Top 10 Most Devastating Chokeslams In WWE History

The chokeslam, guys, is one of the most iconic and devastating moves in professional wrestling, especially within WWE. It's a move that screams power, dominance, and often signals the end for the unfortunate recipient. This maneuver, where a wrestler hoists their opponent high into the air by the throat before slamming them down to the mat, has been a signature for some of the most imposing figures in WWE history. From giants to monsters, and even some surprisingly agile wrestlers, the chokeslam has been used to secure victories, send messages, and leave a lasting impression on fans worldwide. Today, we're diving into the top 10 most devastating chokeslams in WWE history, moments that are etched in the memories of wrestling fans and continue to be replayed and celebrated.

1. Kane's Tombstone Chokeslam

When you talk about chokeslams, you've gotta mention Kane. Kane, the Big Red Machine, didn't just use the chokeslam; he perfected it. He weaponized it into an art form. His version, often delivered with a terrifying snarl and a thunderous impact, was more than just a move; it was a declaration of dominance. What sets Kane's chokeslam apart is the sheer height he achieves, lifting his opponents to what seems like an impossible altitude before driving them straight down into the canvas.

One particular chokeslam that stands out is the Tombstone Chokeslam. Picture this: Kane locks his grip around his opponent's throat, hoists them up, and then, in a display of raw power, he doesn't just drop them. Instead, he adds a Tombstone Piledriver-esque twist, ensuring maximum impact and devastation. This variation isn't just about the height or the slam; it's about the calculated cruelty and precision that Kane brings to the move. The Tombstone Chokeslam was reserved for his most hated rivals, a definitive end to feuds and a brutal reminder of Kane's monstrous strength.

Consider the psychological impact, too. Opponents knew that once Kane locked his hand around their throat, they were at his mercy. There was almost no escape, no counter, just the inevitable journey skyward followed by the bone-jarring crash back down to earth. This fear factor played a huge role in Kane's success. Wrestlers were often visibly shaken, knowing that at any moment, they could become the next victim of the Tombstone Chokeslam.

Kane's legacy is built on destruction and intimidation, and the chokeslam is the cornerstone of that legacy. It's not just a move; it's a symbol of his power, his rage, and his ability to dominate anyone who dares to step into the ring with him. The Tombstone Chokeslam is the ultimate expression of this, a move that embodies everything that makes Kane one of the most fearsome figures in WWE history.

2. The Undertaker's Classic Chokeslam

Speaking of WWE legends, The Undertaker and his classic chokeslam are inseparable. For decades, The Phenom used this move to send shivers down the spines of his opponents and secure countless victories in the squared circle. What makes The Undertaker's chokeslam so iconic isn't just its frequency but also its narrative significance. It often appeared as a sudden, almost supernatural intervention, turning the tide of a match in an instant. One moment, The Undertaker might be on the defensive; the next, his hand would shoot up, snatching his opponent's throat, signaling their doom.

What truly elevates The Undertaker's chokeslam is the way it complements his character. It's not just a move; it's an extension of his persona. The slow, deliberate build-up, the eerie stare, the almost otherworldly strength – all these elements combine to create a moment of sheer dread for his adversaries. It's a move that perfectly encapsulates The Undertaker's aura of mystery and power.

Consider the setting: the lights dim, the bell tolls, and The Undertaker rises, seemingly from the depths of hell itself. His opponent, already rattled by his presence, knows what's coming. The chokeslam is often the beginning of the end, leading to the Tombstone Piledriver and, ultimately, the defeat. But even on its own, the chokeslam is enough to send a message: The Undertaker is in control, and resistance is futile.

The impact of The Undertaker's chokeslam resonates throughout WWE history. It's a move that has been delivered to legends and newcomers alike, each time leaving a mark on their careers. It's a symbol of The Undertaker's dominance, his longevity, and his status as one of the most iconic figures in sports entertainment. The Undertaker's Classic Chokeslam is more than just a wrestling move; it's a cultural phenomenon, a testament to the power of character and storytelling in professional wrestling.

3. Big Show's Colossal Chokeslam

Big Show, also known as the World's Largest Athlete, brought a unique level of devastation to the chokeslam. His sheer size and strength amplified the impact, making it a truly earth-shattering maneuver. When Big Show locked his massive hand around an opponent's throat, it was like being caught in a vise grip from which there was no escape. The height he achieved, combined with his enormous weight, made his chokeslam one of the most feared in WWE history.

One of the most memorable aspects of Big Show's chokeslam was the visual spectacle. Seeing a man of his size lift another wrestler high into the air was always a sight to behold. It underscored his dominance and showcased his freakish strength. But it wasn't just about the visual impact; the force of the slam was equally impressive. Opponents would crash down to the mat with a resounding thud, often leaving them stunned and unable to continue the match.

Big Show's chokeslam was particularly effective against smaller opponents, as the size disparity made the move look even more devastating. But even larger wrestlers struggled to withstand the force of his chokeslam. It was a move that could be delivered to anyone, at any time, making Big Show a constant threat in the ring.

