Smark Out Moment

In FIVE MOVES OF DOOM, we break down a particular wrestler's moveset and examine the five signature maneuvers that they perform on a regular basis.

These are the moves that fans watch out for during a match and are usually in a sequential pattern, building up to and including their finishers that typically get the biggest pop of suspense from the crowd each and every week.


This edition will highlight one of the best wrestlers of all-time and has left his mark wherever he goes. From Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro-Wrestling to TNA and most recently WWE, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles has been a headliner for over a decade and a half. Styles has been flying high since he landed in WWE, including being the current WWE Champion on SmackDown. To be one of the greatest wrestlers to step into a ring, let alone being a two-time WWE Champion, you need some of the greatest moves ever seen.


1. Superman

Also known as a springboard 450 splash, Styles launches himself off the top ropes and flips forward 450 degrees and lands on the opponent in the splash position (face down or belly to belly with face up opponent). The athleticism and high flying talent of Styles makes this a literal air show to watch.


2. Ushigoroshi

AJ carries his opponent across his shoulders in a fireman's carry. He performs a fireman slam, but with one knee extended. The opponent's face/neck lands on the extended knee, similar to a shoulder neckbreaker. Made popular by Hirooki Goto, AJ Styles uses as a signature move.


3. Calf Crusher

The Calf Crusher, or calf slicer, can be applied by inserting the leg in the backside of a opponent's knee. The opponent's leg or cal is then flexed and it applies pressure to the muscles around the fulcrum. It is a banned submission in lower-level Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Styles has the knack of being able to lock in the hold in any position and simply just slips his leg behind the opponent while both are standing and trips them. He rolls on the mat until he gets in the prime position for the submission hold.


4. Styles Clash

A few years ago, this move was the go-to finisher for Styles, but is more of a secondary finisher these days in WWE. From a position in which the opponent is bent forward against the wrestler's midsection, Styles grabs around his opponent's midsection and lifts so that they are held upside down, facing in the same direction as Styles. He then hooks both arms of the opponent using his or her legs, and then falls forward planting the opponent's body into the mat face-first. The move often sees the wrestler keep their legs hooked under the arms of the opponent after hitting the move, using the underhooking technique to turn the opponent on to their back into a Rana style pinning position. This move was innovated by Col. DeBeers and was made famous by A.J. Styles, who performs the maneuver with a variation; he does not hook the opponent's arms before performing the slam, but takes two steps and moves his legs in front of the opponent's arms enabling him to use his legs to cover the shoulders for a pin. He also can perform this move from the second rope.

Second Part of Move

5. Phenomenal Forearm

The Phenomenal Forearm has been AJ's new finisher since coming to WWE and is the move that won him his second WWE Championship. Like the Superman, Styles launches off the top rope. With his skills, he can fly halfway across the ring and land a hard forearm strike to the head of an opponent on his descent. Like he does with all of his moves, Styles gets great air and performs every move with grace and perfection.