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The wrestling ring serves as a canvas where larger-than-life personas clash in battles of strength, skill, and storytelling. As we embark on a journey through the realms of sports entertainment, we pay homage to the titans whose impact reverberates through generations. While it may be tough to properly rate wrestlers from different eras, the job had to be done. Here are the 50 greatest professional wrestlers ever
50. The Road Warriors
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The Road Warriors enter this list as a tag team rather than as singles performers. Also known as the Legion of Doom, Animal and Hawk were a sublime pairing. The chemistry these two had was unmatched — as they knew exactly where to be on spots and the execution of moves. They looked like they were always ready for battle when coming down to the ring. From the extravagant face paint to the spiked shoulder pads, you knew you were in for a war when these two came through the curtain.
49. Rob Van Dam
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The man many referred to as RVD was exceptionally talented. A stockily-built dude with a ponytail and a surfer-like attitude, he would contort and flip his body so impressively well. The forceful momentum Van Dam accrued — whether from the top rope with a five-star frog splash or with a standing moonsault was simply special. When taking into his days both as a Hardcore participant and in ECW, it’s hard to envision a list without Van Dam on it.
48. Kenny Omega
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As of 2024, the Canadian wrestler is among the best to have never appeared in the WWE universe. In a lot of ways, he is the picture-perfect archetype of a wrestler. He gets over with fans for offering a very natural, genuine way of performing. His blown-out glam metal hairstyle certainly is recognizable. In terms of in-ring action, Omega is both quick and powerful. He puts his body on the line and has paid for it over the years both Stateside and in Japan. He’s since become a pillar for the promotion of AEW.
47. Charlotte Flair
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Coming from a pretty strong lineage, Flair enters the pro wrestling universe as one of the best female wrestlers of all time. She took the existing format for female performers and rose it to another level. Whether it be performing at WrestleMania or in any other PPV, you know you’re going to get her best. Flair exudes confidence in the ring and on the mic. In total, the uber-athletic Flair is a 14-time World Champion.
46. Mae Young and The Fabulous Moolah
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Whatever you want to say about their pasts, there’s no denying that both Mae Young and The Fabulous Moolah were true pioneers within the women’s division. An 8-time World Champ, Moolah worked in several promotions and was a large reason for the growth of the sport as it pertained to the involvement of women performers. She later opened up her own training facility, helping to shape a new generation. As they got older, fans of RAW and Smackdown saw the pair perform mostly in gag segments. Young gave birth to a rubber hand and also got powerbombed through a table by Bubba Ray Dudley from off the stage. How many women in their late 70s would even attempt these feats?
45. Vader
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Vader was a mountain of a man. The Los Angeles native was once a member of the Los Angeles Rams before transitioning to the world of wrestling. He has a personality and character that drew people in. He’d stomp around the ring with a red face mask, literally barking and woofing at the competition. Despite weighing roughly 450 pounds, Vader was extremely agile — and it showed whenever he rolled out the Vader Bomb finisher.
44. Eddie Guerrero
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The late great Eddie Guerrero was a showman of the highest order. “Latino Heat” would exemplify the art of connecting with the audience perfectly. At different times, he was both a heel and a baby face. The El Paso native was excellent in giving the audience a smirk or a mischievous look before double-crossing someone. His style was impeccable, coming to the ring with an iconic mullet, a rose dangling from his mouth, and more often than not a low-rider convertible. Sadly Guerrero passed away in 2005 at the age of 38.
43. Scott Hall
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Who didn’t love a Razor Ramon promo? Scott Hall was a tall man, but one who would gracefully move around the ring rather than lumber like other people around his size. There was a natural charisma to Hall, and people gravitated towards what he brought to the table — whether a single performer or a member of nWo. For as talented as he was, you were still left a bit disappointed at the lack of titles throughout the totality of his career.
