Top 10 Most Devastating Chokeslams In WWE History

The chokeslam, guys, is one of those moves that just screams impact and dominance in the WWE. It's a simple yet devastating maneuver where a wrestler hoists their opponent up by the throat and slams them down to the mat. Over the years, we've seen some absolutely incredible chokeslams that have defined careers and ended matches in spectacular fashion. So, let's dive into the top 10 most devastating chokeslams in WWE history, moments that made us all go wild!

1. Kane's Tombstone Chokeslam

When you think of the chokeslam, one name immediately springs to mind: Kane. The Big Red Machine has delivered some of the most iconic and bone-jarring chokeslams in WWE history. But, out of his vast arsenal, one stands above the rest: the Tombstone Chokeslam. This wasn't your garden-variety chokeslam; it was a hybrid of his brother The Undertaker's signature move, the Tombstone Piledriver, combined with his devastating chokeslam. Kane would lift his opponent high into the air, mimicking the Tombstone setup, before driving them down with immense force. The impact was visually brutal, often leaving his adversaries twitching and gasping for air. What made this chokeslam so special was its psychological impact. Opponents knew they were facing not just a chokeslam, but a symbol of Kane's dark and destructive power. It was a move that instilled fear and often marked the beginning of the end for anyone unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end. Kane's Tombstone Chokeslam wasn't just a move; it was a statement.

The Tombstone Chokeslam perfectly embodied Kane's character – a monstrous, unstoppable force of nature. Its effectiveness was undeniable, securing countless victories and solidifying Kane's status as one of the most dominant big men in WWE history. The sheer height Kane achieved before the slam, combined with the sudden, violent impact, made it a spectacle to behold. Fans would rise to their feet, anticipating the inevitable destruction. Moreover, Kane often reserved this move for his biggest rivals, adding a layer of personal animosity to the already devastating impact. Think about matches against The Undertaker, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Triple H – the Tombstone Chokeslam was often the exclamation point, the final blow that sealed the deal. It’s a testament to the move's legacy that even years later, fans still recall the Tombstone Chokeslam with a mix of awe and terror, cementing its place as the most devastating chokeslam in WWE history.

2. The Undertaker's Old School Chokeslam

Speaking of iconic, you can't talk about chokeslams without mentioning The Undertaker. While he's known for the Tombstone Piledriver, his old school chokeslam was a thing of beauty and brutality. What made The Undertaker's chokeslam so effective was his presence and the way he executed it with such effortless power. He would lock eyes with his opponent, a cold, unwavering stare that sent shivers down their spine. Then, with a swift, fluid motion, he would hoist them up by the throat, seemingly defying gravity, before slamming them down with thunderous force. The visual impact was always stunning, emphasizing The Undertaker's supernatural aura. What set his chokeslam apart was its simplicity and raw power. He didn't need any fancy theatrics; just pure, unadulterated force. It was a move that perfectly complemented his character – a silent, brooding figure capable of unleashing devastating attacks at any moment.

Throughout his legendary career, The Undertaker used the chokeslam to conquer countless opponents, from Hulk Hogan to Shawn Michaels. It was a staple in his arsenal, a move that could turn the tide of a match in an instant. Opponents knew they had to be constantly wary of it, adding a layer of tension and drama to every encounter. The anticipation of the chokeslam would often build throughout a match, with fans on the edge of their seats, waiting for The Undertaker to unleash his signature move. And when he did, the arena would erupt in a chorus of cheers and gasps. His chokeslam wasn't just a move; it was a symbol of his dominance, a testament to his otherworldly strength and presence. Whether it was delivered in the middle of the ring or off the top of a cell, The Undertaker's chokeslam always left a lasting impression, solidifying his status as one of the most feared and respected wrestlers in WWE history. It’s a move that remains etched in the minds of wrestling fans worldwide.

3. Big Show's Colossal Chokeslam

Big Show, being the world's largest athlete, brought a unique kind of destruction to his chokeslams. His massive size and strength allowed him to deliver chokeslams that were not only devastating but also visually spectacular. When Big Show hoisted an opponent up by the throat, it looked like he was holding them like a ragdoll. The height he achieved, combined with the sheer force of the slam, made it a truly awe-inspiring sight. What made Big Show's chokeslam so special was the way he could use it on wrestlers of all sizes. Whether it was a cruiserweight or another heavyweight, no one was safe from his colossal grip. He would often deliver chokeslams with such power that his opponents would bounce off the mat, emphasizing the impact of the move.

Big Show's chokeslam became a signature move that defined his career. It was a go-to maneuver that he could rely on to finish off opponents or turn the tide of a match. The anticipation of his chokeslam would often create a sense of dread among his rivals, knowing that they were just one grip away from being flattened. He used it effectively against a wide range of opponents, from John Cena to Brock Lesnar, proving its effectiveness against wrestlers of all styles. The image of Big Show standing tall, with his opponent crumpled at his feet after a devastating chokeslam, is one that is etched in the minds of wrestling fans. Moreover, Big Show's longevity in the wrestling business meant that he delivered countless chokeslams over the years, each one leaving a lasting impact. It's a move that perfectly showcased his size, strength, and dominance, solidifying his status as one of the most formidable big men in WWE history.

