The Greatest Superstars Of The WWE
Wrestling has changed over the decades from a fringe interest relegated to Saturday afternoons on television to becoming one of the most important entertainment industries. At the heart of this industry is World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and its roster of stars. Here are the greatest heroes (and a few villains) of the WWE.
Rowdy Roddy Piper
Rowdy Roddy Piper was the Joker to Hulk Hogan’s Batman. As a heel, Piper created a persona that people still loved, even when they were booing. He was one of the key figures of both World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), a standout character within Hulkamania.
Wrestling's MAIN EVENT magazine: 1984-01,Wikimedia Commons
Booker T
Starting as part of the tag team Harlem Heat (with his brother Stevie Ray), Booker T soon outgrew the tag team format. Out on his own, he won both the United States Championship and the World Heavyweight title. Feuds with The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and The Undertaker added to his legendary status.
shstrng, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Jake “The Snake” Roberts
Jake “The Snake” Roberts was different. Where other wrestlers yelled throughout their interviews, The Snake talked quietly, forcing you to really listen. His cunning in the ring was just as daring, he was known to use an actual snake, laying it on top of his fallen opponents.
Wrestling's MAIN EVENT magazine: 1986-09, Wikimedia Commons
Bautista
Within a short period, Bautista was already a star. He had a memorable feud with Triple H and excelled as a tag team with Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio. He moved on to Hollywood appearing on both television and in movies.
MattJuulMMA, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Drew McIntyre
Famously fired from WWE, “The Scottish Psychopath” continued as an independent until he was welcomed back to the WWE. He continues to dominate and his feud with CM Punk shows he’s on a roll.
Mike Kalasnik, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Sami Zayn
Stardom on the independent circuit doesn’t always translate to success on the WWE stage. It took Sami Zayn a while to get there but he did make it and his three Wrestlemania appearances solidified his appeal.
Tabercil, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat
From the Golden Era of wrestling, Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat was a solid wrestler with charisma and a great look. His match with Randy Savage at Wrestlemania 3 is legendary, with some fans going as far as to call it the greatest wrestling match ever.
Bill Apter, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Daniel Bryan
During his time at WWE, Daniel Bryan showed he had what it takes. Starting off fairly generically, Bryan developed his character and became an underdog against Triple H, Bautista, and Randy Orton, winning the WWE Undisputed Championship belt.
Megan Elice Meadows, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Sign up to our newsletter.
History’s most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily. Making distraction rewarding since 2017.
Edge
A tag team champion and WWE Hall of Famer, Edge was matched against some of the best— John Cena, The Undertaker, and Mick Foley. After a serious neck injury, Edge has come back and appears to have a great career ahead of him.
Krystal Bogner from Adelaide, Australia, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Kane
It must be hard to be The Undertaker’s younger brother. That’s a pretty big shadow but Kane was able to transform a short-term character into a classic. With multiple championships, Kane can constantly evolve and move with the times.
Miguel Discart from Bruxelles, Belgique, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Becky Lynch
Headlining the first women’s main event at Wrestlemania, Lynch developed her steampunk persona which morphed into The Man. This transformed how women were seen in WWE events and she quickly became a fan favorite.
Miguel Discart from Bruxelles, Belgique, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Eddie Guerrero
A member of the Guerrero wrestling family, Eddie was a huge talent. His classic matchups with the likes of Rey Mysterio, Dean Malenko, and Psicosis, Eddie moved to WWE where became the legendary "Latino Heat." This eventually led to a WWE Championship run after defeating Brock Lesnar.
static, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Mr Perfect
It’s a big claim to label yourself “Absolutely Perfect”, but Curt Hennig did that, and lived up to the hype. As Mr Perfect, he was as good in the ring as he was on the microphone.
Pro Wrestling Illustrated, Wikimedia Commons
Scott Hall
Known as “Razor Ramon”, “The Diamond Studd”, or just Scott Hall, machismo was Scott’s trademark. Leaving the WCW, Razor Ramon was smooth and confident and was unlike anyone else around. Securing multiple Intercontinental Championships Scott eventually returned to the WCW, forming the epic faction, The N.W.O.