42. Rikidōzan
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Rikidōzan is among the most respected figures in all of Japan when it comes to the sport. His impact transcended wrestling, shaped pop culture, and bridged the gap between his native country and the United States. His rivalry with Lou Thesz in the 1950s drew unprecedented attention and elevated wrestling to new levels of popularity in Japan. Rikidōzan’s success laid the foundation for the thriving wrestling industry in Japan, inspiring future generations of wrestlers and contributing to the globalization of the sport. Beyond his athletic achievements, Rikidōzan’s cultural significance as a symbol of resilience and national pride endures, cementing his legacy as one of the most important figures in the history of professional wrestling.
41. CM Punk
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Punk isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (and that includes fellow wrestlers). He can be antagonistic, tough to deal with, and even — for lack of a better word — a punk. However, there’s no downplaying the impact he had on this industry. During his first run in WWE, he exploded onto the scene — eventually holding the belt for over a year. After unleashing his famed pipebomb promo, he left the sport for a long time. A decade later, Punk has emerged — and is now still supremely popular with wrestling fans all over the world.
40. Arn Anderson
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Arn Anderson was a pivotal figure in the world of professional wrestling, renowned for his exceptional in-ring skills, strategic brilliance, and unparalleled work ethic. As a member of The Four Horsemen, one of the most dominant and influential factions in wrestling history, Anderson helped redefine the landscape of the sport in the 1980s and 1990s. Known for his no-nonsense persona and mastery of technical wrestling, he captivated audiences with his intense and gritty performances. Beyond his accomplishments as a wrestler, Anderson’s contributions extended to his role as a mentor and backstage agent, where his wealth of knowledge and keen insight helped shape the careers of numerous aspiring talents. His ability to tell compelling stories in the ring, combined with his reputation for professionalism and dedication, earned him the respect of fans and peers alike.
39. Goldberg
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Goldberg’s significance to the sport lies in his meteoric rise to superstardom during the late 1990s, which helped fuel the immense popularity of WCW during the Monday Night Wars era. Bursting onto the scene with an unparalleled aura of intensity and dominance, Goldberg embarked on an unprecedented winning streak. His explosive in-ring style, combined with his imposing physique and magnetic charisma, made him an instant fan favorite and a box office draw. Goldberg’s iconic matches, including his victory over Hulk Hogan to win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, solidified his status as a top-tier attraction in the wrestling world. Moreover, his crossover appeal and mainstream recognition brought new audiences to the sport, contributing to wrestling’s cultural impact during a pivotal period in its history.
38. Jimmy ‘Superfly’ Snuka
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Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka holds a significant place in the history of professional wrestling for his groundbreaking contributions to the industry during the 1980s and beyond. Renowned for his high-flying athleticism and captivating charisma, Snuka revolutionized the aerial aspect of wrestling, introducing innovative maneuvers that inspired generations of wrestlers to come. His iconic leap from the top of a steel cage onto Don Muraco at Madison Square Garden in 1983 remains one of the most memorable moments in wrestling history.
37. Daniel Bryan
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Despite not fitting the typical mold of a professional wrestler, Bryan captured the hearts of fans with his underdog persona, technical prowess, and unyielding passion for the sport. His rise from the independent circuit to becoming a main event player in WWE demonstrated that talent and determination could overcome the odds in an industry often dictated by size and appearance. Bryan’s “Yes!” Movement, fueled by fan fervor, became a cultural phenomenon. His WrestleMania 30 triumph, where he defeated Triple H and then went on to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, stands as a testament to his enduring legacy and the universal appeal of his story.
36. Booker T
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As a six-time world champion and one of the most decorated wrestlers in history, Booker T’s in-ring prowess and charisma captivated audiences around the world. His electrifying matches, memorable catchphrases, and iconic Spinaroonie dance made him a beloved figure in the industry. Moreover, Booker T’s contributions extend beyond his in-ring achievements. He transitioned into a successful career as a commentator and mentor, guiding the next generation of wrestlers with wisdom and insight gained from his own experiences. As a trailblazer for African American wrestlers, Booker T shattered stereotypes and paved the way for greater diversity and representation in professional wrestling. Plus — who could forget the grocery store fight he had with Stone Cold Steve Austin or the hilarious skits he’d share with Goldust?
