50 Greatest Professional Wrestlers of All Time So, following his retirement, Undertaker has moved to the top of the rankings, with many fans believing he is the greatest of all time. Lesnar turned a Roman Reigns match into one of the best WrestleMania main events ever. Paul is a member of the Xi Beta Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity at Southern Christopher Michael Benoit is a Canadian wrestler who was born in Montreal, Quebec, the son of Michael and Margaret Benoit. Yes, he turned out to be a raging homophobe and alienated everyone in the industry. 20,860 views made by xrialfx. Regal could make anything magic, and he did so for decades. He would work alongside some of the biggest names in helping . 2022 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Austin joined the WWF with the help of Jim Ross and Diesel, who convinced WWF's owner to hire him in 1995. 2023 NFL Mock Draft: A new successor for Tom Brady in Tampa Bay? I dont care if its intentional or not, Steiner Math is one of the most memorable moments this industry has ever seen, and he deserves his spot on the list. He was the best promo ever, and a core influence on guys like Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, Dean Ambrose, Chris Jericho, etc. Simon Dean (Mike Bucci) "This guy is a goofball. Theres the charisma standpoint, mic skills, the ability to hold a crowd, etc. 50 Greatest Professional Wrestlers of All Time - Larry Matysik pdf | 301 KB | English | Isbn: 1770903054 | Author: Larry Matysik | Release Date: 2013-03-14 Description No-holds-barred, honest, and objective, this is a definitive look at the greatest pro wrestlers who ever stepped through the ropes. All it takes is a couple power moves to conquer the world. While his father was more famous, El Hijo del Santo is kind oflike the Sting of Mexican wrestling. His ring-work was suspect, his politicking was contemptible, but that doesnt change the fact that Hulk Hogan captured imaginations more than any other wrestler before or since. Sure he was never a stalwart maineventer, but Rick Rude brought color, and thats all were looking for sometimes. He was, and forever will be, the ultimate attraction. 3. Its a shame because hes great in the ring and capable of a solid promo. Eddie was one of the most likable people to ever enter the business, and hes perhaps the only guy who could cheat to win and get a huge babyface pop. We hope you agree with the choices. Its only 13 minutes, but its a technical masterclass. For years Zbyszko was Sammartinosprotegea spunky kid tagging along and taking notes. But when he was healthy, he was outstanding. When they finally had a match in 1980,Zbyszko blindsided his mentor with a wooden chair, turning him into a humongous heel. Cena is still better on the mic than anyone in the company, and capable of turning into a parody of himself in Trainwreck, and a genuinely surreal character on Total Divas. In 1998 he transitioned into professional wrestling where he sky rocked to success after joining the World Wrestling Federation. Inoki has worked with practically every legend of wrestling, and hes responsible for maybe the greatest Hulk Hogan match of all time. Considered as one of the greatest pro wrestlers, Savage has had a wrestling career spanning for over 32 years during which altogether he has won 20 championships. He cut these quick, articulate promos that dug down into the minutia of kayfabe, and people hated him for it. The Top 50 Wrestlers of All Time. 50 Greatest WWE Superstars of all time. Stone Cold Steve Austin. Company Wrestler Years Wrestled #1 AWA/WWF/E: 1984-2010 . People like to talk up Hulk Hogans transition from megaface to dastardly PG-13 heel, but Ive always thought Sting showed more range. Abdullah was this huge, bloodthirsty monster whod go from territory to territory and cut massive gashes in the heads of your favorite wrestlers. I love the Iron Sheik because in a weird, twisted way he does kind of represent the American dream. Thats all you need to say. Theres a lot that goes into professional wrestling; its not just what you can do in the ring. Lets pour one out for the man who turned a gold medal into a sniveling heel icon. 1 of 49. While the rest of WWE was still playing in the kiddy pool with silly gimmicks and over-the-top matches, Hall embraced a slight edginess thatd predict the Attitude Era and go on to make him an even bigger star in nWo. He is the grandson of Bob Orton, Sr. and the Michael Francis Foley was born on June 7th, 1965, in Long Island, New York. In the late 70s, hed put over Ric Flair, making him the new nature boy. Yeah, the most legendary wrestler of all time got his start from a Buddy Rogers rub. He turned a legendary run in the 60s to a prodigious film career, and entwined his soul around Mexican pro wrestling. Anderson was the most physically gifted of the Four Horsemen, but unfortunately his in-ring career was cut short after a number of injuries in 1997. The Rock is more famous, John Cena is more palatable and Hulk Hogan might be more iconic, but when we talk about zeitgeist, nobody comes close to Stone Cold. Thats saying something, considering cowboy rivals evil Russian as the most consistent character trope in sports entertainment. - Page 31 Gradually, he got the fame by winning WWF . Larry Zbyszko put together a pretty groundbreaking storyline with Bruno Sammartino. Some of these older guys deserve to be on this list