Right now, Legacy is the main heel faction in the WWE. The common element of the group is that they are second (or third) generation wrestlers. As you know, Randy Orton is the son of WWE Hall of Famer "Cowboy" Bob Orton (and grandson of Bob Orton Sr.), Cody Rhodes is the son of WWE Hall of Famer "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes, and Ted Dibiase Jr. is the son of "The Million Dollar Man" Ted Dibiase and grandson of "Iron" Mike Dibiase and Helen Hild. Some wrestlers, like David Sammartino, David Flair, Scott Putski, and Greg Gagne could never live up to the standards their fathers set. Below is a very good Top 10 list of second (a/o third) generation wrestlers who have also made an impact on the sport.

10) Randy Orton. Read just a smidgen above this to see his lineage in the sport. Two-time (and current as of this writing) WWE Champion, former I/C Champion, Tag Team Champion, and the youngest World Heavyweight Champion in history; he was 24 when he defeated Chris Benoit at SummerSlam 2004. He also is this year's Royal Rumble winner, although he did not win the WWE Title at Wrestlemania; however, he did win it at Backlash.

9) Ted Dibiase. See above again on Ted's stepfather and mother. Mike died in the ring when Ted was just 15 years old. One of the greatest gimmicks in wrestling history (another post I want to do) as the "Million Dollar Man", a spinoff character of what Vince McMahon's wrestling gimmick would have been. Three-time WWE Tag Team Champion, one of the greatest technical wrestlers of all time, one of the greatest never to hold the WWE or NWA/WCW Championship, and creator of the Million Dollar Belt.

8) Greg Valentine. Son of Johnny Valentine, whose career ended in the 1975 plane crash involving Ric Flair. Was a two-time Tag Team Champion with Flair, and broke Flair's nose. Held the U.S. Title three times, a Tag Team Champion in both the NWA and WWE, was I/C champion and had a great feud with Tito Santana over it. He also was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004.

7) Eddie Guerrero. Son of Gory Guerrero. There are too many siblings and nephews to list in terms of his wrestling family. His widow, Vickie, just resigned as GM of RAW and appears to be leaving the company too. Has held titles in ECW, WCW, and the WWE, including the WWE Championship. His death still hurts the company to this day, and he's one of the wrestlers I miss the most to this day (another post for another time). Eddie was inducted posthumously into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006.

6) Curt Hennig. Son of Larry "The Ax" Hennig. One of my all-time favorite wrestlers, another wrestler we lost too early, and maybe the second best gimmick of all time as Mr. Perfect (you'll find out who the best one is if I ever do the gimmick post). Two-time I/C Champion (see my post for me listing him as the greatest I/C champion), former AWA Heavyweight Champion, former U.S. Champion, and held Tag Titles in the AWA and WCW. He was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007, and his son Joe is now developing as a wrestler.

5) Nick Bockwinkel. Son of Warren Bockwinkel. One of the greatest heel champions of all time, four-time AWA Champion, three-time AWA Tag Team Champion, and, along with Sting, maybe the greatest wrestler never to wrestle for the WWE (although he did wrestle Bob Backlund when they both were champions of their respective federations). He was also inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.

4) Terry Funk. Son of Dory Funk, Sr. He and his brother Dory, Jr. are the only brothers to hold the NWA Heavyweight Championship. Also held the ECW Title twice, was an ECW Television Champion, and is worshipped in Japan due to his insane barbed wire matches. He also has set the record for most retirements, although Michael Jordan (and currently Brett Favre) are trying to break it. He was inducted with his brother this year into the WWE Hall of Fame.

3) The Rock. Son of Rocky Johnson and grandson of "High Chief" Peter Maivia. One of the greatest promo cutters in wrestling history. Nine-time World Champion, two-time I/C Champion, and five-time Tag Team Champion. Winner of the 2000 Royal Rumble. Left the sport in his prime to become a Hollywood actor.

2) Randy Savage. Son of Angelino Poffo. Six-time World Champion (combined WWE/WCW reigns), I/C Champion, and the subject of a DVD release by WWE this week. One of my all-time favorite wrestlers as well. I hope this DVD means that Savage will finally be inducted into the Hall of Fame next year.

1) Bret Hart. Son of Stu Hart. Seven-time World Champion (combined WWE/WCW), former I/C Champion, U.S. Champion, Tag Team Champion, regarded as one of the best (if not the best) technical wrestlers of all time, and just released a book not that long ago. It's a very interesting read, a long read, and took me a month to get through it. Co-winner of the 1994 Royal Rumble. Also won the 1991 and 1993 King of the Ring; the 1993 version was the first on pay-per-view. His sisters married professional wrestlers as well. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006.