35. Lou Thesz
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Thesz was a generational talent — plain and simple. His influence on the sport has transcended decades when it comes to grappling, the usage of martial arts, and also his sheer determination as a guy who had respect for the business as both a performer and a mentor. The influence Thesz had wasn’t only in the United States. He was a highly respected man in Japan, helping the sport grow there in a very significant way.
34. Bob Backlund
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Bob Backlund’s importance to wrestling is rooted in his remarkable athleticism, technical prowess, and his reign as one of the longest-reigning WWE (then WWF) Heavyweight Champions in history. Debuting in the 1970s, Backlund’s clean-cut persona and dedication to the sport made him a fan favorite during an era known for its larger-than-life characters. His matches were a showcase of technical wrestling excellence, captivating viewers with his mastery of holds and submission maneuvers. Backlund’s first WWE Championship reign, which lasted nearly six years, solidified his status as a top star and helped bridge the transition between the old-school era of wrestling and the more flamboyant style of the 1980s. His feud with the Iron Sheik and subsequent loss of the title to Hulk Hogan marked a pivotal moment in wrestling history, setting the stage for the rise of the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling era.
33. The Iron Sheikh
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Talk about someone who smartly saw the bigger picture of the times. Debuting in the 1970s, The Iron Sheik capitalized on the political tensions of that present era, embodying the persona of an anti-American Iranian nationalist during the Iran hostage crisis. His fierce in-ring style and mastery of traditional Persian wrestling techniques made him a formidable opponent, while his outspoken promos and villainous antics helped elevate him to the upper echelons of the wrestling world. The Iron Sheik’s rivalry with Bob Backlund for the WWE Championship and subsequent feud with Hulk Hogan played a crucial role in shaping professional wrestling in the 1980s. As a result, The Iron Sheikh will forever be a fixture in pop culture minutiae. Before his passing, Sheikh’s Twitter account — where he’d tweet off-the-cuff routinely — was at times utterly hilarious.
32. Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts
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Is there anything more intimidating than facing an opponent who has a gigantic snake sitting in a burlap bag a few feet away from you in the ring? Ask Macho Man Savage how it felt when Roberts’ snake took a chunk out of his bicep. His importance to wrestling lies in his mastery of storytelling and his ability to evoke genuine emotion from audiences through his unique in-ring persona. Roberts was a master of manipulation, utilizing his cunning intellect and cunning ring psychology to mesmerize fans and opponents alike. His signature move, the DDT, became one of the most feared finishers in wrestling, further enhancing his mystique.
31. Verne Gagne
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Verne Gagne stands as one of the most important figures in the history of professional wrestling, particularly in the United States. As a wrestler, promoter, and trainer, Gagne’s impact on the sport was far-reaching and profound. He was a formidable competitor in his own right, holding numerous championships and earning accolades for his skill and athleticism inside the ring. However, Gagne’s true significance lies in his role as the founder and owner of the American Wrestling Association (AWA), one of the most influential wrestling promotions of its time. Under Gagne’s leadership, the AWA became a breeding ground for some of the biggest names in wrestling, including Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and The Road Warriors. Gagne’s keen eye for talent and innovative booking techniques helped elevate the AWA to national prominence.
30. Kane
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Kane was known as one of the safest performers in the business. There’s something to be said about taking care of your peers in the ring. As a character, there was a multi-layered aspect to him. He was initially a non-speaking powerhouse (we’ll try and forget the Dr. Isaac Yankem gimmick). However, as The Undertaker/Kane brother storyline began to melt away, Kane was able to evolve into a maskless menace — angry at the world and utterly dangerous. As an in-ring performer, he was another nimble giant with some truly impressive bouts of athleticism. A multi-time World Champion, Tag Team Champion, and a holder of other belts, his career remains underrated to this day.
