The 10 Most Iconic WWE Taunts and Emotes Ever

The Rock and Batista

10. Batista's Thumbs Down

Batista's Thumbs Down taunt became a sinister sign of finality during his heel run, especially as a member of Evolution. While signaling for his finishing move, the Batista Bomb, the superstar would give a slow, deliberate thumbs-down gesture toward his downed opponent. This action was a direct homage to the Roman Emperors, signaling the death sentence for the gladiator in the ring.

9- Booker T's Spinaroonie

The Spinaroonie is a unique, acrobatic taunt performed by Booker T, typically executed after he gains an advantage over an opponent. It involves dropping into a semi-breakdance position and spinning on his back and head, a move that is as impressive athletically as it is entertaining. The move serves purely to mock his opponent and celebrate his momentum in the match, showcasing his incredible charisma. It has remained his trademark celebration throughout his career, often prompting the crowd to join him in yelling his famous catchphrase, “Can you dig that, sucka?”

8- Hulk Hogan's Ear-Cupping Taunt

Hulk Hogan's classic Ear-Cupping Taunt was a direct challenge to the audience, often performed mid-match to generate a surge of energy. After delivering a series of offensive maneuvers, The Hulkster would pause, turn to the audience, cup his hand to his ear, and mouth the words, I can't hear you, brother! This playful interaction dared the crowd to cheer louder, successfully transferring his own energy and momentum directly into the arena, leading into his famous Hulking Up sequence of power-up moves before delivering the Atomic Leg Drop.

7- D-Generation X's Suck It! Crotch Chop

The D-Generation X (DX) crotch chop, coupled with the defiant Suck It! catchphrase, was the anarchic signal of the Attitude Era. Led by Shawn Michaels and Triple H, this explicit, rebellious gesture became a cornerstone of DX's anti-establishment attitude. It was directed at authority figures, opponents, and even the live camera, representing a refusal to conform. Despite its controversial nature, it became incredibly popular, often performed in sequence with the two-word catchphrase, cementing DX as one of the most influential and unforgettable factions in wrestling history.

6- Ric Flair's Wooo! & The Nature Boy Strut

Ric Flair’s signature Wooo! and his extravagant Strut are more than just taunts: they are an entire lifestyle encapsulated in a moment. Flair would often execute the strut after a successful chop or maneuver, spinning around while raising his arms in a display of arrogant flair. The Wooo! is one of the most imitated and beloved sounds in wrestling, instantly recognizable and often chanted by the crowd in his honor. This taunt cemented his persona as the flamboyant, diamond-ring-wearing Nature Boy, embodying his 16 World Championship reigns and legendary status.

5- Triple H's Water Spit

Triple H's entrance and subsequent taunt perfectly established his status as The Game. After making his epic entrance to The Game theme, he would ascend to the top turnbuckle and spit a massive stream of bottled water high into the air. This act of dominance was followed by striking his signature Pose, flexing his arms and back, a display of his arrogance and physique. The water spit served as a purification ritual and a bold statement, while the pose solidified his reign as a dominant world champion, a self-proclaimed King of Kings of the wrestling world.

4- The Undertaker's Neck-Slice Taunt

The Undertaker's iconic, chilling taunt involved drawing his thumb across his throat, signaling the imminent end for his opponent. This was not a move of bravado but a solemn, dark prelude to his finishing move, the Tombstone Piledriver. The Deadman would often roll his eyes back to pure white while executing the gesture, adding to the supernatural terror of his character. It was a serious, non-verbal threat that immediately changed the mood in the arena, letting everyone know he was in control and that the burial of his foe was about to take place.

3- John Cena's You Can't See Me

John Cena's You Can't See Me is a polarizing, yet universally recognized, taunt synonymous with his career. Before executing his signature Five Knuckle Shuffle, Cena would wave his hand rapidly in front of his face while exclaiming the catchphrase. The taunt was born during his rapper gimmick, originating from a bet he made with his younger brother. It served as a moment of mockery and a psychological edge, signifying his opponent was too slow to stop his upcoming offense.

2- Stone Cold Steve Austin's Gimme a Hell Yeah!

Stone Cold Steve Austin's taunt was the quintessential anti-authority expression of the Attitude Era. It often involved him stunning an opponent, celebrating by drinking beer, and then raising two middle fingers in the face of his adversary or management. His trademark verbal taunt, Gimme a Hell Yeah!, was a rallying cry for the rebellious fans, instantly generating an ear-splitting pop from the audience. The taunt embodied his Texas Rattlesnake persona, making it a symbol of wrestling's most profitable and aggressive period.

1- The Rock's If Ya Smell... & The People's Eyebrow

The Rock's catchphrase and the accompanying People's Eyebrow are arguably the most iconic taunts in wrestling history. He would pause dramatically, hold the microphone near his mouth, and begin with, “Finally, The Rock has come back to…” before filling in the city's name. This massive build-up and the signature eyebrow raise, a subtle yet highly charismatic facial expression, built immense anticipation for his explosive verbal insults.