Top 10 Most Devastating Chokeslams In WWE History

The chokeslam, guys, is one of those moves that just screams power and dominance in the wrestling world. When you see a superstar hoist another wrestler high above their head, only to bring them crashing down to the mat with incredible force, you know things are about to get serious. In WWE history, some chokeslams have been so impactful, so memorable, that they've become legendary. We're talking about career-defining moments and matches where the chokeslam was the ultimate deciding factor. What makes a chokeslam truly devastating? Is it the height the opponent is lifted to? The sheer speed of the descent? Or maybe it's the unpredictability of when it's coming. All these elements combine to create a move that can shift the momentum of a match in an instant. And let's be real, the best chokeslams always have that extra bit of oomph, that visual flair that makes the crowd erupt. Think about the iconic performers who have perfected this art. Guys like The Undertaker and Kane, for whom the chokeslam is practically a signature. Their versions are delivered with such authority and precision that they've become synonymous with the move itself. But it's not just about those two behemoths. Over the years, we've seen other wrestlers put their own spin on the chokeslam, adding unique elements and making it their own. From surprise chokeslams out of nowhere to devastating variations off the top rope, the possibilities are endless. In this countdown, we're going to delve into the top 10 most devastating chokeslams in WWE history. These are the ones that made us gasp, the ones that made us jump out of our seats, and the ones that we'll never forget. So, buckle up and get ready to relive some of the most bone-jarring, earth-shattering moments in wrestling history. We're not just looking at power here; we're also considering the context, the impact, and the overall spectacle of these incredible moves. Get ready to witness the chokeslam in all its glory!

1. The Undertaker's Tombstone Chokeslam

When we talk about chokeslams, we absolutely have to start with The Undertaker. The Deadman has delivered so many iconic chokeslams over his illustrious career, but one variation stands out above the rest: the Tombstone Chokeslam. This wasn't just a regular chokeslam; it was a carefully crafted sequence designed to inflict maximum damage and psychological impact. First, The Undertaker would lock eyes with his opponent, a chilling stare that could send shivers down anyone's spine. Then, he'd raise them high above his head, not just for a simple drop, but to position them perfectly for the Tombstone Piledriver. The anticipation was palpable. The crowd knew what was coming, and so did his opponent. The Tombstone Chokeslam was unique because it combined the setup of his most devastating finisher with the raw power of the chokeslam. It was a hybrid move that showcased The Undertaker's strength, precision, and mastery of ring psychology. What made this chokeslam so devastating was the height involved. The Undertaker didn't just lift his opponents; he elevated them to an almost unnatural level. This gave the impression that they were falling from an impossible height, making the impact even more brutal. And it wasn't just the height; it was the way he controlled the descent. He wouldn't just let them drop; he would guide them down, ensuring that they landed with maximum force. Beyond the physical impact, the Tombstone Chokeslam also had a significant psychological effect on The Undertaker's opponents. It was a clear message that he was in control, that he could end the match at any moment. The move was often used to demoralize his rivals, to break their spirit and make them question their ability to compete with him. Think about some of the legends who have fallen victim to this devastating move. Names like Shawn Michaels, Triple H, and John Cena have all been on the receiving end of the Tombstone Chokeslam. Each time, it was a defining moment in the match, a clear indication that The Undertaker was on the path to victory. The Tombstone Chokeslam wasn't just a move; it was a statement. It was a symbol of The Undertaker's dominance, his power, and his unwavering commitment to destroying anyone who dared to stand in his way. It remains one of the most iconic and devastating chokeslams in WWE history, a testament to the enduring legacy of The Deadman. It is arguably the most devastating chokeslam in WWE history, solidifying its place at the top of our list.

2. Kane's Standard Chokeslam

Following The Undertaker, we have Kane, The Big Red Machine, whose chokeslam is a brutal display of raw power. While The Undertaker's chokeslam had a certain theatricality, Kane's version was all about brute force. He would grab his opponents by the throat, hoist them high above his head with seemingly effortless strength, and then send them crashing down to the mat with devastating impact. There was no finesse, no intricate setup; just pure, unadulterated power. What made Kane's chokeslam so effective was his sheer size and strength. He was a massive human being, and when he locked his hands around your throat, there was simply no escape. He could lift even the largest wrestlers with ease, making the impact of the chokeslam all the more devastating. And it wasn't just about the height; it was about the speed. Kane would often deliver his chokeslam with lightning-fast precision, catching his opponents off guard and leaving them with no time to react. One moment they were standing, the next they were being launched into the air, and then slammed back down to earth with bone-jarring force. Kane's chokeslam was also incredibly versatile. He could deliver it from anywhere, at any time. He would hit it from the ring apron, off the top rope, and even through tables. The unpredictability of the move made it all the more dangerous. You never knew when Kane was going to strike, and that made him a constant threat. Think about some of the iconic moments where Kane's chokeslam has played a pivotal role. His matches against The Undertaker were often defined by their brutal chokeslam exchanges. These two giants would trade chokeslams back and forth, each one more devastating than the last. And who can forget the time he chokeslammed Pete Rose into oblivion at WrestleMania? That was a truly shocking moment that solidified Kane's reputation as one of the most dangerous wrestlers in WWE history. Kane's chokeslam was more than just a move; it was a symbol of his destructive power. It was a clear message that he was not to be trifled with, that he could destroy anyone who crossed his path. It remains one of the most feared and respected moves in WWE history, a testament to the enduring legacy of The Big Red Machine. Kane's chokeslam exemplifies raw power and impact.