Mandy Coombes, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
CM Punk
Not a big guy, CM Punk lived clean but also rubbed up against authority, Of course, that’s what made him a fan favorite. A Hall of Famer, Punk beat John Cena and secured the title. After a decade, he returned to the WWE and he appears to be ready to continue where he left off.
Mshake3, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Charlotte Flair
The daughter of Ric Flair, Charlotte was not content to live in his enormous shadow. She established herself and even her father admits she can do things in the ring he couldn’t imagine doing. After some injuries, she’s been sidelined, but she appears ready for a comeback.
Tabercil, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins’ career ascension has been quick and it was always apparent he was headed for something big. As a member of The Shield, he managed to turn on them and go on to win his first Heavyweight Championship belt at Wrestlemania. Rollins has the ability to make you love him and hate him in equal measure.
Miguel Discart, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Mick Foley
He went by many names, Cactus Jack, Dude Love, and Mankind and he was maybe a bit unusual for professional wrestling. Missing teeth and an ear, Foley wasn’t muscular or a flashy dresser. But he was unique and that’s why fans love him. He gave his all in his matches and those real feelings had an impact on the fans.
Dusty Rhodes
Dusty Rhodes called himself The American Dream. He was a consummate showman who could speak to thousands and spellbind them with his homespun stories. His character was an underdog, an everyday fella and fans couldn’t get enough.
Cory McDonald, Wikimedia Commons
Rey Mysterio
Probably the most famous masked wrestler, Rey Mysterio was Lucha libre personified for many American fans. Moving from WCW to WWE, Rey was always a huge draw. He enjoyed success and many championships and was recently inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
David Seto, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
AJ Styles
AJ Styles is known as “The Phenomenal One” and his time with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling and his current run in the WWE show how apt the nickname is. His style of wrestling comes from his time in Japan and ever since his debut at the Royal Rumble he continues to captivate fans.
Randy Orton
“The Viper” is known for his feuds with John Cena, The Undertaker, and Mick Foley. Orton is unparalleled in his character work, and he has been able to step out of the shadow of his father “Cowboy” Bob Orton. Mick Foley has said that his bout with Randy Orton was the best of his career.
Megan Elice Meadows, CC BY-SA 2.0 , Wikimedia Commons
Chris Jericho
Chris Jericho cut his teeth mid-card at the WCW but he set out to prove he had what it takes for the main matches. Moving to WWE his debut was up against none other than The Rock. Jericho as a wrestler is constantly evolving and never lets himself settle or lose momentum.
jorgebueno, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Bruno Sammartino
Before Hulk Hogan there was Bruno Sammartino. A hero of the WWE precursor World Wide Wrestling Federation, Sammartino was an everyman type, playing off his Italian immigrant persona to great effect.
source, front, back, Wikimedia Commons
Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes is the son of the legendary Dusty Rhodes, something that could easily stop someone in their tracks. He decided to forge his own path in wrestling and in a short time, he has managed to step out of his father’s shadow. Leaving WWE for the upstart All Elite Wrestling, he later returned to the WWE, winning the WWE Undisputed Championship.
Tabercil, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Triple H
Triple H is also known as “The Game” and that’s appropriate for someone who understands wrestling so well. That probably helps him in his current position as WWE Chief Content Officer. His skill at putting together top-level programs has made him a legend.
Mshake3, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Bret Hart
“The Hitman”, a member of the legendary Hart Family, is considered by some to be the best there ever was. His skill was to make it all seem so effortless, to demonstrate wrestling as an art.
He had a unique talent to make even his opponents look good by bringing out the best of them.
