most entertaining tag teams of the Attitude Era (the best for professional wrestling) deserve one of the best intros.
#29: The Ultimate Warrior- A theme that suggests boundless energy and intensity fits nicely with the fact that Warrior Warrior is legitimately insane.
#28: AJ Styles- I have never watched much TNA, but Styles is very talented and he should be the focal point of their promotion.
#27: Rob Van Dam- Tacos? I like how in the music video for this track, Rob hands over the keys to his car by Spinning Heel Kicking them to the other fellow.
#26: The Million Dollar Man- That laugh is awesome. Imagine being able to laugh like that at any time.
#25: Batista- I prefer his old, lyric-free theme but the Saliva version is pretty saucy too.
#24: Booker T- Always entertaining, Booker is responsible for the greatest wrestling blooper of all time.
#23: Christian- Christian has had a lot of good themes, but I think this one qualifies as the best.
#22: Brock Lesnar- I always liked Brock but I wish he would incorporate more of his wrestling character into his MMA career.
#21: CM Punk- Legitimately a great song. Perfectly fits Punk's personality.
#20: Triple H (The Game)- As hard and fast a life as pro wrestlers lead, Lemmy of Motorhead puts them all to shame.
#19: Kurt Angle- A legitimately great wrestler, the guy won a gold medal. He also abuses steroids, domestically violences, and burns just about every bridge he ever made. Oh well.
#18: Chris Jerico- A guy whose music was good but his whole entrance was better.
#17: Ric Flair- WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
#16: D-Generation X- The WWF's answer to the NWO had its share of seminal wrestling moments as well as a very Rage Against the Machine-esque theme.
#15: Bret Hart- That guitar at the beginning is impossibly 80s. And Canadian. And pink.
#14: Goldberg- While the music was good, what set Goldberg apart was the awesome prize fighter entrance and great stage pyro.
#13: Shane McMahon- Underrated theme for an underrated wrestler. Obviously never a full-time guy, but few guys could or would take bigger bumps.
#12: Edge- Did you know: Alter Bridge, the band playing Edge's theme, is the remnants of Creed minus Scott Stapp.
#11: NWO- Great theme that signaled the arrival of the greatest faction of all time. The infection effect was especially cool.
#10: Hulk Hogan- Classic. Say your prayers. Eat your vitamins.
#9: The Legion of Doom- They could stop after those first few seconds and it would be a top 10 theme. Instant intensity upgrade.
#8: The Undertaker- I love all of Taker's themes (his dirge-esque ones better than American Badass) but I'll post the Ministry era theme, as it's my favorite version.
#7: Shawn Michaels- HBK is one of the best ever and you gotta love when superstars sing the lyrics to their own theme.
#6: Kane- Why can't we bring back the mask?
#5: Stone Cold Steve Austin- A popular choice for best ever, and no real argument. The breaking glass is quick, to-the-point, and awesome.
#4: The Rock- Of course. He's the best. Luv u, Dwayne.
#3: Evolution- Triple H Dominates this list. But he was smart and married the boss's daughter. So there.
#2: Chris Benoit- Controversial choice perhaps, given the whole murder-suicide thing, but this was just a great track along and let you know that you were about to see an intense display of physicality.
#1: Triple H (My Time)- My absolute favorite theme. Embodied the edge of the Attitude Era and got the crowd pumped.
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