Top 10 Greatest WWE Wrestlers of All Time
WWE is not just a sport, it's a spectacle. It's a show where the most amazing and badass wrestlers in the world put their bodies and souls on the line for our entertainment. WWE has given us some of the most unforgettable moments and characters in wrestling history, from the immortal Hulk Hogan to the electrifying The Rock to the unstoppable John Cena. These are the superstars who have defined WWE and made it the global phenomenon it is today.But who is the best of the best? Who is the greatest WWE wrestler of all time? That's what we're here to find out. In this top ten list, you get to rank the most legendary WWE wrestlers ever, based on their skills, their charisma, their achievements, and their impact on wrestling culture.
The Undertaker, born Mark Calaway, is a legendary WWE wrestler known for his "Deadman" persona and unparalleled longevity in the ring. He has held multiple world championships and is famous for his 21-0 undefeated streak at WrestleMania. Simply the best of all time, this guy is a true, complete package. He can wrestle and give great matches with whoever he faces: big guys, small guys, high flyers, grapplers, hardcore wrestlers, Bret Harts, HBKs, Kurt Angles, Batistas, Yokozunas, HBK, Mick Foley, Rock, Austin, JBL, Sid, Hogan, Warrior, Big Daddy V, Big Show, Lesnar, H, Henry, Batista, Kamala, Rey, etc.
He is the master of Hell in a Cell. He competed in 11 Hell in a Cell matches. He had plenty of hardcore match classics, with Mankind at Hell in a Cell, boiler room, with Brock Lesnar at Hell in a Cell, etc. He can give great TLC matches (with Edge). He is the innovator of buried alive matches and casket matches. He is the owner of WrestleMania, and with a 19-0 record including some of the greatest matches of all time, this guy can do things that other men cannot do: very agile, very deadly. The pace of The Undertaker matches is brutal. He destroys you bit by bit. His Hell's Gate submission is brutal. His chokeslam is legendary. His last ride is a backbreaker, and his tombstone is the greatest finisher ever. This guy innovates and refreshes himself and copes well with each era. He is the best pure striker in the history of pro wrestling. He has the greatest gimmick, persona, and entrance in history. He is the LEGEND, the DEADMAN, the PHENOM, The Undertaker.
The greatest of all time.
Steve Austin, known as "Stone Cold," was a key figure during WWE's "Attitude Era" and is a six-time world champion. His rebellious persona and rivalry with Vince McMahon became defining aspects of his career. Come on, when he pointed the gun at Vince's head, it was one of the all-time greatest moments in television history. I mean, Stone Cold saved the WWE at a time when WCW was hot on the trail of toppling it. While there have been a few glimmers here and there of new stars to take his place, no one has made the WWE as interesting as Austin did back in the late 90s.
Everyone was watching Monday Night Raw and dreaming of being able to do to their bosses what Stone Cold did to Vince. It was the best storyline in wrestling of all time. I mean, when he drove the beer truck into the arena, it was pure brilliance.
Shawn Michaels, often referred to as "The Heartbreak Kid," is a WWE Hall of Famer with a reputation for being one of the greatest in-ring performers. He is a multi-time world champion and known for his participation in some of the most iconic matches in WWE history. For those arguing over who is the "best" in-ring wrestler ever, you'll be arguing forever. That is completely subjective. I personally like the more technical, mat-based wrestling, like Kurt Angle, Chris Benoit, or Bret Hart. But never before (and most likely never again) has there been someone that can ADAPT to his opponent like Shawn Michaels. If you want a technical masterpiece like his matches against Angle, he'll give it to you. If you want a high-flying thrill ride like his matches with Shelton and Mysterio, he'll give it to you. Or if you want a bloody brawl like his matches with Triple H, he'll give it to you.
