The New Generation Era in WWE is the bridge between two of the company’s most celebrated and successful eras of all time. While it was a relatively brief period, it was defined by a small but strong group of talent, many of whom were stars in other eras as well.
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As in any era of wrestling, the biggest stars possessed signature offensive maneuvers, which helped establish their characters. Many of these moves would go on to become decidedly influential, and in some cases, are still used today. Here’s our official ranking of the best finishing moves of the New Generation Era.
10
Wild Thing
Marc Mero Was The First Man To Use The Shooting Star Press In WWE
- The Wild Thing was actually a shooting star press
- Marc Mero would debut the move at SummerSlam in 1996
- The move was new to the WWE audience
The Wild Thing, as Marc Mero called it, was the first exposure for many to what is now known as a shooting star press. While Marc didn’t use the move in every match, its influence on the business earns its rightful place on this list.
Marc would use the move to successfully defeat Goldust at SummerSlam, and it was certainly one of the biggest talking points of a rather newsworthy show. Truth be told, American audiences weren’t really sure what to make of the move initially. Their eyes simply weren’t used to such a “marvelous” aerial maneuver.
9
Curtain Call
Goldust Was One Of The Most Provocative Stars Of The New Generation Era
- Before coming to WWE, Goldust wrestled as Dustin Rhodes in WCW
- Goldust debuted for WWE in 1995
- The Curtain Call was an inverted DDT
Because Goldust was such a strong character, his ring work is sometimes overlooked. Truth be told, his Curtain Call finisher, probably wasn’t even the best move in his arsenal. The Curtain Call was somewhat similar to Sting’s Scorpion Death Drop, but it would see Goldust lifting his opponent, instead of falling directly back.
It did win The Bizarre One several matches though, as he would capture the prestigious Intercontinental Championship after just six months with the company. Goldust would go on to work for WWE well beyond the New Generation Era.
8
Pedigree
Triple H Used The Same Finisher Throughout His Entire In-Ring Career With WWE
- Triple H debuted during the New Generation Era as Hunter Hearst Helmsley
- His Pedigree finisher was based on his blueblood gimmick
- It is now considered one of the greatest finishing moves in WWE history
Some may wonder why the Pedigree ranks a bit lower on this list, but it’s important to remember that Triple H was still developing the move at this point in time. It simply didn’t have the success ratio that it would eventually go on to have.
Also, as Hunter Hearst Helmsley, the future “King Of Kings” was not yet a top guy in the company. There was a scary moment involving the Pedigree early in Hunter’s career as well. Enhancement wrestler, Marty Garner, tried to take the move like a standard piledriver, and was nearly paralyzed as a result.
7
Pearl River Plunge
The WWE Had Big Plans For Ahmed Johnson
- Ahmed Johnson debuted at the 1995 Survivor Series
- He would go on to capture the Intercontinental Championship
- Ahmed briefly wrestled for WCW in the early 2000s
On first sight, Ahmed Johnson was as impressive as any wrestler you will ever see. It was obvious that WWE saw him as a future star from the moment he started with the company. By several accounts though, Ahmed just didn’t possess the proper temperment for the wrestling business.
His finisher was every bit as impressive as his physique though. To Ahmed’s credit, he always executed the move with an added layer of intensity, and his verison of the double arm sitdown powerbomb, more than earns its place on this list.
6
Banzai Drop
Yokozuna Was The Monster Heel Of The New Generation Era
- Yokozuna was a Samoan portraying a Japanese Sumo Wrestler
- Banzai is a Japanese battle cry
- Nia Jax now uses the move as a tribute to Yokozuna
One of the most dominant stars of the New Generation Era, Yokozuna was a two-time WWE Champion. His finishing move, the Banzai Drop, looked like it literally crushed his opponents. Wrestlers such as Bret Hart have gone on record as saying that Yoko was always safe to work with, but admitted that it was scary to take the Banzai Drop.
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5
Tombstone Piledriver
The Undertaker Competed In More Eras Than Any Other WWE Wrestler
- The Undertaker used the Tombstone as his finisher since his debut in WWE
- He won his second WWE Championship during the New Generation Era
- The Undertaker was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame in 2022
Often referred to as the greatest character in WWE history, The Undertaker was as vital to the New Generation Era as any other wrestler at the time. As he did throughout his entire career, The Undertaker used the Tombstone as his finisher in the mid 90s.
All things considered, The Undertaker didn’t always receive favorable booking during this period in WWE. He was often put in matches with wrestlers that were too big for him to use the Tombstone on. Nevertheless, the Tombstone still ranks as one of the greatest finishing moves of the era.
4
Jackknife Powerbomb
Diesel Was One Of The Breakout Stars Of The New Generation Era
- Kevin Nash was given the Diesel gimmick upon signing with WWE in 1993
- He was initially paired with Shawn Michaels as his bodyguard
- Shane McMahon came up with the name “Diesel”
For at least a one year period, one could argue that Diesel was the face of the New Generation Era. For 358 days, Diesel held the WWE Championship. He managed to stay on top for that long thanks to his version of the powerbomb, which he called the Jackknife Powerbomb.
Diesel put his own unique spin on the move, and many have said that it wasn’t an easy one to take. One of the most dominant wrestlers of the New Generation Era, Diesel would go on to do even bigger things as the 90s progressed.
3
Razor’s Edge
Razor Ramon Was One Of The Most Popular Wrestlers Of The New Generation Era
- Razor Ramon debuted in WWE at the tail end of the Golden Era
- He was a multi-time Intercontinental Champion
- Damian Priest now uses the Razor’s Edge as a finishing move
One of the most visually impressive finishers of the era, The Razor’s Edge was the trademark move of Razor Ramon. From the day he started with the company, Razor Ramon had every aspect of his character established. The Razor’s Edge looked nothing short of devastating, and if executed improperly, it could have been.
Wrestlers like James Storm, Sheamus and Hernandez would use their own variation of the move, and as aforementioned, Damian Priest currently uses it. If not for two other iconic finishers of the era, The Razor’s Edge may have likely topped this list.
2
Sharpshooter
The Sharpshooter Was Used By Both Bret And Owen Hart
- Konnan taught Bret Hart how to use the Sharpshooter
- Bret’s brother~, Owen, began using the move after they started feuding
- Numerous wrestlers now routinely use the move
To many fans, Bret Hart was the leader of the New Generation Era. He held the WWE Championship multiple times during that period, and was one of the most beloved wrestlers in the company.
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1
Sweet Chin Music
Shawn Michaels Perfectly Captured The Spirit Of The New Generation Era
- The Superkick was invented by Chris Adams
- Shawn began using the move as a finish at the suggestion of Scott Hall, aka Razor Ramon
- It may be the most copied move in wrestling history
It’s an age old debate when it comes to Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels, but Shawn was the embodiment of the New Generation Era. His finishing move, Sweet Chin Music, was one of the most impactful of that time. It also allowed for a little crowd participation, which no other move on this list can really lay claim to.
It’s easily one of the most influential moves in wrestling, as countless modern wrestlers have added it to their repertoire. When you think of the New Generation Era, you can’t help but visualize The Heartbreak Kid and his Sweet Chin Music.