29. Buddy Rogers
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Known for his flamboyant persona, charisma, and unparalleled in-ring skills, Rogers was a true icon of his era. He rose to prominence in the 1940s and 1950s, captivating audiences with his smooth and polished wrestling style, earning him the nickname “Nature Boy.” Rogers’ importance to wrestling lies in his role as a key figure in popularizing the sport and helping transition it from a regional attraction to a national phenomenon. His rivalry with Lou Thesz, culminating in a historic match for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, helped elevate wrestling to new heights of mainstream recognition and credibility. Additionally, Rogers’ influence extended beyond his in-ring performances; he was a trendsetter whose flashy persona and charismatic interviews set the template for future generations of wrestlers, including the legendary Ric Flair.
28. Dory and Terry Funk
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Dory and Terry Funk, often referred to as the “Funk Brothers,” are pivotal figures in the history of professional wrestling, renowned for their technical prowess, innovative storytelling, and enduring influence on the sport. As second-generation wrestlers, Dory and Terry inherited a wealth of knowledge and skill from their father, Dory Funk Sr., and went on to achieve remarkable success in their own right. Dory Funk Jr.’s reign as NWA World Heavyweight Champion for over four years solidified his reputation as one of the toughest competitors in wrestling history, while Terry Funk’s unpredictable and hardcore style earned him a cult following and established him as a true pioneer of extreme wrestling. Together, the Funk Brothers revolutionized the industry with their hard-hitting matches, intricate psychology, and willingness to push the boundaries of what was considered possible in the ring.
27. Ultimate Warrior
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Warrior left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling. Bursting onto the scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Warrior captivated audiences with his unparalleled energy, electrifying entrances, and raw intensity inside the ring. His colorful persona, adorned with face paint and tassels, made him an instant fan favorite and a symbol of the larger-than-life characters that defined the era of sports entertainment. Warrior’s iconic victories over Hulk Hogan, most notably at WrestleMania VI to capture the WWE Championship, solidified his status as a top-tier talent and helped elevate wrestling to new heights of popularity. Beyond his in-ring accomplishments, Warrior’s influence on wrestling culture cannot be overstated.
26. Harley Race
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Shown above is the Harley Race Wrestling Academy in Missouri. Race is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important figures in the history of professional wrestling. Known for his toughness, technical skill, and no-nonsense demeanor, Race dominated the wrestling world during the 1970s and 1980s, capturing numerous championships and earning a reputation as one of the toughest competitors in the business. His seven reigns as NWA World Heavyweight Champion solidified his status as a top-tier talent, while his rivalry with legends like Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes produced some of the most iconic matches in wrestling history.
25. Brock Lesnar
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Lesnar is unparalleled when it comes to sheer athletic ability. There’s no one in the history of this sport with his combination of power and speed. The quickness with which Lesnar wrestled was otherworldly. He moved around the ring like a tiger stalking his prey. He does get dinged a bit due to the fact he didn’t wrestle all that much towards these latter stages of his career. However, there’s no denying the impact he’s made on the sport. The seven-time WWE World Champ was also the youngest to earn the distinction (at only 25 years of age).
24. Rey Mysterio
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Rey Mysterio continues to work in 2024 at the age of 49. Growing up in a wrestling family based out of Mexico, Mysterio quickly became a professional. He is a poster boy for the lucha libre movement — and for good reason. Rarely do you see a wrestler cultivate a skill set with such a combination of natural fluidity and technicality in the ring. Mysterio often puts his body on the line — springing off ropes and functioning as a pseudo-acrobat. But, there’s so much more to his performance. Mysterio wrestles much bigger than his 5’6″ frame would indicate. He knows how to get over with the crowd, and his showmanship in the ring is simply phenomenal. Few — if any his size have been as naturally gifted as Mysterio.
23. Edge
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The Rated R Superstar had a very fascinating career arc leading up to his reign as the WWE World Champion. Pairing with Christian, the Canadian duo became one of the most decorated tag teams in WWE history. Eventually, both went their separate ways — with Edge developing into a main event-level talent. The natural ability he had on the mic was accentuated by his strong ability in the ring. He went from being an athletic goof into a powerful, respected, and motivated champ. With his days in the company now over, Edge — wrestling under his real-life name Adam Copeland — is now performing (with buddy Christian) in AEW as of 2024.