If you're looking for character progression and charisma, The Heartbreak Kid is your man. Shawn oozed charisma. The dude was an absolute savage in D-Generation X, but then could turn around and perform one of the most emotional matches ever with the likes of Ric Flair at WrestleMania. They don't call him "Mr. WrestleMania" for nothing. Shawn Michaels is the Michael Jordan of pro wrestling. Period.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is a WWE icon and one of the biggest crossover stars, transitioning from professional wrestling to a successful career in Hollywood. He is a 10-time world champion and known for his electrifying promos. Oh yeah! It is the greatest one, danger man of world wrestling. No one is like him. He is totally different than any other wrestlers. His attraction works into the left side of the heart of the people, and this is why he is the champ of people.
Only The Rock is able to electrify when he plays. He is perfect with his body shape, body language, and his height. He is also a good speaker with good logic. His entrance is a threat to all wrestlers. The Rock has come back to win over everyone. Nothing can stop him. The Rock will bring it.
John Cena is a WWE superstar and actor who has won 16 world championships, tying the record for the most in WWE history. He is recognized for his "Never Give Up" motto and his charitable work outside the ring. John Cena does so much for the WWE and is a really hardworking person. He cares about fans, and he's funny and entertaining.
John Cena is the best wrestler. He has almost beaten each and every wrestler in WWE. We can hope that John is the one who will break Undertaker's streak. As you have seen, John is increasing his status day by day.
He is the one who will defeat The Undertaker, and he is the one who will defeat The Rock.
John Cena undoubtedly has accomplished a lot: 10-time WWE champ, two-time Royal Rumble winner, face of the company. Love him or hate him, he's done it all. He's a legend among the rest, officially.
He has great strength but is not that good technically, no. He definitely was handed the ball from the Attitude Era into the next generation as the leader. Yet, in the era now, Cena is not that good. They buried him last year but proved it was worth it for a rematch against The Rock.
The era now in WWE is not really focusing on the future, and the storylines are horrendous except for usually two or three around WrestleMania. The rest are just awkward, just like Rock vs. Cena 1 was. Was it just me, or did that year-long wait for that match feel awkward?
Triple H, born Paul Levesque, is a 14-time world champion in WWE and currently serves in an executive role within the company. He is also the co-founder of the developmental brand NXT, helping shape the future of wrestling. If we start dissecting wrestling into single skills (in-ring abilities, mic skills, etc.), Triple H is not the best at any particular aspect, but yet he embodies the spirit of wrestling like no other, in my humble opinion. His charisma is outstanding, and he can be awesome both as a heel and as a babyface.
Although he was mostly a self-absorbed, arrogant character (as a heel), he actually made a whole lot of other talents shine (Shawn Michaels, Batista, Orton, Cena, just to name a few) and never refused a job. No single wrestler in the world (except Ric Flair) can match his career (in terms of longevity and accomplishments). For all these things, he is the greatest (in my humble opinion).
Hulk Hogan is one of the most recognizable WWE wrestlers of all time, leading the "Hulkamania" movement during the 1980s. He is a multiple-time world champion and a central figure in both WWE and WCW's success. Hulkster must be at #1. He made wrestling more popular. WWE ran into a billion-dollar industry and paved the way for today's high-paid stars. He ruled wrestling for over two decades. Hogan is beyond an icon in the wrestling world. You ask anyone who he is, and they know for the most part.
His ability to sell tickets is unmatched by anyone. His past matches have basically proven that if you work a program with this guy, then you are going to get noticed.
He has never been the best worker, and he has the tendency not to put people over, but face facts, fans, there is nobody more charismatic than this man.
Bret "The Hitman" Hart is a WWE Hall of Famer known for his technical wrestling ability and as a multi-time world champion. He is also remembered for the infamous "Montreal Screwjob" and his contributions to WWE's in-ring style. Some may have a great personality or be really good with mic skills, but it is the in-ring performance that really matters, and Bret Hart was the best at it. Even something as trivial as punches and kicks were perfection. He was a good technical wrestler with a pinch of tradition, good at hardcore battle leaving all orthodoxy behind, and also an acrobat to a certain extent.