        1975-2009

The staff of TheFinishers was saddened to hear of the recent passing of Andrew "Test" Martin.  He was a mainstay on WWE cards from the late 1990's untill the mid-2000's.  He held the Intercontinental, European, Hardcore, World Tag, and WCW Tag titles while working for the company.  He was also a key player in the feud between The McMahon family and Triple H in '99 as he was going to marry Stephanie before Triple H interrupted the ceremony.  Test was a member of various stables and tag-teams such as The Corporation, The Union, T & A, and The Un-Americans and he was able to get over both as a heel and face.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fans.  He will be missed.

There are many wrestlers that have held titles for a long time. Hulk Hogan's first title reign lasted four years. Rob Van Dam held the ECW TV Title for almost two years. Then we have those that have had one day title reigns (Mankind, Randy Savage). Some have lost the belt right back to the person they defeated (Edge lost the WWE Title back to John Cena three weeks after beating him in January 2006). Edge was called a transitional champion (incorrectly, I may add) by Michael Cole. What is a transitional champion? It's someone who holds the belt briefly to pass it on to the next big person to carry the company; however, losing it back to the same person does not count. Tommy Rich and Kerry Von Erich briefly held the NWA Title, but lost it back to the person they beat (Harley Race and Ric Flair, respectively).

So here is my Top 10 list of the greatest (?) transitional champions ever.

10) Hulk Hogan. Though you'll see the Hulkster's name frequently throughout this post, this is the time where he passed the belt on instead of vice versa. HHH had defeated Chris Jericho at Wrestlemania X8 on March 17, 2002, and Hogan and HHH wrestled at Backlash the next month. Hogan beat HHH and was WWE champion for the first time in almost nine years. Hogan then defended the title the next month at Judgment Day against the Undertaker, who won the belt from him.

9) Big Show. Big Show defeated Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series 2002 (thanks to Paul Heyman's assistance) and went into Armageddon to wrestle Kurt Angle (it's true). Angle won the belt back, which eventually set up Angle/Brock at Wrestlemania XIX and one of the greatest botched spots in history (Brock's Shooting Star Press).

8) Ric Flair. This was supposed to be a transition to the New Generation motif that Vince was starting, and Flair came into the match injured with a chip dislodged in his ear courtesy of a messed up Ultimate Warrior suplex. Flair had recently beaten a despondent Randy Savage (who was having marital problems) and Flair noted in his book that the match was awful. Bret noted in his book that Flair screwed up a couple of spots. I can see why the spots got screwed up with Flair's balance off. Even if a couple of spots got flubbed, you still won the title, right? Bret held the title until Wrestlemania IX when he lost it to...

7) Yokozuna. Read Bret Hart's book on this part of his career and you can see where the Hitman started to lose respect for the Hulkster. Yoko cheated to beat Bret, and then the Hulkster came down to check on Bret and protest the injustice. Mr. Fuji offered Hogan a challenge, Hogan came in, pinned Yokozuna in 21 seconds, and was WWE Champion for the fifth time. Bret hadn't even made it backstage yet. I can't blame Bret for being upset that it seemed he got thrown to the curb after being champion for six months, but you can see where politics got involved and things like that. Like I said, read the book.

6) Ivan Koloff. Who's the man that held the belt for three weeks inbetween Bruno Sammartino's and Pedro Morales's two reigns that lasted more than ten years combined? No, not Vader. The man that ended the longest reign of all time was the one that started the third longest reign of all time on February 8, 1971, when Pedro beat him for the WWWF Title. At that time, it would have been unheard of for fan favorites Sammartino and Morales to wrestle each other, so Ivan Koloff proved perfect to pass the belt on to Pedro. Pedro was a better wrestler than Bruno, and had the ethnicity to draw the fans as well. Little did we know that Bruno would get his belt back through Pedro by him losing to...

5) Stan Stasiak. He got nine days as WWWF Champion before losing the belt to Bruno Sammartino, who was still a big draw, and a bigger draw outside New York than Pedro was. Pedro faded for a time, and Bruno was only supposed to hold the belt for a year, but the payoffs got bigger to stay and his title reign went for over three years. Does Bruno belong in the Hall of Fame? Absolutely. Unfortunately, my era only knows Bruno as being bitter towards today's product, although he was an announcer when I started watching. Bruno and Hulk Hogan are legends and have held the title for the most days in WWE history, but the majority of wrestling fans would still take Harley Race and Ric Flair over them any day.

