The Brainbuster - Who Did It Best?

#1 Shinya Hashimoto

Hashimoto was arguably the biggest star in NJPW in the 1990s

Shinya Hashimoto’s Brainbuster was always one of the best. He had a knack for giving his Brainbuster extra impact by adding a ‘snap’ to it that made it look like he was dropping them straight down as soon as they were fully vertical (and sometimes before that).

However, Hashimoto was such a consummate pro that he could make even the most dangerous move look awful while still being as safe as can be. When he hit the move, Hashimoto would hold his opponent in such a way that the top of their head would almost touch the mat upon landing.

Yet Hashimoto himself would take virtually all the impact on his arm, which would be wrapped around his opponent’s neck, protecting it. Then, to make the move sound like an actual head-drop, Hashimoto would stomp one leg on the mat to create the sound of the move’s impact.

Few wrestlers actually did this, as they usually needed both legs for the strength needed to hold their opponent upwards. Yet Hashimoto knew how to not only make the move look great, but also sound realistic. That is why his is the best Brainbuster of them all.