Throughout his career, Big Show used the chokeslam to defeat some of the biggest names in WWE. It was a reliable weapon in his arsenal, a move that he could always count on to deliver a decisive blow. Whether he was facing off against fellow giants or smaller, more agile opponents, Big Show's chokeslam was a game-changer. It's a testament to the power of size and strength in professional wrestling, and a reminder of Big Show's status as one of the most dominant big men in WWE history.

4. Braun Strowman's Monsterous Chokeslam

Braun Strowman, the Monster Among Men, redefined the chokeslam for a new era. With his incredible strength and imposing presence, Strowman's chokeslam was less of a wrestling move and more of an act of sheer destruction. He didn't just lift his opponents; he manhandled them, showcasing his raw power and leaving a trail of devastation in his wake. Strowman's chokeslam was a symbol of his untamed aggression and his ability to decimate anyone who stood in his path.

What set Strowman's chokeslam apart was the ferocity with which he executed it. It wasn't just about lifting his opponent and dropping them; it was about making a statement. He wanted to inflict maximum damage, to leave his adversaries broken and defeated. This intensity made his chokeslam one of the most exciting and unpredictable moves in WWE.

Strowman often used his chokeslam in unexpected ways, adding a level of surprise to his matches. He might deliver it off the top rope, through tables, or even onto the arena floor. These variations showcased his creativity and his willingness to push the limits of what was possible in the ring. It's also worth noting that the sound of Strowman's chokeslam was unlike any other, a deafening thud that reverberated throughout the arena, leaving fans in awe and opponents in agony.

Braun Strowman's chokeslam was a key part of his rise to stardom in WWE. It was a move that perfectly complemented his character, showcasing his strength, his aggression, and his willingness to destroy anyone who dared to cross him. The Monster Among Men's chokeslam is a testament to the power of a well-executed move and the impact it can have on a wrestler's career.

5. Abyss's Black Hole Slam

Let's not forget Abyss, the monstrous TNA star, who brought his own unique flavor to the chokeslam with his signature move, the Black Hole Slam. While not in WWE, its impact and devastation warrant inclusion. Abyss, a master of hardcore wrestling, used the Black Hole Slam to inflict maximum punishment on his opponents, often driving them through tables, chairs, and anything else he could get his hands on. This move was a symbol of his chaotic and destructive nature, and it made him one of the most feared competitors in TNA history.

What made the Black Hole Slam so devastating was its unpredictability. Abyss would often deliver it from unexpected angles, catching his opponents off guard and leaving them with no chance to defend themselves. He might hit it from the top rope, off the apron, or even through the announce table. These variations made the Black Hole Slam a constant threat, and it kept Abyss's opponents on edge at all times.

Abyss's Black Hole Slam became synonymous with his career, defining him as a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional wrestling. It was a move that perfectly complemented his character, showcasing his brutality, his unpredictability, and his willingness to go to any lengths to win. The Black Hole Slam is a testament to the power of a signature move and the impact it can have on a wrestler's legacy.

6. Test's brutal chokeslam

Test was known for his raw power and aggression, and his chokeslam was no exception. It was a move delivered with a forceful impact, often leaving opponents gasping for air. Test's chokeslam was a display of brute strength, perfectly complementing his no-nonsense attitude in the ring.

7. Vader's Vaderslam

Vader, the man they called a monster, brought an unparalleled level of intensity to the chokeslam. His Vaderslam was a bone-jarring move that left opponents reeling. Vader's sheer size and power made his chokeslam a truly devastating weapon, solidifying his reputation as one of the most dominant big men in wrestling.

8. Kevin Nash's power chokeslam

Kevin Nash, known for his cool demeanor and impressive physique, delivered a chokeslam with a touch of flair. His power chokeslam was a display of his strength and athleticism. Nash's chokeslam was a key part of his arsenal, helping him secure victories and establish himself as a top star in the wrestling world.

9. Snitsky's Unpredictable Chokeslam

Snitsky, with his unsettling presence, brought an element of surprise to his chokeslam. It was a move that came out of nowhere, catching opponents off guard and leaving them vulnerable. Snitsky's unpredictable chokeslam added to his aura of chaos and made him a formidable competitor.

10. Viscera's Big Splash Chokeslam

Viscera, the World's Largest Love Machine, added a unique twist to the chokeslam with his Big Splash variation. After delivering the chokeslam, he would follow up with a massive splash, adding insult to injury. Viscera's Big Splash Chokeslam was a combination of power and showmanship, making him a memorable character in WWE history.

These devastating chokeslams have left an indelible mark on WWE history, showcasing the power, dominance, and sheer brutality of some of the most iconic wrestlers to ever step into the ring. Each chokeslam tells a story, a testament to the skill and strength of the performers who execute them. They remind us why we love professional wrestling – for the larger-than-life characters, the unforgettable moments, and the incredible displays of athleticism and showmanship.