4) Bob Backlund. There are two versions of Bob Backlund, but the majority of fans today only know the second version. The first version held the WWF Title for over five years and was one of the biggest babyfaces of all time. The second version (Mr. Backlund) tried not to be fallacious and snapped on Bret Hart in one of the best heel turns of all time, putting Bret in the crossface chickenwing. Eventually, Backlund would pull the upset and beat Bret Hart at Survivor Series (thanks to a little help from Owen Hart). Just three days later, Backlund lost in Madison Square Garden (a place he main evented countless times) in just eight seconds to Diesel, starting his first title reign. Backlund didn't deserve that, but then again, you can argue that they never should have put the belt on him in the first place. I think it tainted his legacy, but then again, many wrestling fans think wrestling started when Hulk Hogan pinned the Iron Sheik (more on that later).

3) Mankind. Mankind pulled the upset at SummerSlam 1999 when he defeated HHH and Stone Cold to win the WWF/E Title (it was F then, but call it what you want). The next night on RAW, HHH started his first of twelve (as of this writing) title reigns. This was a good feud for the next few months, and their Royal Rumble 2000 match (with Foley as Cactus Jack) is one of my all-time favorites, and the match that put HHH on the map as a believable and worthy champion. HHH is no doubt the wrestler of the decade, but I don't know what more he can do for the company, especially as a face. He has nothing to prove, and I hope he doesn't hang around long enough to eclipse Ric Flair's record of sixteen title reigns. I'm guessing he has some clout, though, for obvious reasons.

2) Sgt. Slaughter. Sgt. Slaughter, a supporter of Iraq during the heat of the Gulf War, was hated by fans for his lack of patriotism and traitorous ways. Slaughter had beaten the Ultimate Warrior at the Royal Rumble (Savage's scepter shot is the highlight of that one), and Hulk Hogan was called upon to be the American hero to set him straight at Wrestlemania VII. When the Gulf War ended, ticket sales for the Los Angeles Coliseum cooled big time, and it was moved indoors to the Los Angeles Sports Arena (then the home of the Clippers). This one may go down as the most predictable and obvious title change in wrestling history, as Hogan, despite taking a chair shot and bleeding, beat Sarge for the WWE Title, and all was good again. Sarge was past his prime, Hogan did nothing special, and it was the same old same old.

1) Iron Sheik. If ever there was a transition from eras, this would be it. The aforementioned Bob Backlund (Version 1... I talked with your lawyers, Matt Hardy), had been champion for over five years, and the fans were getting tired of "Howdy Doody". Backlund refused to turn heel to lose the title to Hulk Hogan, so the Iron Sheik was picked to be the man to lose to Hogan. Backlund had been injured by the Sheik's Persian Clubs, and then lost the belt to him when his manager Arnold Skaaland threw in the towel (Backlund never submitted) when Backlund was in the Camel Clutch. Hogan got Backlund's rematch because Backlund was declared injured, and you know the rest. Supposedly wrestling was born on that day. Hulkamania was born, and we got the transition of McMahons. Later this month marks the 25th anniversary of Hogan's first WWE Title win.

Legend: Eddie Guerrero
Years Active: 1987-2005
Titles Held: WWE Champion, 2 Time WWE Intercontinental Champion, 2 Time United States Champion, 2 Time ECW Television Champion, 2 Time WWE European Champion, 4 Time WWE Tag Team Champion(2 with Chavo Guerrero, 1 with Tajiri, 1 with Rey Mysterio)
Other Honors: 1999 PWI Comeback of the Year, 2002 & 2004 PWI Inspirational Wrestler of the Year, 2005 PWI Stanley Weston Award, 2006 WWE Hall of Fame Inductee, 2006 Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame Inductee
Trademark Moves: Frog Splash, Three Amigos, Brainbuster
Famous Quote: "I Lie I Cheat I Steal"
Memorable Feuds and Matches: 2 Cold Scorpio, Dean Malenko, Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho, Rey Mysterio, Chavo Guerrero, Jeventud Guerrera, Rob Van Dam, Edge, Kurt Angle, Brock Lesnar, JBL, Batista
Greatest Accomplishment: Defeating Brock Lesnar for the WWE Title at No Way Out 2004.
Personal Memories: I watched Eddie transform from a solid worker on the mid-card who was grossly underrated to one of the most entertaining performers in history, and he became an even better worker along the way.  I will always remeber the "Lie, Cheat, and Steal" vignettes he did with Chavo.  I'll also never forget his matches with Rey Mysterio, Chris Benoit, Edge, Rob Van Dam, Kurt Angle and many others, as well as his title win over Lesnar.  My fondest memory of him has to be him and Benoit in the ring together as World Champions to end WrestleMania 20.  It symbolized the two hardest workers in the bussiness finally getting their just due.  Eddie's passing has left a void in the wrestling world that has yet to be filled.