3. Big Show's Colossal Chokeslam

Then, we have Big Show. As the self-proclaimed "World's Largest Athlete," Big Show brought a unique level of devastation to the chokeslam. His version was less about speed and more about sheer size and power. When Big Show locked his massive hands around your throat, it felt like being gripped by a giant vice. He would lift you high above his head, showcasing his incredible strength, and then send you crashing down to the mat with earth-shattering force. What made Big Show's chokeslam so unique was the sheer size differential. He was often facing opponents who were significantly smaller than him, which made the move look even more impactful. It was like watching a giant topple a tree. The visual was simply stunning. And it wasn't just the size differential; it was the way he delivered the move. Big Show would often pause at the top, holding his opponents in the air for a brief moment, just to emphasize his dominance. This created a sense of anticipation in the crowd, as they waited for the inevitable crash. Big Show's chokeslam was also incredibly versatile. He could deliver it from anywhere, at any time. He would hit it from the ring apron, off the top rope, and even through tables. The unpredictability of the move made it all the more dangerous. You never knew when Big Show was going to strike, and that made him a constant threat. Think about some of the iconic moments where Big Show's chokeslam has played a pivotal role. His matches against Brock Lesnar were often defined by their brutal chokeslam exchanges. These two behemoths would trade chokeslams back and forth, each one more devastating than the last. And who can forget the time he chokeslammed John Cena through the announce table? That was a truly shocking moment that solidified Big Show's reputation as one of the most dangerous wrestlers in WWE history. Big Show's chokeslam was more than just a move; it was a symbol of his immense power and size. It was a clear message that he was a force to be reckoned with, that he could crush anyone who dared to stand in his way. It remains one of the most memorable and impactful chokeslams in WWE history, a testament to the enduring legacy of The World's Largest Athlete. It is a testament to his size and power.

4. Abyss's Black Hole Slam

From TNA, Abyss's Black Hole Slam is a spinning variation that adds a unique twist to the classic move. Instead of simply lifting his opponent and dropping them straight down, Abyss would spin them around in the air before delivering the slam. This added an extra element of disorientation and impact, making the move all the more devastating. The Black Hole Slam was a perfect representation of Abyss's character: a monstrous, unpredictable force of nature. The spinning motion made it difficult for his opponents to brace themselves, increasing the likelihood of injury. It was a move that looked as painful as it felt. What made the Black Hole Slam so unique was the way Abyss executed it. He would grab his opponents by the throat, lift them high above his head, and then begin to spin them around with incredible speed. The centrifugal force generated by the spinning motion added an extra layer of impact to the move, making it even more devastating. The Black Hole Slam was also incredibly versatile. Abyss could deliver it from anywhere, at any time. He would hit it from the ring apron, off the top rope, and even through tables. The unpredictability of the move made it all the more dangerous. You never knew when Abyss was going to strike, and that made him a constant threat. Think about some of the iconic moments where Abyss's Black Hole Slam has played a pivotal role. His matches against Kurt Angle were often defined by their brutal Black Hole Slam exchanges. These two warriors would trade Black Hole Slams back and forth, each one more devastating than the last. And who can forget the time he Black Hole Slammed Mick Foley through a barbed wire board? That was a truly shocking moment that solidified Abyss's reputation as one of the most hardcore wrestlers in the world. Abyss's Black Hole Slam was more than just a move; it was a symbol of his monstrous power and unpredictability. It was a clear message that he was a force to be reckoned with, that he could destroy anyone who dared to cross his path. It remains one of the most memorable and impactful moves in TNA history, a testament to the enduring legacy of Abyss. The spinning motion makes it a standout.