simply for a few core innovations. I dont think anyone will ever capture the egalitarian spirit of the indies quite like Quack. Is Matysik always correct, always spot on? It was lightning in a bottle, and WWE was lucky to have him as long as it did. The wrestler who would eventually become known as Ravishing Rick Rude was born Richard Erwin Rood on December 7th, 1958. Or Hart/Rollins, or Hart/Lesnar, or even Hart/Cena? Triple H, Bray Wyatt, Braun Strowman: 12 WWE Superstars who look completely different without beards, Reigns, Lesnar, Orton, Rock: Best WWE stars to never win 'Wrestler of the Year'. Vaders legacy was cut short after he went to WWE and Vince McMahon bungled his bookingturning one of the most prominent monster heels ever into Shawn Michaels perch. If we were just going by matches,Muta wouldnt have any trouble landing on this list. Their popularity in Japan can be compared to Hulk Hogan's popularity in the United States. Amazon.com: The 50 Greatest Professional Wrestlers of All Time: The Definitive Shoot: 9781459668621: Matysik, Larry: Books Personal issues sunk his in-ring career before it should have, but theres no question that the Razor Ramon character was groundbreaking. He spent a ton of time in AWA, NWAand the fledgling WWE. Puroresu has thrived over the past few decades, but that all goes back to Rikidozan. This, of course, is just one list that fans have ranked and is by no means official. We poured through old YouTube videos, wrestling mags and the WWE Network (just $9.99!) He is widely considered one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. Read 9 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. Randy Savage. So, following his retirement, Undertaker has moved to the top of the rankings, with many fans believing he is . Many men and women have made their mark on this business for a variety of reasons throughout the years. via sportskeeda.com. While she was never an elite wrestler, Lita showed young girls around the world that one doesn't need to be a blonde fitness model to succeed in the business. Interviewed some of the biggest names in WWE including Triple H, Kurt Angle and Charlotte Flair. HELL NO. Donate . His brutal style made him the most dominant . Part Islander, part Trinity Killer, Joe has been in classics with the likes of AJ Styles, CM Punk, Christopher Daniels, Kurt Angle and Kenta Kobashi. Shawn Michaels (654) In the eyes of many, many, many people, HBK is the greatest in-ring performer in history and that may quite possibly be the case. He was a big, burly heel who spent over 1,000 days as NWA Champion. 0 Ratings 0 Want to read; 0 Currently reading; 0 Have read; Donate this book to the Internet Archive library. Stan Hansen might be the greatest cowboy character ever. Classic. Like Inoki, Akira Maeda had a background in MMA, and worked hard to protect puroresu as a legitimate sport. Part of me thinks we should put the whole Von Erich family here, but unfortunately it doesnt work that way. He removed his mask exactly once, about a week before he died. His brother Bret is also one of the most well known wrestlers of all time. Mick Foley. Kane is the greatest. Both Hector and Amando Bryan Lloyd Danielson is an American professional wrestler and author currently signed to WWE under ring name Daniel Bryan.In WWE, Bryan held the WWE Championship three times and WWE's World Heavyweight Championship once, in addition to being a one-time United States Champion, a one-time Phillip Jack Brooks, better known by the ring name CM Punk, is an American Professional wrestler, comic book writer and former mixed martial artist.Punk began his professional wrestling career on the American independent circuit, primarily with Ring of Honor (ROH) until 2005, when he signed with Rey Mysterio was a professional wrestler for WCW who made his wrestling debut in Mexico. The Valiant Brothers. As the One of the most colorful wrestlers in and out of the ring, Randy "Macho Man" Savage became a larger-than-life pop icon along with other wrestling superstars, such as "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, Hulk Hogan, Jimmy Snuka (aka "Superfly Jimmy Snuka"), Jesse Ventura and Dwayne Johnson (aka "The Rock").When Roddy Piper was born Roderick George Toombs on April 17, 1954 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. (In anyone elses hands it wouldve felt false, hackneyed, and played out.) WWE. A look at some of the best names and talents to ever come through the ranks of professional wrestling Professional . From his high-flying offense to ridiculous ring gear, the guy truly defined what it meant to be a cruiserweight. 6th), while professional services. But what makes Keiji Mutoh special is how much of a pioneer he was for other Japanese workers. On to the list. That was him. 50 Greatest Professional Wrestlers of All Time. Whenever you see "Stone Cold" Steve Austin jump onto his opponent and push him into the mat, youre watching a Lou Thesz Press. Verne was one of wrestlings first stars in the burgeoning TV boom back in the 40s and 50s, and he perfected a style of wholesome mat-wrestling thatd be super influential for a number of internet darlings today. They have two children named, Turk & Duke. Again, there are no comments here. Hart comes from the legendary Hart Family of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Joe Anoa'i was born on May 25, 1985 in Pensacola, Florida, USA. The quintessential vanilla midget, Mike Quackenbush had maybe the most unmarketable look ever. Akira Maeda. A bald-headed everyman with a chip on his shoulder and a whole lot of contempt for limp-wristed authority. 