5) Top Rope Bulldog - Steiner Brothers. Scott would put the wrestler on his shoulders and Ric would come off the top rope with a pretty nasty bulldog. A good example is one they gave to the Nasty Boys at Halloween Havoc 1990.

4) Hart Attack - Hart Foundation. Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart would hold the opponent in a bear hug, and Bret "Hitman" Hart would run across the ring, come off the ropes, and clothesline the opponent. Simple, yet effective.

3) Demolition Decapitation - Demolition. This move didn't have an official name when it was being used by them, but it's the apparent name for it now. One member would hold a wrestler in a backbreaker position, and another member would jump off the middle rope, drop the elbow, and the victim would flip over onto the mat.

2) 3-D - Dudley Boyz. D-Von/Brother Ray flapjacks his opponent while Bubba Ray/Brother Ray delivers the elevated Diamond Cutter. Works best through a table, and everyone yells "3-D!" when it occurs.

1) Doomsday Device - Road Warriors. Animal put the opponent on his shoulders, and Hawk delivered the top rope clothesline, usually resulting in the opponent flipping over. Henry Godwinn had his neck legitimately broken by the maneuver.

5) 5-Star Frog Splash - Rob Van Dam. What I liked best about this move was the height and different angles he would use, depending on how his opponent was prone in the ring. Sometimes RVD could change direction in mid-air, making it more impressive. Eddie Guerrero (RIP) also used the Frog Splash, albeit more of a line drive style, as does his nephew, Chavo. Hornswoggle has the Tadpole Splash as well.

4) DDT - Numerous Wrestlers. Made famous by Jake "The Snake" Roberts, this move (and different versions of it) has been used by many wrestlers, including Arn Anderson, Raven, Tommy Dreamer, and Cody Rhodes. Sting used an inverted/reverse version of it (Scorpion Death Drop), the Godwinns (Slop Drop) used the same version, and Cactus Jack used the double arm DDT as a finisher when he was in WCW and ECW in the 1990's. Edge also did the lifting version of it known as the Edgecution, which he still uses occasionally. Others, such as the Rock and Dusty Rhodes, have used the move in matches, but not as finishers.

3) Shooting Star Press - Jushin "Thunder" Liger. Liger invented the move after reading it in a Japanese manga, and Billy Kidman used it as his finisher. Due to the high risk of the move in both executing it and receiving it, it was banned for a while in WWE. Kidman hurt Chavo on an episode of Smackdown! and most people remember Brock Lesnar's infamous execution of the move at Wrestlemania XIX against Kurt Angle, as he landed a little short and injured his neck. A.J. Styles does a springboard version to the outside, and Paul London and John Morrison have done standing versions of the move.

2) Perfect-Plex - Curt Hennig. Also known as the cradle suplex or fisherman's suplex, this move was first used by Harley Race; however, Curt made it famous as Mr. Perfect. Grab the knee, hook it, flip them over, bridge, pin, match.

1) Tombstone Piledriver - Undertaker. He is best known for the move, although Finlay used it while in WCW as well. Kane also uses the move from time to time, but it is usually associated with the Undertaker. Koko B. Ware was the first victim of it at the 1990 Survivor Series, and the rest is history.

5) Chokeslam - Undertaker. This move sets up the Tombstone Piledriver.

4) Gorilla Press Slam - Ultimate Warrior. This move set up the Warrior Splash.

3) Spear - Goldberg. This move set up the Jackhammer.

2) 619 - Rey Mysterio. This move sets up a variety of moves, from the West Coast Pop to Droppin' Da Dime or other springboard moves off the top rope cable.

1) Stinger Splash - Sting. This is my favorite setup move, and this set up the Scorpion Death Lock.

