4. He tried to hand the belt over to DiBiase, which led to the belt being held up. His feud with Shawn Michaels led to two memorable ladder matches. From the Land of the Rising Sun came a tandem that was sinister in every sense of the word Mr. Fuji & Toru Tanaka. He is widely considered one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. He debuted during a Hell in a Cell match between The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels, where he ripped off the door and tombstoned The Undertaker. The list of the 50 all-time greatest WWE Superstars has diehard wrestling fans up in arms about the mysterious criteria by which the honorees were selected. The Undertaker. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009. They were a really interesting team when they first started. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. Arriving in 1995, the man from The Bowery became the companys prominent antagonist and always made things personal. Their humorous vignettes, including Booker T and Goldust at the Movies, were enormously popular, but the duo wasnt all laughs. Styles Actor | WWF SmackDown! He debuted in the WWE in 1996 as a babyface named Rocky Maivia. 2. H.F. Tanaka was strong and deliberate, while Fuji was quick and agile, yet they knew each other very well. During Lesnars match against Goldberg on The Grandest Stage of Them All, the WWE Universe turned their backs on The Next Big Thing and he responded with equal negativity to the crowd. Teams were rated only on their accomplishments while in WWE, so the achievements of The Steiners in the NWA had no bearing on their placement (or lack thereof) here. After suffering an injury, he returned in 2003 and feuded with Triple H over the World Heavyweight Championship. K.P. 1. With that, George created the preening prima donna archetype of wrestling depravity that everyone from Ric Flair to Dolph Ziggler would later adapt. Over the years, SmackDown has played host to sports-entertainment's biggest names. It would be no surprise if he retires soon. K.P. He turned face in 1983 and feuded with The Iron Sheik throughout 1983 and 1984. He was pushed as a top heel and, in 1977, beat Bruno Sammartino for the WWE Championship. 19) and Randy Orton (No. However, Vickies transgressions against the WWE Universe extend far beyond her numerous, ear-splitting aural affronts. Looking at the names, the last 5 positions are expected to be filled by Charlotte Flair, Asuka, Becky Lynch, Trish Stratus, and Chyna . The cowboy brothers found success early and often, putting them in the running for the World Tag Team Titles. He returned in 2002 as a member of the new nWo, but soon turned face and began a feud with Triple H, which led to him winning his fourth and last World title. He lost his second WWE title to Bret Hart while also feuding with Savage, Perfect and Warrior in late 1992. Orndorff was mocked as Hulk Jr. by Heenan and Adorable Adrian Adonis for being Hogans lackey. Its a dangerous occupation for the competitors and managers who have been insulted, stabbed and, on more than one occasion, shot at by the fans. Z.L. He returned to the upper mid-card in the summer of 2002 and his stellar work awarded him a Royal Rumble win in 2004, which led to him winning the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania. He passed away in 1999 at the age of 40 due to heart complications from years of substance abuse. So many people were too high or low, some people weren't in it that should've been, while others were in it who shouldn't have been. The Undertaker 3. Known as Sensational Sherri, the lovely lady was a pioneer for women in sports-entertainment and a true antithesis to another 1980s mainstay, Miss Elizabeth. Perfect and Rick Rude to championships against WWEs top heroes. Reasons why he's on my list:In 1986, Dynamite Wayne Ferris debuted in the WWE as The Honky Tonk Man, an Elvis rip-off gimmick that was originally meant to be a face character. A spoiled, rich mamas boy, Jim Cornette chose to use his familys wealth to put together a stable of grapplers capable of capturing championships. He has since won seven more World titles on top of his first two, and had memorable feuds with John Cena, Christian, Triple H and CM Punk. NOTE: Batista was originally number 19 on my list but due to a lot of negative feedback to his place on the list I decided to push him back a few places. Guys like Nick Bockwinkel or Jack Brisco never wrestled for the WWE, while Dusty Rhodes, Harley Race, Dory Funk, Jr. and Terry Funk had terrible runs in the WWE. RYAN MURPHY. With Atlass power and Johnsons agility, the fan favorites made for an unbelievably charismatic and dynamic duo. He briefly returned to the WWE in 1991 as The Dragon, which was a terrible gimmick (he breathed fire). Every Champions League knockout team ever. In 1977, Graham ended Bruno Sammartinos WWE Championship reign by using his feet on the ropes for leverage. Reasons why he's on my list: After more than 20 years in the business, Patterson finally found his way to the WWE in 1979 as a heel under the management of The Grand Wizard, and began feuding with Ted DiBiase and WWF Champion Bob Backlund. The Monday Night War is one of the most pivotal battles in the history of sports-entertainment. Reasons why he's on my list: Billy Graham debuted in the WWE in 1975 and was a man way ahead of his time. Its hard to imagine that