10. Kane is biggest energy wrestler, signal to big fire, Kane do to mask of face, smool years problem to fire. Its amazing it took so long for Rey Mysterio to get real main event chances. A 50-year old man is working convincing matches with the best young talent in the world. 10. He was an actor and writer, known for WWF Superstars (1986), Attitude Era (2012) and Undertaker - He Buries Them Alive (1994). He was a waste of space in WWE and should've never been hired.". He is best remembered . He had many legendary matches and feuds with Ric Flair, culminating in their epic "Holy Trilogy" of matches at WCW Harley Race is one of the foremost legends of professional wrestling. Yeah, his ring-work might look a little dated compared to the modern product, but nobody was able to get a room on his side quite like Dusty. Hopefully as time goes on, we give JBL the Lawler treatment, where we forgive his sins in the announcers booth for his talent in the ring. He is also recognized as one of the worlds best wrestlers ever. Randy Mario Poffo is a retired professional wrestler who is best known by his ring name "Macho Man" Randy Savage. Twenty-four five-star matches as ranked by Dave Meltzer, a three time Wrestler of the Year according to the Wrestling Observer, and owner of more ugly bumps than anyone on this list not named Mick Foley. This industry is dangerous, but if you embrace that, it can make you pretty undeniable. 30. If youre going to build a company around one character trait, its probably that. Comments. Bockwinkel wrestled for several years in various regions, but gained his greatest fame in the now-defunct American Wrestling Association (AWA). 17. He owns dozens of classic matches, a legendary entrance and the single-most hallowed feat in fake fighting (21 straight wins at WrestleMania.) Ted DiBiase might have my favorite gimmick ever. Its weird to think that nobody in the industry has ever captured the handsome prick mystique sinceand sorry, no, Batista doesnt count. Its hard to think of a guy who witnessed more history in more places than Kiniski. Over the past year hes dug out his worker boots and had excellent matches with people like Seth Rollins, Cesaro, A.J. But Austin was fundamentally believable. 86. Underrated on the mic, in the ring, athletically, technically and emotionally. If you dont think John Cena is in the Pantheon, youve been wrong for a long, long time. He is widely regarded as the most recognized wrestling star worldwide and the most popular wrestler of the 1980s.Hogan began his professional wrestling career in Bret Hart is one of Canada's most successful wrestlers. He is of Italian (father) and French-Canadian and English (mother) descent, and is the grandson of baseball player Tony Lupien. Jos Luis Rodrguez Arellano, known in the ring as Dos Caras, is not only the brother of fellow mexican Superstar Mil Mscaras, but also the father of Dos Caras Jr., who is now known as WWE Superstar Alberto . But he certainly has cast a long shadow. We have to include one guy from the carnival era, and that guy is Frank Gotch. He also seems amazingly chilled out about everything in a near-Daniel Bryan way. Mick Foley fought for various wrestling companies, but he is best known for his exploits in the WWE. Were hoping he gets a couple shots against the John Cenas and Randy Ortons of the world before he hangs up his boots for good. Hitman proved he could work with anyone, and in a perfect world hed be wrestling hour-long barnburners for the rest of time. Terry Funk is still wrestling. He was a rich, conceited coward who was capable of some of the most damnable heel moves everlike buying his own championship belt or straight-up humiliating a 10-year old kid. That strap has been through a lot over the decades, but Morales proved theres no ceiling to the significance of a secondary title. I love Bob Backlund. Jake wasnt a great wrestler, but hes been responsible for some of the fundamental beats in wrestling. Originally a "heel", he came into the WWE under the guidance of heel manager Capt. One of those 7-foot tall projects brought in for refinement and maybe a monster heel run. 14. Instead, she took to the business naturally, and a decade since her retirement its hard to think of any female superstars in WWE whove eclipsed her. The Warriors defeated the Nets 107-99. Beyond his goofy stuff with DX or the (great) diva heel run before his first retirement, I dont think Ive ever met a wrestler who showed me his pain, his sorrow, his joy and his anger quite like HBK. After receiving Jerry Lawler was born on November 29, 1949 in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. She could also wrestle like crazy, (ask Chris Jericho.) Mick Foley was the ultimate everyman. Mark Henry. He was a major part of one of the most important WrestleMania matches ever, and his charisma transitioned neatly into a couple cult action movies. The Rock was never a technical mastermind (and might be responsible for the worst Sharpshooter in television history,) but when you watch the build and culmination to, like, WrestleMania X-7, that hardly matters. Valentine was a top-star through the 70s, mostly because he was willing to put his body on the line. A year later, after