5) Figure Four Leglock. Buddy Rogers is the one credited with this hold, although Jack Brisco, Greg Valentine, Tito Santana, Carlos Colon, and some guy named Ric Flair also used this as their finishing move (although Tito later switched to the Flying Forearm).

4) Sharpshooter. To Sting marks, it's the Scorpion Death Lock. Invented by Riki Choshu, Bret Hart is associated the most with this move. Sting used this move before Bret became a singles wrestler; however, Bret started his career first. The Rock also used the Sharpshooter in his matches, as did Chris Benoit (RIP) occasionally.

3) Human Torture Rack. Mostly associated with Lex Luger, Hercules (RIP) also used it at one time (he also used the Full Nelson as well). The name of it is what makes it cool. I put my sister in this move a long time ago in a Target store when she was getting on my nerves. She said the word "nutsack" one too many times. She brought it upon herself, folks.

2) Texas Cloverleaf. Dory Funk, Jr. invented it and this move is most associated with Dean Malenko, the man of 1000 holds.

1) Taz(z)mission - Taz(z). Some call it the kata hajime, but it's a pretty good way to choke someone out.

Tag Team Finishers: Spike Piledriver (Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard).

FP's Favorite Finishers: Sweet Chin Music (Shawn Michaels), Dragon Suplex (Chris Benoit), Flying Elbow Drop (Randy Savage).

Setup Moves: Short Clothesline (Jake "The Snake" Roberts).

Submission Finishers: Cobra Clutch (Sgt. Slaughter, Ted Dibiase), Tarantula (Tajiri), even though you can't submit to it, but oh well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Legend: Dick Murdoch
Years Active: 1965-1996
Titles Held: WWE World Tag Team Champion(with Adrian Adonis)
Other Honors: 1974 PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year
Trademark Moves: Brainbuster, Bulldog, Big Elbow
Memorable Feuds and Matches: Dick the Bruiser, The Crusher, Dusty Rhodes, Ted DiBiase, Steve Williams, The Fabulous Freebirds, Tony Atlas, Rocky Johnson, The U.S. Express, Bob Orton Jr.
Greatest Accomplishment: Along with Adrian Adonis, defeating Tony Atlas and Rocky Johnson for the WWE World Tag Team Titles on April 17, 1984.
Personal Memories: I remember him making rare appearances in WWE and WCW and being impressed by his ability to execute moves such as dropkicks and flying headscissors.  I also remember seeing clips of one of the most famous storylines in Mid-South history, involving him delivering the brainbuster to Ted DiBiase on the arena floor.

Santino Marella defends the I/C title: The three former I/C champions are: Rodney the Piper/Goldendust/Honky Tonky Man. Piper has some history with Santino, Goldust at least has been wrestling recently, and the Honky Tonk Man supposedly can't go due to a finger injury, even if he does get voted in by the fans.

Who I want (in order of preference): Goldust/Piper/Honky Tonk Man.

Who we get: Roddy Piper. As far as I know, he is still the most popular of the three, but maybe they'll want to see the Honky Tonk Man due to the Honk-A-Meter. I severely doubt we'll see a title change, but what do I know?

Pick the Tag Team match: The three choices are: CM Punk/Kofi Kingston vs. Priceless/Cryme Tyme vs. Miz/Morrison/Mickie James/Jamie Noble vs. Layla/William Regal. With Punk and Kingston, you have the two best singles wrestlers as a team wrestling the World Tag Team Champions; however, the titles are not up for grabs as far as I know. The second match gives you two legitimate tag teams, and the third match gives you two Divas.

What I want: Cryme Tyme/Punk/Mixed.

What we get: Cryme Tyme/Miz and Morrison. That one has the most air time of any of the feuds going on right now, and I doubt anyone cares about the mixed tag team match.

Kane vs. Rey Mysterio: The three stipulations are: 2 out of 3 Falls/Falls Count Anywhere/No DQ. 2 out of 3 Falls would be good for the reason we haven't seen it all year to my knowledge (in terms of a pay-per-view), but Kane isn't someone I want to see in that type of match. Falls Count Anywhere helps Rey the most because he can fly in from different angles on Kane. No DQ helps Kane the most because a Rey chair shot isn't the same as a Kane chair shot.

What I want: A vacation. That's more of a need thing, to be honest. Falls Count Anywhere/2 out of 3 Falls/No DQ.

What we get: Falls Count Anywhere. That one helps Rey the most.