To add to this, great theme music, attire, and character helped a lot. And unlike many legends, he attracted all sections of fans: kids, men, women, and the older crowd.
Rey Mysterio is a high-flying WWE wrestler known for popularizing lucha libre in the U.S. and his impressive agility. He is a multi-time world champion and credited with revolutionizing cruiserweight wrestling in the company. I like Rey Mysterio because he had all the abilities and skill that WWE superstars have. He is small, but he can beat almost all the wrestlers of WWE. He has beaten superstars such as Randy Orton, Kurt Angle, Kane, Alberto Del Rio, and many more.
He won his first World Heavyweight title at WrestleMania 2006. When he won, it was the greatest day of my life. I love him very much and want to meet him.
He is very small, but he can even defeat the bigger players like Undertaker easily by using moves like rolling moves such as the tornado DDT, monkey flip, bulldog, etc., and flying moves like moonsault, west coast pop, etc., and his best move, 619.
Randy Orton, nicknamed "The Viper," is a 14-time world champion in WWE and a third-generation professional wrestler. He is known for his finishing move, the RKO, and his involvement in high-profile rivalries throughout his career. Randy is the best. At the age of 24, he became the youngest world champion ever. He's the perfect champion... the apex predator... THE VIPER. Randy is the best wrestler ever born in the WWE, better than John Cena, Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Batista, and every other superstar.
At the end, HE CAN BEAT THEM! Nobody is safe from the Viper. He will kick anyone in the skull if they just tried to stand against him. Actually, nobody can. Randy is the best. You must all admit that... What you think doesn't matter because he is the best wrestler ever and the best champion ever.
The Newcomers
Vincent Kennedy "Vince" McMahon is an American professional wrestling promoter, former announcer, commentator, film producer, actor, and retired professional wrestler. As the creator of WWE, he definitely deserves to be pretty high on the list for that alone.
Alexis Kaufman is an American professional wrestler currently signed to WWE under the ring name Alexa Bliss, where she performs on the Raw brand and the former 3 Time Raw Women's Champion... read more The strongest wrestler of all time!
Edge, known as "The Rated-R Superstar," is a WWE Hall of Famer who has won multiple world championships. He is known for his success in tag teams and as a singles competitor, including winning multiple Royal Rumble matches. Edge was such an incredible superstar. If you ever hear other WWE wrestlers talk about Edge, they all say how he was the best performer and was great in the ring. He just knew what to do. The ring was Edge's home, and he knew exactly how to please the crowd.
Edge was in numerous classic matches, laying his body on the line. I always loved seeing him go crazy, waiting for someone to spear, and then finally spearing the guts out of someone. Absolutely no one can beat Edge's spear, by the way.
Edge is, without a doubt, in my top 3 of the best superstars of all time. Not to mention that his entrance music was the best too! Hate that he had to retire. We miss you, Edge!
CM Punk, known for his straight-edge lifestyle and outspoken personality, is a former WWE Champion and a key figure in WWE's "Reality Era." He became a fan favorite through his "Pipe Bomb" promo and extended title reign. CM Punk deserves to be in the top ten because Punk is the best in the world. There are a few superstars as influential to the WWE Universe as CM Punk. Always controversial, Punk has never been afraid to speak his mind. Having won multiple World Championships, Punk has the skills to back up his words and the ambition to inspire change in WWE.
He caused an uproar in 2011 when he left the company with the WWE Championship in hand. But his controversial absence paid dividends, as he became a fan favorite upon his eventual return.
Brock Lesnar is a dominant WWE wrestler and former UFC Heavyweight Champion known for his incredible athleticism and power. He is a multi-time WWE world champion and has headlined numerous major WWE events. In reality, no wrestler in WWE could even stand 10 seconds in a match with Brock Lesnar. He has honed the skill of mixed martial arts, which makes him even more dangerous than when he arrived on the scene the first time.
