The Best Submission Finishers In WWE History

The Rock vs Kurt Angle No Way Out 2001

One of the most common finishes to a wrestling match is one wrestler forcing their opponent into submission with a ‘tap out’. Throughout the WWE’s history, this has been used by some of the best characters.

Here is a look at the most effective submission finishers and the success they brought to the ring.

Ken Shamrock – Ankle Lock

Ken Shamrock The Rock

The most effective submission finished in WWE history is Ken Shamrock. His Ankle Lock forced so many opponents to tap out between 1997 and 1999. It earned him the nickname of being “the world’s most dangerous man”.

As a former MMA fighter, it was no surprise that Shamrock was equipped with such a dangerous submission move. Once he locked them in the Ankle Lock, many of his opponents would tap out within seconds.

The success Shamrock had in the WWE paved the way for many more MMA fighters to follow, and it should continue to do so. UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones is the latest big star to be linked with a move to the WWE. He is the favourite in the UFC odds to beat Stipe Miocic in his next fight in the Octagon. After that fight, he is likely to decide on his future, with a switch to WWE very likely.

Owen Hart – Sharpshooter

Owen Hart Thumb

The Sharpshooter has been used by many WWE wrestlers over the years, but one of the most iconic to do so was former King of the Ring winner Owen Hart. The Canadian was a hugely popular wrestler who achieved so much in the WWE.

It is thought that the Sharpshooter, a reverse figure-four leg lock, was developed in the Hart family dungeon. It was also used by Owen’s brother Bret Hart to win the WWE Championship. Although Owen never won the latter, he was a four-time tag team champion, two-time Intercontinental champion, and a European champion.

The Sharpshooter, which was applied with great effect by Hart, is still in the WWE today. Natalya, daughter of Hart Foundation member Jim Neidhart, ensures the submission move continues to be used to win matches in the ring. The WWE legend has picked up many records in wrestling with the help of the Sharpshooter.

Chris Jericho – The Walls of Jericho

Chris Jericho Shawn Michaels

When Chris Jericho entered the WWE in 1999, he made an immediate impact. He was soon fast-tracked to the main events in the brand. Y2J’s finishing move was The Walls of Jericho. This was a variant of the Boston Crab and many of his rivals all tapped out to the submission due to the pressure on their legs and lower back. He continues to use The Walls of Jericho in AEW.

The former AEW champion was involved in some great storylines throughout his career with the likes of Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock. His personality was a great addition to the Attitude Era.

With more MMA fighters likely to join the WWE in 2023 and beyond, we could see more submission moves used in the ring to win fights and championships within the brand.