Undertaker vs. Big Show: The three stipulations are: Knockout Match/I Quit/Last Man Standing. If I wanted a knockout, I'd watch boxing. "I Quit" would be interesting because I'd like to see what it would take to make one of these two give up. Last Man Standing also falls into that category because of what it would take. We have already had a Last Man Standing match this year, and it cost Randy Orton his collarbone.

What I want: A big house, lots of cars, lots of women, and no taxes. I keep forgetting this is a wrestling post. Last Man Standing/I Quit/Knockout Match, although either of the first two is fine with me.

What we get: Last Man Standing. "I Quit" could get the nod because how often do you hear the Undertaker talk?

Matt Hardy defends the ECW Title: The three choices are: Finlay/Evan Bourne/Mark Henry. Henry didn't have to qualify, Finlay has Hornswoggle to entertain the fans, and Evan Bourne is very entertaining with his high flying style.

What I want: Bourne/Finlay/Henry. Maybe Evan Bourne pulls the upset. Can Finlay win a match without the shillelagh? Mark Henry falls into the "been there, done that" match.

What we get: Evan Bourne, because I think the fans have taken a liking to him, and because the Guru is texting from everyone else's phone to get him in the match. You do know it costs money, right, Guru?

HHH defends the WWE Title: The three choices are: Jeff Hardy/Vladimir Kozlov/Hardy and Kozlov. Can I see the hands of those that want Kozlov to get a chance at the WWE title? Anyone? Put your hand down, Kozlov. And quit glaring at me. I know karate and seven other Chinese words, big man.

What I want: Hardy/Hardy and Kozlov/Kozlov.

What we get: Hardy, but maybe Kozlov takes him out before the match. Please come back soon, Edge.

Chris Jericho vs. Batista for the World Heavyweight Championship: The three choices for guest enforcer are: Randy Orton/HBK/"Stone Cold" Steve Austin. Orton is Orton, HBK would be extremely biased, and Austin will give out Stunners if need be.

What I want: Austin/HBK/Orton. That and Jericho to not be so damn boring. Batista was a riot as guest referee on RAW.

What we get: Austin. Last time I checked, he was still revered by all the masses.

There you have it. Another year of predictions. Cyber Sunday is usually one of the WWE's below average pay-per-views of the year, and the highlight of last year's show was the Guru and me making bad puns about the keyboard at the top of the ramp. Here's hoping you don't overspend on texting your votes.

 

 

Legend: "Rowdy" Roddy Piper
Years Active: 1969-2008
Titles Held: WWE Intercontinental Champion, 3 Time NWA/WCW United States Champion, NWA Television Champion, WWE World Tag Team Champion(with Ric Flair)
Other Honors: 1982 PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year, 1984 & 1985 PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year, 1986 PWI Most Popular Wrestler of the Year, 1996 Wrestling Ovserver Hall of Fame Inductee, 2005 WWE Hall of Fame Inductee, 2007 Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductee
Trademark Moves: Sleeper, Eye Poke, Jabs
Famous Quote: "Just When You Think You Have All the Answers, I Change the Questions"
Memorable Feuds and Matches: Ric Flair, Greg Valentine, Hulk Hogan, Mr. T, Jimmy Snuka, Paul Orndorff, Adrian Adonis, Rick Rude, Ted DiBiase, Bret Hart, Goldust, NWO
Gretest Accomplishment: Defeating Greg Valentine in a brutal dog collar match at the inaugural Starrcade in 1983.
Personal Memories: The best Piper memories all stem from Piper's Pit whether it's hitting Jimmy Snuka with a coconut, cutting Haiti Kid's Hair, his confrontation with Steve Austin, as well as many others.  Aside from the Pit he always cut memorable if somewhat incomprehensible promos.

Legend: Antonino "Argentina" Rocca
Years Active: 1942-1977
Titles Held: No Major Titles
Other Honors: 1995 WWE Hall of Fame Inductee, 1996 Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame Inductee
Trademark Moves: Argentine Backbreaker, Airplane Spin, Dropkick
Famous Quote: "I Will Still be Wrestling When I'm 75 Years Old and Will be Living to 150"
Memorable Feuds and Matches: The Golden Grahams, Dick the Bruiser, Buddy Rogers
Greatest Accomplishment: Becoming a pop cultural icon to the Latin American community by breaking down several barriers such as appearing on the cover of a "Superman" comic book in 1962.
Personal Memories: I remember seeing clips of him doing several acrobatic moves like slapping people with his feet and landing on his feet after dropkicks.  This proves he was truly ahead of his time.  He is also widely remembered for his involvment in the most famous/infamous riot is Madison Square Garden history along with his tag partner, Miguel Perez, and the Golden Grahams.