Cena is at #2 on this list only because Lesnar left WWE at his peak. If Lesnar had been around for the last decade in WWE, his stature in WWE would be even bigger than that of Taker, Hogan, Michaels, etc.
Moreover, let me tell all the Cena fans that the FU (now AA) is just a cheap attempt to copy the F5. Don't believe me? Then check the record. Brock Lesnar once broke the ring by slamming Big Show from the top. This shows how much strength he has.
Kane, portrayed by Glenn Jacobs, is a WWE legend known for his intimidating size and masked "Big Red Machine" persona. He is a multi-time world champion and has had a lengthy career marked by his rivalry with The Undertaker. Kane had the best storyline buildup to a debut of any other gimmick in the sport of professional wrestling. And, intentionally, only being a temporary gimmick at the time just to shock the wrestling world with his skills, physique, and height. But the mask played a major role in his success. Kane was not a talker, just a destroyer. Even without the mask, he showed a demented side to his persona: destroying Raw GM Eric Bischoff, tombstoning WWE owner Linda McMahon on the steel ramp, electrocuting Shane McMahon's testicles, and setting Jim Ross on fire, just to name a few.
But Kane also has humor in different ways, like when he showed up during the Minis matches (when he had the mask). His night of destruction (which is my favorite moment of Kane) featured him owning both The Rock and Hulk Hogan in one segment. His appearance in anger management, where Kane was asked to tell his life story (and everything he said was actually true), was laugh-out-loud funny.
But even though Kane was more of a mute with the full mask on, his underrated mic skills really showed in 2010 when he was feuding with The Undertaker and Rey Mysterio. Even though everyone is entitled to their own opinion, in mine, Kane is one of the greatest all-around performers in the history of the business. From having all those terrible gimmicks to having a temporary gimmick and making it into a main eventer - not many wrestlers can do that. Kane will always be a legend in WWE. And Kane-A-Nites like myself will never let the legend disappear. Kane has earned the right.
Ric Flair is a 16-time world champion and widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. Known for his "Nature Boy" persona, Flair's career has spanned several decades across multiple wrestling promotions. Flair and Hogan are to wrestling what Bird and Magic were to basketball. Flair is the best wrestler, and Hogan made it the commercial success it is today. Today's wrestlers are not nearly as good. Some are very athletic, but just aren't the overall wrestlers of the past (with the exception of Orton and McIntyre).
Cena and The Rock are vastly overrated. Bret Hart and Kurt Angle are the best technical wrestlers of all time. Steve Austin and The Undertaker are the best badasses. NWO (Hogan, Hall, and Nash) and Goldberg deserve tremendous credit for turning WCW's fortunes around back in the late '90s.
Chris Jericho is a multi-time world champion in WWE and known for his versatility both in the ring and on the microphone. He has reinvented himself multiple times throughout his career, also achieving success in AEW and other promotions. This really pisses me off. Jericho 21? Can I remind you that he is a multi-time world and WWE Champion! 9-time Intercontinental Champion! First Undisputed Champion by beating The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin in the same night.
Chris Jericho has beaten the greats like Undertaker, Kane, CM Punk, Steve Austin, Rock, Edge, Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio. Hell, he beat Shawn Michaels on consecutive occasions in the same month, including defeating him to retain the world title.
Most consistent superstar who has the best match of the night more than anyone here on this list. He can turn from face to heel in a split second, and nobody is questioning it because he is so good. Top 3 superstars at the mic, cuts promos like a boss, and always has a great in-ring match.
Only 2 other superstars have that talent of the mic, character building, and in-ring performance, and that is Shawn Michaels and Ric Flair. Jericho has gone from the attitude era to the PG-era and still is as relevant, if not even more. Drink it in, man. If you don't agree, then just shut the hell up!