22. Triple H
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The Game was a seminal figure in the Attitude Era — and remains now as one of the brains behind the entire WWE Universe operation. His original gimmick as a preppy equestrian from his native region of New England didn’t land. When D-Generation X exploded onto the scene, we got to see Triple H function as a heel with antagonistic rhetoric and a charm people gravitated towards. His physicality in the ring was immense, and many consider him to be one of the more professional workers of the era. Eventually becoming a gigantic singles star, his iconic spitting of water into the air as he entered the ring will forever be attached to him.
21. Roman Reigns
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As of February 2024, Reigns is still the current belt holder. It has been a fascinating transition for Reigns, who was once in a stable alongside Seth Rollins and the guy now referred to as Jon Moxley. Reigns was a soft-spoken enforcer with a lack of comfortability on the mic. Now, being the reigning champ for years, he’s grown into his role as one of the company’s longest-standing heels. The Tribal Chief relishes the chance to get on the mic and roast fans from all over the place. Reigns doesn’t perform a whole lot, but you’d be hard-pressed to find someone with ‘a better look’ as the belt holder. Being a central figure in The Bloodline storyline has also been tremendous for his career.
20. Chris Jericho
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Jericho has enjoyed a very successful career which is currently continuing into his 50s. During the prime of his career, he was absolutely electric. Athletically, he moved like a cruiserweight — though he was muscular and quite powerful despite being on the shorter end relatively speaking. On the mic, we were treated to numerous noteworthy promos. His delivery was fantastic, and the humor he brought to the table was quite good. Jericho’s ability to constantly execute a picture-perfect lionsault was also very special. To this day, The Walls of Jericho remains an iconic submission hold.
19. Antonio Inoki
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Antonio Inoki’s legacy in professional wrestling is nothing short of legendary. As the founder of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Inoki revolutionized the industry in Japan and beyond, introducing innovative wrestling styles and techniques that have influenced thousands of his peers. Renowned for his unparalleled athleticism and mastery of various martial arts disciplines, Inoki’s matches were spectacles of skill and showmanship, drawing millions of fans to arenas and television screens. His historic bout against Muhammad Ali in 1976 was wildly entertaining. Inoki’s influence continues to resonate throughout the wrestling world, with his legacy serving as an inspiration for future generations of wrestlers and promoters.
18. Mick Foley
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Whether it be Dude Love, Cactus Jack, Mankind, or simply Mick Foley, the rugged wrestler remains one of the most popular figures in the history of professional wrestling. While not the most technical performer in the world, no one put their body on the line — literally — like Foley did. We’re talking about being launched off the top of a steel cage onto an announcer’s desk, routinely having hardcore matches with a myriad of objects, and also taking bumps that would make the toughest people in the room cringe. All the while, he operated with immense joy — and the fans loved him for it. Long live Mr. Socko!
17. Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat
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Throughout his illustrious career, Steamboat captivated audiences with his electrifying performances. Stylistically, he could be characterized by his lightning-fast pace, precision execution, and phenomenal storytelling. Renowned for his classic encounters with the likes of Ric Flair, Randy Savage, and others, Steamboat set the standard for excellence in wrestling, earning the respect and admiration of fans and peers alike. Beyond his in-ring achievements, Steamboat’s dedication to his craft and unwavering professionalism made him a role model for aspiring wrestlers around the world. A true technician, young wrestlers should go and study tapes of Steamboat before stepping foot in the squared circle.
16. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper
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Roddy Piper’s legacy in professional wrestling is defined by his unparalleled charisma, boundary-pushing antics, and timeless contributions to the industry. With his signature kilt, piercing wit, and unapologetic persona, Piper blazed a trail as one of the most captivating and controversial figures in wrestling history. His gift for mic work and ability to engage audiences with his cutting promos made him a standout performer of his era. Piper’s in-ring skills were equally impressive, as he showcased his versatility as both a technical wrestler and a cunning strategist.