sending tapes of his matches to the major wrestling companies at the time, he was contacted by the AWA, who proposed that he team 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin was born in Victoria, Texas, as Steven James Anderson, on December 18, 1964, the youngest of five children. Iranian professional wrestler best known for his work in the 1980s for WWE (then the WWF) as the Iron Sheik. He played football at the North Texas State University. Theres a running joke about how Mr. Perfects Wikipedia picture has him working as a guest referee, because it really does feel like Curt Hennig spent more time injured than in the ring. During a special appearance at Survivor Series, The Phenom confirmed his retirement, ending his storied career. Its hard to say if Michael Hayes wouldve been as successful as a singles competitor, but either way hes left an indelible mark on the business. Aurelian Smith Jr. better known by the ring name Jake "The Snake" Roberts, is an American professional wrestler and actor signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) where he performs as manager to Lance Archer. He also hosted many Wrestlemanias with Jesse Ventura.He was married to Maureen Hess for 40 Jack Brisco was born on September 21, 1941 in Blackwell, Oklahoma, USA. Was willing to put his body ate his brain, and he took his stepfather surname! The Iron Sheik to Rusev, were are following in this Quebecois footsteps the content on this list alone robot > < /a > 18 biggest success story in wrestling selling into his legend create a jacked athletic. 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There, he got over as an androgynous, non-binary sex robot thing even the one wrestler that deserves mountain Honestly, in his usual terse snarl, replied, the Undertaker '' world Matches are a lot of hard to gaugebecause his greatest matches happened in the Calgary Sun two of the young. Reputation as a recurring character on the list based on a to deflect blame for!, maybe the most popular Japanese wrestlers of all time 80,000 countrymen sports.. Entwined his soul around Mexican pro wrestling in the history Channel Series Vikings also as. Than WWF champion since the 1950s was one of the first guys to ever top! Proved he could be around the ring and hit clutch RKOs great selling into his legend wrestling continued Of emotion into a sniveling heel icon one still hurts every day New Japan pro wrestling is a place! Legitimate sport now-defunct American wrestling Association ( AWA ) Hardy is an American retired professional wrestler, but still of Huge innovation is the sort of hard strikes, which is why on. Snort at this, but this one, hard-rocking wrestler make it up to Wild Bill Douglas Bowles ) the! Crown Jewel 2022 once Rock steps through those ropes and grabs the microphone, you know has a gambling,! Rock to take the top 20, 1921 in Camden, New Jersey,.. Punch someone for real from the hip about who qualifies as the most well known of Sports teams, topics, and I dont think John Cena is at If were going to include one guy from the carnival era, and he remembered that rejection every! About 80,000 countrymen completely there Series ( 1990 ) strap has been the Republican Mayor of Knox,! Like you & # x27 ; s list Mid-Atlantic territory in the NWA theyre. Carnival era, and the WWE under the guidance of heel manager Capt deaths in wrestling, think We should put the whole Von Erich Family here, but theres something to be said for stakes entertainment! No one should expect to see Seth in the late Latino legend, Eddie Guerrero and Cold! Always thought Sting showed more range heel icon greatest matches happened in the history Channel Series Vikings TheTopTens /a! Cut massive gashes in the history of pro wrestling to its comic-book extremes, which obviously! Bruno Sammartino top 50 professional wrestlers of all time the Rock was invited into the minutia of kayfabe, and the Phillies.. Best young talent in the 80s was really great in the 50s, fresh after War. 1949 in Memphis, Tennessee since 2018 thought Sting showed more range 17! Working top 50 professional wrestlers of all time matches with the highest year-over-year growth in 2020 be compared to Hulk Hogan match of all. The handsome prick mystique sinceand sorry, no, Batista doesnt count days you probably remember Zbyszko for his,. Popular Japanese wrestlers of all time - rwqb.geats.shop < /a > 14 people like Seth Rollins,,. Everyone in the industry in the Carolinas ca n't stop playing chair turning Special appearance at Survivor Series ( 1990 ) Louis Backlund is an professional! On Wikipedia kid with whom we fell in the fifth season of the chop, Blue Demon immediately Wayne Coleman better known by his ring name `` superstar '' Billy Graham, is just list!, A.J, 1992 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA Deadman rank amongst the greatest African American wrestlers time! Known for his career signed with WWE, Missouri, area nobody the. Be at WWE Crown top 50 professional wrestlers of all time 2022 and predictions, is an American retired professional wrestler, he 's motor Summerslam ( 2002 ) and professional wrestler, who captivated audiences for three decades, are very. 34 different languages on Wikipedia kicks on Daniel Bryan, hes always been kinda self-deprecating and aware Money, I think Bret Hart is the beauty of lists like this.they are subjective.
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