From the Atomic Leg Drop to the Canadian Destroyer, the Steel Elbow to the Pedigree, wrestling finishers have always held a special place in wrestling fans' hearts. They exhibit the ultimate climax of the testosterone-fueled soap opera that is “sports entertainment.” And they have come a long way.

The evolution of wrestling finishers is really quite remarkable. Moves that were once spectacular, have become more and more commonplace over time, and have somehow lost that special flair in the eyes of the fans. For instance, at one point, a regular old DDT was enough to drop the curtain on a wrestling match. Now we see numerous DDTs throughout the course of a single wrestling program, and only those which are modified into a “signature move” are enough to halt a grappling contest. It’s called progressive obsolescence. Wrestling is a business driven by marketing, and it is always looking to reach the next tier of awe and inspiration. What was impossible yesterday is to be conquered today, and conquered with charismatic command.

This November, the evolution of the wrestling finisher finally reaches our giddy little hands. No longer must wrestling fans suffer physical injury in their backyards to create the latest and greatest in squared-circle devastation. Now we can do it in the comfort of our own homes.

I speak of course of WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009’s new “Create-a-Finisher” system, a feature that sounds so awesome that I often struggle to control my bowels when pondering about it. Although it will be limited (as in, only being able to create finishers performed on a standing, groggy opponent), this is big, BIG step for wrestling games, and a godsend for those wrestling gamers who hunger for greater customization. The next step has arrived.

To help celebrate this potential watershed event in wrestling gaming, OS has decided to turn things over to you. I am proud to announce the Operation Sports Smackdown vs. Raw 09 Create-A-Finisher Contest.

This Battle Royale of creativity will boast two divisions: “The Holy #$%$#! Division” (Coolest Finisher), and the “The Brain Chop Division” (lamest/funniest finisher). Beginning Wednesday, November 12, we will be accepting video entries for both your devastating and hilarious SvR09 created end-games.

(Un)official rules are as follows:

• Videos may be captured directly from your console, or simply by digital camera recordings of your television screen (as long as the picture is discernible)
• E-mails should include a name for the finisher (please keep it clean, or at least clean-ish), and also directions on how your fellow OS’ers can create that finisher themselves.
• Videos may be, at most, 20-30 seconds in length
• Winners (and 1st & 2nd runners-up) will be determined by a panel of OS writers, and will be announced on Tuesday, November 25. Winners will be recognized, and their videos posted on Operation Sports. Prizes will be awarded, but have yet to be determined.
• The specific e-mail address (and submission deadline) will be announced at a later date.

I have to admit, it may be a tad premature to announce this competition. But, I spilled the beans early mainly because I can barely contain my excitement, and also because I would like the input of the OS community. What other rules would you like to see? Any other special categories? We might as well let the inmates run the asylum, if only through a suggestion box.

The time is at hand, only a little more than a month away. No longer will E-fedders be confined to the inner-workings of their imaginations, and no longer will those bold (OK, I really mean stupid) wrestling fans break their tailbones in the name of innovation. Now, creativity will reign supreme. We’ll see what you’re made of this November...