15. Bruno Sammartino
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Sammartino’s unparalleled reign as the WWF (World Wrestling Federation, now WWE) Heavyweight Champion for over 11 years remains unmatched, solidifying his status as a true wrestling legend. Beyond his incredible in-ring achievements, Sammartino’s impact extends to his role as a cultural icon, particularly among Italian-American communities who saw him as a symbol of strength, determination, and pride. His matches at Madison Square Garden drew record-breaking crowds and helped elevate wrestling to new heights of popularity (he sold out MSG a whopping 188 times). Sammartino’s legacy as a trailblazer continues to be felt today.
14. Dusty Rhodes
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“The American Dream” deserves his flowers. The father of Dustin and Cody, Dusty was an endearing figure during his career. What made Dusty special was his ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level, embodying the hopes, dreams, and struggles of the working-class everyman. With his charismatic persona, colorful promos, and undeniable charm, Dusty captivated fans across the globe. In the ring, he was a master storyteller — utilizing his unique blend of athleticism, brawling style, and cunning intellect to captivate audiences and create unforgettable moments. Without a doubt, Rhodes was pivotal in shaping the direction of professional wrestling from a storyline and innovation standpoint.
13. Kurt Angle
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Angle is not only an Olympic hero, but also a phenomenal wrestler. His background catered to the fact that he’d be exceptionally good technically grappling with fellow performers. However, no one expected him to be immensely funny with comedic timing. There were times when Angle CRUSHED it — both as a baby face and as a heel. As a performer, his combination of belly-to-belly suplexes, the Angle Slam, and a sky-high moonsault made him a truly captivating figure. He did struggle with some issues out of the ring and his career in WWE was probably cut shorter than it should’ve been. Regardless, he’s one of the best to ever lace up a pair of boots.
12. Randy Orton
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Following in the footsteps of other family members in the business, Orton has carved out a nice career for himself. Without a doubt, Orton has been a pillar within the business over the last two decades. He’s a very fluid, explosive athlete for his size. The nimbleness with which he moves around the ring is impressive. In terms of portraying a heel, Orton is excellent. All he needs to do is unveil that iconic devilish grin for the audience to know exactly what he’s thinking. Plus, the RKO is easily among the most popular finishing moves in the history of the sport.
11. Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart
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Hart will forever be associated with the ‘Montreal Screwjob’ incident, but that doesn’t tell the whole story as to what made him an all-time great in the industry. Under the tutelage of his famed father Stu, Bret developed into a true rockstar — wearing a leather jacket and shades to the ring with accents of pink for a bit of flair. His technical ability was fantastic. Hart also knew how to tell a story with both his body and facial expressions. Essentially, he paired old-school knowledge with a new-school feel. As such, he was a transcendent figure in the business.
10. Sting
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“The Icon” is a consummate professional. His career has spanned over 40 years — and will culminate in his final match set for March of 2024. The black and white face paint made him menacing. Stinger’s look was even more intimidating when he’d fly down from the rafters into the ring with his patented black baseball bat. Notably, his rivalry with the nWo in WCW solidified his status as a bonafide superstar and helped elevate WCW to unprecedented heights in the Monday Night Wars.
9. John Cena
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Cena might be corny to some. He was commercialized, packaged, and shoved down your throat for years during an era in wrestling that became more kid-friendly. Cena has a plethora of catchphrases he’d often rattle off which equally irked some of wrestling’s purest fans. However, you cannot knock his in-ring performance. Pound for pound, he might’ve been the strongest wrestler in the world during his prime. A true showman in the ring and on the mic, Cena remains a 16-time WWE World Champion.
