Top 10 Best WWE/WWF Eras

The Top Ten
Attitude Era (1997-2001) The Attitude Era is known for its edgier, more controversial content that pushed the boundaries of traditional wrestling programming. This period featured iconic rivalries such as "Stone Cold" Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahon and the rise of The Rock. The Attitude Era helped WWE (then WWF) dominate its competition, defeating WCW in the "Monday Night Wars."

Greatest era ever, as well as the best roster: Steve Austin, The Rock, Mick Foley, Triple H, Kurt Angle, Kane, Big Show, The Undertaker, Chris Jericho, Eddie Guerrero, Perry Saturn, Dean Malenko, Chris Benoit, the Hardy Boys, the Dudley Boys, Edge & Christian, and the APA. Great times.

In my opinion, WWE was at its very best from 1997 to 2007. I call it WWE's golden decade. Too bad WWE will never be as good again.

The greatest era in the history of WWE, by far. It beats them all: The Undertaker, Stone Cold, Kane, Mankind, The Rock, Chris Jericho, Kurt Angle.

Ruthless Aggression Era (2002-2007) Following the end of the Attitude Era, WWE shifted to a more athletic and competitive style, known as the Ruthless Aggression Era. Superstars like Brock Lesnar, John Cena, and Randy Orton emerged during this time, while the brand split between Raw and SmackDown was introduced. It was a transitional phase that solidified the company's dominance after the fall of WCW.

This is when Evolution debuted, so it should be number one. I'm not saying the Attitude Era was boring, but the Ruthless Aggression Era was slightly better because of Triple H, Batista, Orton, Edge, and Brock Lesnar.

My most memorable era. This is when Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, John Cena, Rey Mysterio, Batista, and the best in the world, CM Punk, debuted. RIP Eddie Guerrero. I regret saying this, but RIP Chris Benoit.

Talent poured their hearts out in every match. They started listening to fans and didn't care about money as much.

PG Era (2008-2013) In response to growing concerns over content, WWE adopted a family-friendly, PG-rated product during this time. The PG Era saw the rise of John Cena as the face of WWE and a shift towards safer in-ring action and less controversial storylines. This period also witnessed the rise of WWE's global expansion through partnerships with mainstream entertainment and media.

It needs more work, and Cena is the reason it is the way it is.

Sheamus, CM Punk, Jeff Hardy, Christian, Mark Henry.

Golden Era (1980-1992) The Golden Era marked WWE's rise to mainstream popularity, led by larger-than-life stars like Hulk Hogan, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, and André the Giant. This period saw the first WrestleMania in 1985, cementing WWE's place in pop culture. Vince McMahon's national expansion and focus on entertainment helped the company dominate the wrestling world.

Hogan, Andre, Savage, Steamboat, the Rockers, Rick Rude, Mr. Perfect, Jake The Snake Roberts, Rowdy Roddy Piper - oh, never mind, this is a close #2.

Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, Macho Man Randy Savage, Ultimate Warrior, King Kong Bundy, Ricky The Dragon Steamboat - just to name a few.

HBK! Mr. WrestleMania never disappointed me with his performances in the ring.

The Alliance Invasion & The nWo (2001-2002) The Alliance Invasion storyline saw WWE face off against the remnants of WCW and ECW, led by Shane and Stephanie McMahon. Though highly anticipated, the Invasion angle was criticized for its execution, as many top WCW stars were absent. Shortly after, the nWo made their debut in WWE, reigniting some of the WCW-era's most famous angles.
New Generation Era (1993-1997) The New Generation Era was WWE's attempt to move away from the larger, cartoonish characters of the Golden Era and focus on younger, more athletic talent. Stars like Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, and Razor Ramon emerged as top competitors. The period also coincided with a downturn in business, as WWE faced competition from WCW and struggled with declining ratings.

The Undertaker, Kane, and the rise of Stone Cold.

Bret Hart, HBK, Diesel, Razor Ramon, Yokozuna, Owen Hart, British Bulldog, Vader.

Reality Era (2014-2016) The Reality Era emphasized a blend of real-life issues and scripted storylines, with a more self-aware product. It was characterized by fans' increasing influence, particularly through social media, and the rise of stars like Daniel Bryan, whose underdog storylines reflected fan demand. This period also saw the beginning of the women's wrestling revolution in WWE.

It's going to be the rise of plenty of bright stars and future Hall of Famers.

Gimme a hell yeah!

It's been good lately with better matches, such as Rusev vs. Cesaro and Owens.

WWWF Era (1970s) During the 1970s, WWE was known as the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) and operated primarily in the Northeastern United States. Bruno Sammartino dominated the decade as WWWF Champion, setting attendance records and becoming a national icon. The promotion was more territorial, with less emphasis on television and more on live events in arenas.

Once upon a time, Vince McMahon wasn't Mr. McMahon or the loud announcer of the mid-1980s. He was an unbiased commentator who called matches right down the middle. This era saw one of the greatest dream matchups when Gorilla Monsoon faced Muhammad Ali. It was also the era of Bruno Sammartino, Pedro Morales, and Bob Backlund. Tag team title matches were on free TV. Yes, the WWWF was much better than today's WWE.

Its Joeysworld

Watch it, love it.

Transition Era (1979-1982) The Transition Era marked the handover from Vince McMahon Sr. to Vince McMahon Jr., who would radically reshape the company. This period laid the groundwork for the national expansion and entertainment-focused approach that defined the 1980s. WWE slowly began breaking away from the NWA, establishing itself as a standalone entity.
Beginnings (1950s-1960s) WWE's roots trace back to the early 1950s when it was known as Capitol Wrestling Corporation (CWC), founded by Jess McMahon and Toots Mondt. During this period, regional wrestling promotions were the norm, and WWE was part of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). Television played a critical role in expanding professional wrestling's popularity during this time.
The Contenders
New Era (2016-) The New Era brought about a focus on younger talent, with superstars like Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, and Charlotte Flair taking center stage. WWE sought to modernize its product with more diverse storytelling, stronger women's divisions, and a return to athleticism. It also marked the era of high-profile international expansion and streaming on the WWE Network.

That's when everything changed in WWE. They started bringing in indie talent and actually good performers.

Hulkamania Era (1984-1993) The Hulkamania Era saw Hulk Hogan become the face of WWE and professional wrestling globally, thanks in large part to Vince McMahon's vision of blending sports and entertainment. Hogan's popularity, combined with events like WrestleMania, helped WWE transcend wrestling and become part of mainstream pop culture. This period also saw the peak of wrestling's popularity in the 1980s.
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