Legend: Mick Foley
Years Active: 1986-2007
Titles Held: 3 Time WWE Champion, 8 Time WWE World Tag Team Champion(3 with The Rock, 2 with Kane, 1 with Steve Austin, 1 with Chainsaw Charlie, 1 with Al Snow), WCW World Tag Team Champion(with Kevin Sullivan), 2 Time ECW World Tag Team Champion(with Mikey Whipwreck), WWE Hardcore Champion
Other Honors: 1993 PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year, 2000 Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame Inductee
Trademark Moves: Double Arm DDT, Mandible Claw, Elbow Drop from the Ring Apron
Famous Quote: "Bang Bang"
Memorable Feuds and Matches: Sting, Vader, Nasty Boys, Sabu, Public Enemy, Sandman, Terry Funk, Tommy Dreamer, Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Steve Austin, The Rock, Kane, Randy Orton, Edge, Ric Flair
Greatest Accomplishment: Defeating The Rock for his first WWE Title on Raw on January 4, 1999.
Personal Memories: Although not the best in-ring technician he popularized a style of his own that he was the best at.  Chances are that if you think back to the best hardcore matches of all time, they involve him.  His efforts against Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, and Edge top that list.

Legend: Bobby "The Brain" Heenan
Years Active: 1965-2002
Titles Held: None
Other Honors: 1972, 1976, 1985, & 1991 PWI Manager of the Year, 1996 Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame Inductee, 2002 Cauliflower Alley Club Iron Mike Mazurki Award Winner, 2004 WWE Hall of Fame Inductee
Trademark Moves: Outside Interference, Running Away
Famous Quote: "I'm a Broadcast Journalist"
Memorable Feuds and Matches: Ray Stevens, Greg Gagne, Andre the Giant, Hulk Hogan, Ken Patera, Ultimate Warrior, Red Rooster, Big Boss Man, Mr. Perfect
Greatest Accomplishment: Managing Andre the Giant in the main event of WrestleMania 3 in front of the largest crowd in WWE PPV history.
Personal Memories: Heenan is easily the greatest manager of all time because all he had to do was show up and he was instantly hated.  I prefer to remember him for his exchanges with Gorilla Monsoon in the broadcast booth.  They were a classic team and I love going back and watching shows they called together and laughing.

Legend: "Macho Man" Randy Savage
Years Active: 1973-2004
Titles Held: 2 Time WWE Champion, 4 Time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, WWE Intercontinental Champion
Other Honors: 1987 WWE King of the Ring Winner, 1988 PWI Wrestler of the Year, 1988 PWI Most Popular Wrestler of the Year, 1989 PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year, 1995 WCW World War 3 Winner, 1995 PWI Comeback of the Year, 1996 Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame Inductee
Trademark Moves: Flying Elbow Drop, Flying Ax Handle Outside the ring, Jumping Knee Drop
Famous Quote: "Oooh Yeah"
Memorable Feuds and Matches: Tito Santana, George Steele, Ricky Steamboat, Honky Tonk Man, Ted DiBiase, Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warrior, Jake Roberts, Ric Flair, Lex Luger, Dallas Page
Greatest Accomplishment: Winning his first WWE title by defeating four men in a one-night tournament at WrestleMania 4.
Personal Memories:  I consider Savage and Miss Elizabeth to be the best on-screen couple of all time.  Aside from that he was a true innovator in the ring coming up with a very unique style.  I will remember him for his famous matches against Ricky Steamboat and Ric Flair, as well as carrying guys like Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior to great matches.

Legend: "Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig
Years Active: 1980-2003
Titles Held: AWA World Heavyweight Champion, 2 Time WWE Intercontinental Champion, U.S. Champion, AWA World Tag Team Champion(with Scott Hall), WCW World Tag Team Champion(with Barry Windham)
Other Honors: 1987 PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year, 2007 WWE Hall of Fame Inductee
Trademark Moves: Perfect Plex, Rolling Neck Snap, Standing Dropkick
Famous Quote: "That's Absolutely Perfect"
Memorable Feuds and Matches: Nick Bockwinkle, Jerry Lawler, Greg Gagne, Hulk Hogan, Tito Santana, Texas Tornado, Bret Hart, Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, Dallas Page
Greatest Accomplishment: Defeating Tito Santana in a tournament final to win his first Intercontinental Championship on April 23, 1990.
Personal Memory: He did have some of the greatest matches of all time but my fondest memories just come from the way he prestented himself.  The tights, towl, gum slap, swagger, and confident smirk all screamed perfection and drew me towards him.  He truly was what he said he was.