The Ultimate Warrior, born James Hellwig, was known for his intense energy and colorful ring presence during his WWE career. He became WWE Champion after defeating Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania VI in one of the most famous matches in wrestling history. Ultimate Warrior won the title four times, and he didn't use as many steroids as all the other wrestlers did. Plus, he beat all the greats, including Undertaker, Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, Terry Funk, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels, and I could go on even longer!
Plus, he was one of the first greats. He basically ruled the late 80s to the late 90s.
Legend, pure and simple. Yes, he was all clotheslines and shoulder blocks and two-minute squash matches, but that was what the persona was. What would have been the point in being the Ultimate Warrior if it had been 20-minute matches every time?
The most entertaining "wrestler" that I have ever watched. RIP, Mr. Warrior.
Jeff Hardy is known for his high-risk, daredevil style and is a former world champion in WWE. He gained popularity in the tag team division with his brother Matt as The Hardy Boyz before excelling as a singles competitor. I don't think any list even has Jeff Hardy, but he's on my list, and I will give 3 facts why he should be number 9:
1. He is one of the greatest risk-takers the WWE has ever had. His Swanton Bomb, his Whisper in the Wind, and even his basic high-flying moves - my point is he just isn't scared of anything.
2. He and his brother Matt are just one of the best teams. The Hardy Boys, I mean, are not better than other teams, but they're my second favorite team. What's better than seeing Jeff and Matt battling it out?
3. I'm kind of out of reasons, but here is one: his face paint. I know you might not think face paint is a big deal, but go to Google and type Jeff Hardy face paint, and you will be stunned.
Bill Goldberg is a former NFL player turned professional wrestler, known for his undefeated streak in WCW. He is a multiple-time world champion in both WCW and WWE, with his power-based style earning him fan acclaim. Goldberg is the man with the Iron Fist. You cannot simply compare him with other wrestlers of all generations. The people who don't believe me definitely need to watch his journey in WCW, his undefeated streak of 173-0, and all the big names like Hulk Hogan, Lex Luger, Raven, Triple H.
The list goes on. They were never able to come to the level that Goldberg reached, so before commenting on disliking this comment, PLEASE first watch at least 10 matches of Goldberg. I still have all matches of Goldberg on my PC.
I have seen Goldberg in his matches, and I think he should be placed #1 alongside The Undertaker. He has beaten most of the top WWE superstars mentioned above him.
I can't believe John Cena is ranked #2. I can accept that he's incredibly strong, but he doesn't have enough power to beat Goldberg. I can guarantee that he cannot escape Goldberg's Jackhammer.
Goldberg should be #1 with The Undertaker because no other superstar, including The Rock, can become a fan favorite like him.
WHO'S NEXT!
Kurt Angle is an Olympic gold medalist who transitioned into professional wrestling, becoming one of WWE's top stars. He is a multi-time WWE Champion known for his technical wrestling prowess. 24? That's so low for the guy who is the only wrestler to win a gold medal at the Olympics, with a broken neck. Nobody else could do that if they tried. Kurt is a top 10 and one of the best performers, and makes so many matches like vs Shawn Michaels at WM 21 and vs Stone Cold at SS 2001.
He deserves a lot more credit because he is way better than Brock Lesnar, Goldberg, CM Punk, Randy Orton, and Batista. Give him more respect, please. He is amazing!
One of the funniest, most entertaining talkers in history. Face or heel. But his wrestling ability is world-class, and he can have good matches with anyone. He is the only wrestler to have had a good match with Brock Lesnar without the need for blood.
He is one of the very few wrestlers that can have a great match without needing blood. But he can also bleed.
Randy Savage, also known as "Macho Man," was one of WWE's most charismatic and influential superstars. He held multiple championships and was renowned for his high-flying moves and intense promos. He performed in the WWF in the late 80s and the early 90s. He has been in three WrestleMania main events. The first time was against the legendary Chinese superstar Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, and he lost after the "Dragon's Revenge" from his broken neck.