8. Andre The Giant
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Standing over seven feet tall and weighing more than 500 pounds, there was a reason why the French wrestler was referred to as a giant. However, it was more than just his physicality which made Andre special. He was a giant when it came to his charisma and personality in the ring. Andre was exceptionally likable to both the audience and the boys in the back. The plethora of high-profile matches he participated in remains some of the best the company has ever produced. Then, there’s the ‘legend of Andre’ stories speaking about the copious amounts of liquor he’d allegedly consume at hotel bars and on flights. Andre paved the way for a host of larger wrestlers (The Big Show, Kane, Omos, The Great Khali, Viscera) to all-flash in their own right. If anything, Andre was a performer in the truest sense of the word.
7. The Rock
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The only thing keeping The Rock at this spot is a lack of longevity. His career was much shorter compared to virtually everyone on this list. He made the jump into film and has since become the hardest-working man in Hollywood. You can make a case he was prepped for his acting roles by participating in the WWE internship of promo work. There was no one better than Rocky on the mic during the Attitude Era. He’s up there with Ric Flair as being the best with his words. While not the most fluid wrestler, his signature moves — The Rock Bottom and The People’s Elbow — are forever embedded into the fabric of this company.
6. Randy “Macho Man” Savage
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‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage wanted to make every match a spectacle. He brought immense energy to every performance, and that was accentuated by his colorful outfits. Savage captivated audiences with his larger-than-life personality. His intense rivalries with the likes of Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and Ricky Steamboat produced some of the most memorable matches in wrestling history. These matches showcased Savage’s incredible athleticism and storytelling prowess.
5. Hulk Hogan
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A man truly larger than life, Hulk Hogan was the face of wrestling for decades. His colorful persona included a bright color scheme of red and yellow. Sometimes, he’d saunter toward the ring with a boa before annihilating his opponent. With his immense physical presence, charismatic persona, and unparalleled connection with the audience, Hogan transcended the sport to become a global icon. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Hogan’s matches were must-see events, drawing record-breaking crowds and skyrocketing television ratings. Essentially, he’s one of the only old-school wrestlers that the average human — with no connection to wrestling whatsoever — would probably recognize.
4. Shawn Michaels
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Talk about a charismatic person. HBK (The Heartbreak Kid) was in a class all by himself. Michaels loved playing up the raunchiness with DX. He and Triple H had a very apparent chemistry with one another. It led to HBK becoming an icon. In terms of in-ring performance, Michaels had the stamina and athleticism to hold his own against any opponent. If you were on the receiving end of a Sweet Chin Music superkick, you probably weren’t getting off the mat anytime soon.
3. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin
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Even with multiple injuries that zapped some of his athletic ability, you still came away thinking that Stone Cold Steve Austin was the baddest man on the entire planet. He’d show up to the ring in jean shorts, a gigantic knee brace, and a black vest with some sort of glittery skull on the back. From there, Austin would maul you with a combination of stomps and punches. Just as you were ready to give up, he’d give you the Stone Cold Stunner for good measure before cracking open two beers over your head in celebration. This is the type of authentic character that cannot ever be replicated again. Austin is one of one in this business.
2. The Undertaker
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I use the term “character” loosely here, but the work Mark Calaway did in creating The Undertaker was simply brilliant. We saw several iterations of ‘Taker over the years — from his Goth phase to the motorcycle-drivin’ Limp Bizkit bopping period. Seeing him virtually float down the ramp towards the ring in darkness with the faintest illumination of purple light and hazy fog was truly remarkable. From there, at 6’10”, he was a terrific athlete. Go watch him expertly walk the top rope before jumping down and landing a shoulder blow. Between the Chokeslam and the Tombstone Piledriver, The Undertaker had it all.
1. Ric Flair
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The Nature Boy represents the essence of wrestling at its core. It’s theater mixed with physicality, charisma, and entertainment. Flair isn’t the biggest nor the most athletic guy in the world. He looks like an ordinary person you’d see walking down the street. However, when you hear him speak on the mic your world changes. He’s a gravitational figure, making you feel — and hang on every word. In the ring, the exhaustion and anguish on his face are akin to reading a 1,000-page novel. Peacocking toward the ring in diamond-encrusted robes was his signature. Lastly, whenever you hear anyone let out a “Wooooo” call, you know where that comes from.
