8. 054 – Mustafa Ali
Over on 205 Live are some of the best cruiserweights in the world. You’d think at least some of them would have an incredible top-rope finisher. Well, look no further than Mustafa Ali. He took a 450 splash, which already looks great in its own right, reversed it, and called it the 054. The man is a genius and I love him.
This top-rope maneuver didn’t make the list on style and creativity points alone though. Ali’s matches on the purple brand are often more marathon than a sprint and he shows his weariness towards the end. Hitting his 054 isn’t just some flashy spectacle to pull out and pop the crowd. He works for it and really brings meaning to the phrase, “high risk, high reward.”
7. Coquina Clutch – Samoa Joe
Samoa Joe is probably the scariest man on the WWE roster. He’s big, he’s fast, and to finish you off, he’ll choke you from behind and whisper your worst nightmares into your ear, making you even more afraid to drift away. Okay, I might have made that last part up but it’s what I imagine he’s doing because he looks so intense whenever he locks in the Coquina Clutch.
This is not some weak Dolph Ziggler-esque Sleeper Hold which anyone could break out of despite hearing Michael Cole scream on commentary, “how many superstars have we seen put away by that move.” It’s none, Michael. Stop saying it. If you are in a position where Joe’s huge arms are wrapped around your throat, it’s lights out. Period.