4. Abyss's Black Hole Slam

Switching gears to TNA/Impact Wrestling, Abyss made the Black Hole Slam his signature. This wasn't just a chokeslam; it was a statement of brutality. Abyss, the monstrous masked man, would lift his opponents high above his head before driving them down with incredible force. The impact was so devastating that it often left his adversaries completely incapacitated. The Black Hole Slam was a perfect representation of Abyss's character – a destructive force with no regard for his opponent's well-being. What made this move so memorable was its visual intensity. Abyss would often scream and roar as he delivered the slam, adding to the overall sense of chaos and violence. It was a move that perfectly captured the hardcore nature of TNA wrestling during that era.

The Black Hole Slam became synonymous with Abyss's career, a move that defined his time in TNA/Impact Wrestling. It was a reliable finisher that helped him conquer numerous opponents and establish himself as one of the promotion's top stars. The sheer ferocity with which Abyss delivered the slam made it a fan favorite, and audiences would often chant for it as he stalked his opponents around the ring. Moreover, the Black Hole Slam was often used in extreme stipulations, such as Monster's Ball matches, further emphasizing its destructive potential. It's a move that perfectly showcased Abyss's monstrous persona and his willingness to inflict pain, cementing his place as one of the most memorable figures in TNA/Impact Wrestling history. The Black Hole Slam remains a testament to the brutal and captivating style of wrestling that Abyss brought to the table.

5. Test's Pumphandle Chokeslam

Test, with his imposing physique and aggressive style, delivered a unique version of the chokeslam: the Pumphandle Chokeslam. This variation involved Test hooking his opponent's arm behind their back before lifting them into the air and slamming them down. The added leverage and torque made the impact even more devastating. What made Test's Pumphandle Chokeslam so effective was its unexpectedness. Opponents weren't always prepared for the way Test would set up the move, giving him a crucial advantage. The visual impact was also impressive, as the added rotation made the slam look even more forceful. Test used the Pumphandle Chokeslam to great effect throughout his career, picking up numerous victories and establishing himself as a formidable competitor.

The Pumphandle Chokeslam became a signature move that fans associated with Test's hard-hitting style. It was a reliable finisher that he could pull out at any moment, making him a constant threat in the ring. The move was also relatively protected, meaning that Test rarely lost after hitting it, further adding to its credibility. Moreover, the Pumphandle Chokeslam was a testament to Test's strength and athleticism, as it required a considerable amount of power to execute effectively. It's a move that perfectly showcased Test's aggressive persona and his ability to deliver devastating offense, solidifying his place as a memorable figure in WWE history. The Pumphandle Chokeslam remains a testament to Test's unique style and his impact on the wrestling world.

6. Braun Strowman's Running Chokeslam

Braun Strowman, the Monster Among Men, brought a whole new level of power to the chokeslam with his Running Chokeslam. This wasn't your typical, stand-still chokeslam; Strowman would build up momentum by charging across the ring before hoisting his opponent up and slamming them down with incredible force. The added momentum made the impact even more devastating, often sending his adversaries crashing through tables or other obstacles. What made Strowman's Running Chokeslam so special was its sheer unpredictability. Opponents never knew when Strowman was going to unleash it, making it a constant threat throughout the match. The visual impact was also spectacular, as Strowman's massive size and strength made the slam look absolutely brutal.

The Running Chokeslam became a signature move that defined Strowman's dominant run in WWE. It was a go-to finisher that he could rely on to defeat even the toughest opponents. The anticipation of his Running Chokeslam would often create a sense of excitement among fans, who knew that they were about to witness something truly destructive. Moreover, Strowman often used the Running Chokeslam in memorable moments, such as when he chokeslammed Brock Lesnar through the announce table. It's a move that perfectly showcased Strowman's monstrous persona and his ability to deliver devastating offense, solidifying his place as one of the most formidable big men in WWE history. The Running Chokeslam remains a testament to Strowman's unique style and his impact on the wrestling world.

7. Vader's Vader Bomb Chokeslam

Vader, the man they call Vader, combined his already devastating Vader Bomb with a chokeslam. He would hoist his opponent up, slam them down, and then immediately follow up with his signature splash. Talk about overkill! The sheer force of the chokeslam followed by the Vader Bomb was usually enough to end any match. Vader was not known for finesse, but for brute force, and this move exemplified that perfectly.

8. Mark Henry's World's Strongest Chokeslam

Mark Henry, billed as the World's Strongest Man, logically had a chokeslam that lived up to that moniker. His chokeslam wasn't fancy, but it was delivered with incredible power. He would simply grab his opponent by the throat and slam them down with all his might. The simplicity and effectiveness of the move made it a credible threat to anyone he faced.

9. The Great Khali's Khali Bomb

Standing over seven feet tall, The Great Khali delivered chokeslams that were, well, great. His Khali Bomb involved lifting his opponent high into the air and then dropping them like a stone. The height from which he delivered the slam made it look incredibly dangerous, and it was a move that few could withstand.

10. Kevin Nash's Jackknife Chokeslam

While Kevin Nash was better known for his Jackknife Powerbomb, he occasionally busted out a Jackknife Chokeslam that was equally impressive. He would lift his opponent by the throat and then deliver a modified Jackknife, driving them down with immense force. It was a unique and devastating variation of the chokeslam that added another layer to his already formidable arsenal.

So there you have it, guys! The top 10 most devastating chokeslams in WWE history. These moves have left a lasting impact on the wrestling world, and they continue to be remembered and celebrated by fans around the globe. Whether it's Kane's Tombstone Chokeslam or Big Show's Colossal Chokeslam, these moves have defined careers and created moments that will never be forgotten.