Then in 1989, he faced "King" Hulk Hogan after thrilling Miss Elizabeth, his spouse, but he lost. In 1992, Ric "The Nature Boy" Flair posted a video of himself with a picture of Elizabeth. Randy refused every interview and faced the main event of the year, and he won that time.
He was probably unlucky at WrestleMania, but he has the 8th best WrestleMania moment after his wedding to Miss Elizabeth at the WWF entrance. The former Intercontinental champion was one of the most hated superstars of his era. Elizabeth and he both died.
Batista is a former WWE world champion and Hollywood actor known for his powerful style and dominance in the mid-2000s. He has headlined multiple WrestleManias and won several Royal Rumble matches. This guy is great at wrestling, and that's what I just said. It's one of the reasons I came here. But the MAIN reason why I came here was that two weeks ago, I had a little feeling that I was going to get a little bit POed. And that feeling just came true. And you know what it is? I'll tell you.
People on the Monday night that Batista returned started to tweet that "The Animal" would win the Royal Rumble. Which is exactly what happened last night. Now I start seeing people tweeting how Batista shouldn't even have won it or didn't even deserve to win it. Now I start hearing people booing Batista tonight? PEOPLE, what did Batista do? He's only been in the WWE for a week. At least give him a little bit more respect than this. He only won the Royal Rumble, which is impressive because it was his second Royal Rumble win. My point is, he's a very talented wrestler and a very athletic man. Just stop criticizing him. He didn't even do anything wrong!
Eddie Guerrero was a beloved WWE superstar known for his in-ring skill and charisma. He became WWE Champion and was admired for his "lie, cheat, and steal" persona. One of the greatest superstars in SmackDown! history. He is a one-time WWE champion, one-time United States champion, four-time WWE tag team champion, two-time European champion, two-time Intercontinental champion. He also won other championships during his time wrestling in other companies such as WCW, ECW, and AAA.
Without any doubt, this legendary Hall of Famer is one of the greatest wrestlers in WWE history.
Eddie should at least be #9. He is probably the only wrestler in history who had a ring instead of a trampoline in his backyard. And you're saying that Daniel Bryan is better than him? No way. His ability to wrestle is out of this world.
I miss Eddie so much. Thank you, Latino Heat.
Mick Foley is a WWE Hall of Famer known for his hardcore wrestling style and multiple personas, including Mankind and Cactus Jack. He is a multi-time WWE Champion and had numerous memorable moments, such as his Hell in a Cell match with The Undertaker. A person who has always put his body on the line every Monday night.
The reason he should be number one?
1. He has been thrown off the cell and then thrown through the cell. Later, he was chokeslammed right onto thumbtacks. Undertaker vs. Mankind, King of the Ring '98.
2. He took 10 chair shots just to win the WWF Title. Royal Rumble '99.
3. He has always put his body on the line every Monday night. He explains his actions by saying, "The viewers give all their hard-earned money to see the show. If they don't get what they deserve, I won't be able to look at myself in the mirror." These words show the love that he had for the business.
4. Cactus Jack. <- This word explains it all. He has had one of the greatest hardcore matches in the history of professional wrestling.
This guy has made me love him ever since I watched King of the Ring '98 on YouTube. Foley is GOD.
Andre The Giant was a legendary WWE wrestler known for his immense size and strength. He is remembered for his iconic matches, including his WrestleMania III bout with Hulk Hogan. There is no one who defeated the opponent like Andre did. Every time he toyed with his opponent, drawing out the pain to please the audience. Never has one gone before who has been so great. We should never forget about this giant.
Even his last match with Hulk Hogan was pre-arranged so that Andre would purposely lose. Andre was undefeatable and feared by all in the ring. He should definitely be in the top 10, if not #1! Such a great man!
The 8th wonder of the world is the greatest wrestler of all time. Everyone stood in awe of this man, and nobody could truly beat him. He has the longest undefeated streak in the history of wrestling. He truly is the champion of champions.