There are a lot of times in my life that I've asked myself "What if I would/wouldn't have done this". What if I would have chosen a different college? What if I wouldn't have come down with epilepsy ten years ago? What if I would have been able to go to SummerSlam in 1996? These questions can't be answered unless someone from a movie comes along and takes me back through time, and I don't anticipate that happening anytime soon. This question seems to be asked more frequently in the world of professional wrestling, and I figure I would ask them because I had nothing better to do.

Legend: Killer Kowalski
Years Active: 1947-1977
Titles Held: WWE World Tag Team Champion(with Big John Studd)
Other Honors: 1976 PWI Tag Team of the Year with Big John Studd, 1996 WWE Hall of Fame Inductee, 1996 Wresting Observer Hall of Fame Inductee, 2002 Cauliflower Alley Club Iron Mike Mazurki Award Winner, 2003 Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductee
Trademark Moves: Claw, Flying Kneedrop, Piledriver
Memorable Feuds and Matches: Yukon Eric, Bruno Sammartino, Gorilla Monsoon, Pat O'Connor
Greatest Accomplishment: Although by accident, ripping off Yukon Eric's ear as the result of a kneedrop in 1952, helping to establish him as a true "killer."
Personal Memory: The staff of TheFinishers was saddened by the recent passing of Walter "Killer" Kowalski.  While he was known as one of the toughest wrestlers of his day, I'll remember him for the legacy he left as a trainer.  His students include TNA wrester Frankie Kazarian, WWE wrestler Kenny Dykstra, and current WWE Champion Triple H.  Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans.  He will be missed.

Legend: Nick Bockwinkel
Years Active: 1955-1987
Titles Held: 4 Time AWA World Heavyweight Champion, 4 Time AWA World Tag Team Champion(with Ray Stevens)
Other Honors: 1973 PWI Tag Team of the Year with Ray Stevens, 1996 Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame Inductee, 2003 Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductee, 2007 WWE Hall of Fame Inductee, 2007 PWI Stanley Weston Award Winner
Trademark Moves: Piledriver, Figure Four Leglock, Indian Deathlock
Memorable Feuds and Matches: Verne Gagne, Billy Robinson, Mad Dog Vachon, Dick the Bruiser, The Crusher, Jerry Lawler, Hulk Hogan, Curt Hennig, Bob Backlund, Ric Flair
Greatest Accomplishment: Ending Verne Gagne's 7 year reign as AWA Champion by winning his first heavyweight title on November 8, 1975.
Personal Memories: Although I haven't seen a great deal of his ring work, I am a fan because I consider him to be a different kind of heel because of his promos.  He would never yell and he would often show off his intelligence by using big words that most fans had never heard before. 

Legend: The Undertaker
Years Active: 1984-Present
Titles Held: 4 Time WWE Champion, 2 Time WWE World Heavyweight Champion, 6 Time WWE World Tag Team Champion(2 with Kane, 2 with Big Show, 1 with Steve Austin, 1 with The Rock), WCW Tag Team Champion(with Kane), WWE Hardcore Champion
Other Honors: 2004 Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame Inductee, 2007 Royal Rumble Winner
Trademark Moves: Tombstone, Chokeslam, Last Ride
Famous Quote: "Rest in Peace"
Memorable Feuds and Matches: Hulk Hogan, Jake Roberts, Yokozuna, Bret Hart, Mankind, Kane, Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels, The Rock, Triple H, Ric Flair, Brock Lesnar, Mr. McMahon, Kurt Angle, Randy Orton, Batista, Edge
Greatest Accomplishment: Extending his WrestleMania undefeated streak to 16-0 by beating Edge for his second World Title at WrestleMania 24.
Personal Memories: I consider there to be 2 golden periods in Undertaker's career.  The first would be a 2 year stretch from 1996 to 1998.  Of that time I will remember every match he had with Mankind and Shawn Micheals, particularly the hell in a cell matches he had with each.  The other period starts in 2005 and continues on today.  This includes his match against Kurt Angle at No Way Out '06, and his feuds with Randy Orton, Batista, and Edge.