5. Test's Elevated Chokeslam

Test, known for his raw power, delivered a chokeslam with extra height, adding a unique element to the move. He would hoist his opponents incredibly high before bringing them crashing down. This elevated chokeslam emphasized Test's strength and made the impact even more dramatic. The added height made the move look incredibly dangerous and visually impressive. What made Test's elevated chokeslam so unique was the sheer height he achieved. He would lift his opponents so high that they seemed to hang in the air for a moment before plummeting back down to earth. This added an extra layer of impact to the move, making it even more devastating. The elevated chokeslam was also incredibly versatile. Test could deliver it from anywhere, at any time. He would hit it from the ring apron, off the top rope, and even through tables. The unpredictability of the move made it all the more dangerous. You never knew when Test was going to strike, and that made him a constant threat. Think about some of the iconic moments where Test's elevated chokeslam has played a pivotal role. His matches against Triple H were often defined by their brutal elevated chokeslam exchanges. These two powerhouses would trade elevated chokeslams back and forth, each one more devastating than the last. And who can forget the time he elevated chokeslammed Shane McMahon through the announce table? That was a truly shocking moment that solidified Test's reputation as one of the most dangerous wrestlers in WWE history. Test's elevated chokeslam was more than just a move; it was a symbol of his immense power and strength. It was a clear message that he was a force to be reckoned with, that he could crush anyone who dared to stand in his way. It remains one of the most memorable and impactful chokeslams in WWE history, a testament to the enduring legacy of Test. It stands out because of the insane height.

6. Vader's Vaderslam

Vader's Vaderslam wasn't just a chokeslam; it was a powerbomb variation delivered with incredible force. He would lift his opponents high, similar to a chokeslam, but then he'd drive them down with the full force of a powerbomb. This hybrid move was devastating, showcasing Vader's strength and intensity. It was a move that perfectly embodied Vader's destructive style. The Vaderslam was a symbol of Vader's dominance and his willingness to inflict pain on his opponents. What made Vader's Vaderslam so unique was the combination of the chokeslam and the powerbomb. He would lift his opponents high above his head, as if he were going to deliver a traditional chokeslam, but then he would suddenly shift his weight and drive them down with the full force of a powerbomb. This unexpected twist made the move all the more devastating. The Vaderslam was also incredibly versatile. Vader could deliver it from anywhere, at any time. He would hit it from the ring apron, off the top rope, and even through tables. The unpredictability of the move made it all the more dangerous. You never knew when Vader was going to strike, and that made him a constant threat. Think about some of the iconic moments where Vader's Vaderslam has played a pivotal role. His matches against Sting were often defined by their brutal Vaderslam exchanges. These two legends would trade Vaderslams back and forth, each one more devastating than the last. And who can forget the time he Vaderslammed Shawn Michaels onto the concrete floor? That was a truly shocking moment that solidified Vader's reputation as one of the most dangerous wrestlers in the world. Vader's Vaderslam was more than just a move; it was a symbol of his immense power and destructive force. It was a clear message that he was a force to be reckoned with, that he could crush anyone who dared to stand in his way. It remains one of the most memorable and impactful moves in wrestling history, a testament to the enduring legacy of Vader. The hybrid nature makes it brutally effective.

7. Mark Henry's World's Strongest Slam (Modified Chokeslam)

Mark Henry's World's Strongest Slam, while technically a slam, often resembled a modified chokeslam due to its lifting motion and impact. Henry, being one of the strongest men in the world, would hoist his opponents high before driving them down with immense power. This variation showcased his unparalleled strength and made the move incredibly believable. It was a move that perfectly embodied Mark Henry's moniker and his reputation as a powerhouse. The World's Strongest Slam was a symbol of Mark Henry's dominance and his ability to overpower anyone who stood in his way. What made Mark Henry's World's Strongest Slam so unique was the sheer amount of power he put behind it. He would lift his opponents high above his head, as if he were going to deliver a traditional chokeslam, but then he would suddenly shift his weight and drive them down with the full force of his immense strength. This raw power made the move incredibly devastating. The World's Strongest Slam was also incredibly versatile. Mark Henry could deliver it from anywhere, at any time. He would hit it from the ring apron, off the top rope, and even through tables. The unpredictability of the move made it all the more dangerous. You never knew when Mark Henry was going to strike, and that made him a constant threat. Think about some of the iconic moments where Mark Henry's World's Strongest Slam has played a pivotal role. His matches against John Cena were often defined by their brutal World's Strongest Slam exchanges. These two powerhouses would trade World's Strongest Slams back and forth, each one more devastating than the last. And who can forget the time he World's Strongest Slammed Big Show through the ring? That was a truly shocking moment that solidified Mark Henry's reputation as one of the most dangerous wrestlers in WWE history. Mark Henry's World's Strongest Slam was more than just a move; it was a symbol of his immense power and strength. It was a clear message that he was a force to be reckoned with, that he could crush anyone who dared to stand in his way. It remains one of the most memorable and impactful moves in WWE history, a testament to the enduring legacy of Mark Henry. The sheer power behind it is terrifying.