Miguel Discart, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Kurt Angle
A gold medalist in Olympic wrestling, Kurt Angle easily made the transition to the pros, winning his first championship in his inaugural year with WWE. With both wrestling skills and a great sense of showmanship Angle earned his place in the Hall of Fame.
ilovehoovering, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Shawn Michaels
Known as “Mr Wrestlemania”, Shawn Michaels started off in a tag team with Marty Jannetty but it was pretty clear he was destined for big things on his own. On going solo he managed to quickly claim the Intercontinental title. Known for his great Wrestlemania performances, his multiple WWE Championships prove he was one of the best.
Chamber of Fear, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Macho Man Randy Savage
Everyone knows Macho Man Randy Savage. Few wrestlers manage that level of fame but Randy Savage reigned supreme in all aspects of performance: his work in the ring, his wardrobe and that voice. Maybe Hulk Hogan was more famous but no fan of wrestling loved anyone more than Randy Savage.
Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
André The Giant
André the Giant’s massive presence and his fame outside the ring make him one of the highest-profile wrestlers in history. At seven feet in height and weighing over 500 pounds, André the Giant was in every way larger than life and he was one of the biggest draws in the wrestling world. His legend lives on in the stories about him and the classic footage of his time in the ring.
Roman Reigns
His early days with The Shield left Roman Reigns somewhat adrift when that ended. But his time rebuilding in the WWE was time well spent when he won the WWE Universal championship. For four years he was unstoppable and it will surprise no one if he finds himself at the top again.
Miguel Discart, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Undertaker
The Undertaker, aka The Phenom, is feared and respected in equal measures. Debuting in the Survivor Series in 1990, The Undertaker has dominated ever since. His legendary entrances are everything the fans want in wrestling and The Undertaker consistently delivers.
Vishal Somaiya, CC BY-SA 2.0 , Wikimedia Commons
Ric Flair
It seems like Ric Flair isn’t just playing a character: his ring persona is who he is. Presenting his larger-than-life lifestyle, Flair became a symbol for pro wrestling itself, but it’s not just for show. His talents in the ring easily match his character work and his reach transcends wrestling and into the wider culture.
CeltBrowne, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Hulk Hogan
Everyone knows Hulk Hogan. He was probably the first wrestler to become part of the larger popular culture and in turn, brought wrestling itself into the mainstream. His impact on wrestling cannot be overestimated—from merchandising, crossing over into other media, and being a role model, Hogan transformed wrestling forever.
John Cena
John Cena is part of the superstar generation whose presence in wrestling is equal to his fame outside, something Cena has been able to translate into a movie career and more. At the heart of what he does, though, is to remain true to wrestling and he was always serious about wrestling and never took it for granted or used it as a mere stepping stone.
The Rock
Where others pioneered the expansion beyond wrestling, Dwayne Johnson has surpassed it. Possibly more famous now outside the ring than inside, Johnson’s level of mainstream stardom is unmatched. Johnson has made the full transition to Hollywood and is now one of the highest-paid actors.
Simon, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Stone Cold Steve Austin
Where others expanded wrestling into the mainstream it was “Stone Cold” Steve Austin who managed to become a mainstream star without really leaving the ring. The antithesis of Hulk Hogan’s squeaky-clean image, Austin embraced his role as an antihero and brought wrestling into a new era.
Featureflash Photo Agency, Shutterstock
Brock Lesnar
In his first year in the WWE, Brock Lesnar became the youngest WWE Champion of all time. He put an end to The Undertaker’s dominance at Wrestlemania and he’s beaten everyone from Hulk Hogan to The Rock. A true athlete, Lesnar was at the top of his game at both the NCAA and the UFC.
Lesnar recently signed a new contract with WWE, but his legacy as an incredible wrestler threatens to be overshadowed by his alleged role in wrestling's worst scandal. When news of ex-WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon's trafficking case came to light, Lesnar was implicated in the controversy. Allegedly, he was to receive "services" from the victim in exchange for his resigning—while Lesnar did schedule a "play date" with the woman, it was cancelled due to bad weather and there's no evidence that he knew McMahon was forcing her to interact with him.
_(2).jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