8. Braun Strowman's Running Chokeslam

Braun Strowman, The Monster Among Men, added his own unique flavor to the chokeslam with his running variation. He would charge at his opponents with incredible speed and momentum before delivering the move. This running start amplified the impact, making it even more devastating. It showcased Strowman's combination of size, strength, and surprising agility. The running chokeslam was a perfect representation of Strowman's character: a destructive force of nature who could destroy anything in his path. The added momentum made the move look incredibly dangerous and visually impressive. What made Braun Strowman's running chokeslam so unique was the way he built up speed before delivering the move. He would charge at his opponents from across the ring, gathering momentum and increasing the impact of the chokeslam. This running start made the move even more devastating. The running chokeslam was also incredibly versatile. Braun Strowman could deliver it from anywhere, at any time. He would hit it from the ring apron, off the top rope, and even through tables. The unpredictability of the move made it all the more dangerous. You never knew when Braun Strowman was going to strike, and that made him a constant threat. Think about some of the iconic moments where Braun Strowman's running chokeslam has played a pivotal role. His matches against Brock Lesnar were often defined by their brutal running chokeslam exchanges. These two behemoths would trade running chokeslams back and forth, each one more devastating than the last. And who can forget the time he running chokeslammed Kevin Owens off the top of a steel cage? That was a truly shocking moment that solidified Braun Strowman's reputation as one of the most dangerous wrestlers in WWE history. Braun Strowman's running chokeslam was more than just a move; it was a symbol of his immense power and destructive force. It was a clear message that he was a force to be reckoned with, that he could crush anyone who dared to stand in his way. It remains one of the most memorable and impactful chokeslams in WWE history, a testament to the enduring legacy of Braun Strowman. The running start is what sets it apart.

9. Kevin Nash's Jackknife Powerbomb (Chokeslam Style)

Although officially a powerbomb, Kevin Nash's Jackknife Powerbomb often resembled a chokeslam in its initial lifting motion. Nash, with his impressive height and strength, would hoist his opponents high before dropping them with devastating force. This move was a signature of his career, showcasing his dominance and power. The height and impact made it a memorable and effective maneuver. The Jackknife Powerbomb was a symbol of Kevin Nash's cool demeanor and his ability to deliver devastating blows with seemingly effortless ease. What made Kevin Nash's Jackknife Powerbomb so unique was the way he lifted his opponents high above his head before driving them down with the full force of his weight. This added height and impact made the move incredibly devastating. The Jackknife Powerbomb was also incredibly versatile. Kevin Nash could deliver it from anywhere, at any time. He would hit it from the ring apron, off the top rope, and even through tables. The unpredictability of the move made it all the more dangerous. You never knew when Kevin Nash was going to strike, and that made him a constant threat. Think about some of the iconic moments where Kevin Nash's Jackknife Powerbomb has played a pivotal role. His matches against Goldberg were often defined by their brutal Jackknife Powerbomb exchanges. These two giants would trade Jackknife Powerbombs back and forth, each one more devastating than the last. And who can forget the time he Jackknife Powerbombed The Giant onto the concrete floor? That was a truly shocking moment that solidified Kevin Nash's reputation as one of the most dangerous wrestlers in WCW history. Kevin Nash's Jackknife Powerbomb was more than just a move; it was a symbol of his immense power and cool demeanor. It was a clear message that he was a force to be reckoned with, that he could crush anyone who dared to stand in his way. It remains one of the most memorable and impactful moves in wrestling history, a testament to the enduring legacy of Kevin Nash. The height and impact make it a memorable move.

10. Chokeslam to Hell

To round out our top 10, we have the Chokeslam to Hell. This isn't a specific wrestler's move but rather a type of chokeslam delivered in extreme circumstances, often off the top of the Hell in a Cell structure or through the announce table. These high-risk, high-reward chokeslams are remembered for their shocking visuals and career-altering consequences. These moments are the epitome of wrestling drama and destruction. What makes the Chokeslam to Hell so memorable is the sheer spectacle of it all. It's not just a move; it's a moment in time that is etched into the memories of wrestling fans forever. The height, the risk, and the potential for serious injury all combine to create a truly unforgettable experience. Think about some of the iconic Chokeslam to Hell moments in WWE history. The Undertaker chokeslamming Edge through the ring in 2008 is a prime example. The image of Edge disappearing into the abyss is one that will never be forgotten. And who can forget when Shane McMahon was sent crashing through the announce table at Wrestlemania? These moments are what make wrestling so exciting and unpredictable. The Chokeslam to Hell is more than just a move; it's a symbol of the extreme lengths that wrestlers will go to in order to win. It's a testament to their bravery, their determination, and their willingness to put their bodies on the line for the entertainment of the fans. It will remain one of the most memorable and impactful moves in WWE history, a testament to the enduring legacy of wrestling's most extreme moments.