the short, stocky guy with the thick Boston accent could be the living embodiment of Satan. As a manager, Heyman directed Superstars like Ravishing Rick Rude and Brock Lesnar to destroy beloved legends like Ricky The Dragon Steamboat and Hulk Hogan. Jeff Hardy. left WWE in 1992 but returned in 1997 and won the tag team titles. Summary: Articles about The 25 Greatest Wrestlers Of All Time Have Been Named And Stone Cold Steve Austin has narrowly edged out fellow WWE legend The Undertaker to be crowned the best wrestler of all time. As Heenan claimed the giant was overdue for a title shot, Andre ripped off the cross from around Hogans neck, ending a friendship that years earlier saw Andre pour a celebratory bottle of champagne over Hogans head. They finally split in 1991, and Hart went on a full-fledged singles run. He captivates me every time he returns with his exceptional mic work. K.P. The rest of the year was meant to build to the Hogan and Savage match at the following WrestleMania. Chris Jerichos early antics were often as comical as they were infuriating, but The Ayatollah of Rock n Rolla soon established himself as a threat to wrestlings greatest heavyweights. Let me know. "Ravishing" Rick Rude defined the meaning of arrogance more than any other Superstars in WWE history. He injured his shoulder in late 2002 and during his injury, he stayed on TV giving fans an update on his injury, showing a cocky side to him that would become a feature of his early heel days. Reasons why he's on my list: This may sound disrespectful, but had Eddie not died in 2005, do you really think he'd be 11 on the list? Still, I think I could put together a better list than the politically-influenced 50 Greatest Superstars list the WWE put out over a year ago. Reasons why he's on my list: Ted DiBiase was the adopted son of professional wrestler "Iron" Mike DiBiase, who started out in Mid-South Wrestling before joining the WWE in 1979. In late 2002 he won his second WWE Championship, but like his first one, this would also be short-lived, and he dropped back down to the upper mid-card, winning the United States Championship in 2003. However, that was very much the case with Kevin Sullivan. He returned in 2001 and was inserted into the Alliance storyline before being a part of the Hardcore Division for much of 2002. One of the most successful tag teams of all time. 8. During his unpredictable segment, The Rowdy Scot forcefully clipped the hair of little person grappler The Haiti Kid and, most infamously, cracked a coconut over Jimmy Snukas head and then smushed a banana in Superflys maw. Z.L. Adaptable as both a heel and a facethough better as a heelhe had great feuds with Kurt Angle and The Big Show, and it should be no surprise that in less than two years on the roster he was a three time WWE Champion. He formed a tag team with Haku called The Colossal Connection that went on to hold the WWE tag team championships. He returned at the start of the Attitude Era, an era which he was the poster boy of. 10. The legendary 'Macho Man' Randy Savage secured third place, while Mick Foley and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson finished fourth and fifth respectively in the fan vote. Harley Race 7. ZACH LINDER. At the age of 24, he was awarded as the youngest world champion in WWE history after securing the World Heavyweight Championship from Chris Benoit. B.M. Reasons why he's on my list: Kurt Angle is the greatest in-ring performer of all time. He held the title going into WrestleMania but lost. He has put on some of the best matches of his career since reverting back to that gimmick. R.M. Going largely unnoticed as Too Much, the pair embraced their common love of hip hop music, street culture and dancing and reemerged in the tag team ranks as Grandmaster Sexay and Scotty 2 Hotty. Chris Jericho is arrogant enough to refer to himself as "The Best in the World at What He Does," and the worst part is: He may be right. 10. He should have been alive to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but unfortunately he won't be and that's a real shame. From there, they continued to dominate the tag team scene on SmackDown, defeating the likes of The Worlds Greatest Tag Team, The FBI and John Cena & Bull Buchanan. Reasons why he's on my list: Kowalski was one of the top stars in the WWE throughout the 1960's and 1970's. For my money, no one has ever been a better wrestling villain. They prided themselves on quick tags in and out, and were there for each other on a moments notice. Unfortunately, The Smoking Gunns partnership was extinguished in 1996 when Billys affection for WWE Hall of Fame Diva Sunny came between the brothers bond. Alluring a sight it may be, the RKO has been a weapon of ruin ever since Orton was first christened Legend Killer in 2003, when no venerable ring icon was exempt from his contempt. He left in the summer and wound up in TNA before returning again in 2011. Loathed by fans and opponents alike, the arrogant investor had the last laugh as he retired to a tropical island with millions of dollars in his bank account. He won the Intercontinental title twice but wasn't really part of Vince McMahon's plans for the national expansion of the WWE and ended up sticking around until 1987. The Showstopper? He left for WCW in 1996 before returning in 2002 under the revived nWo. Superstar sold out 19 of the 20 events he headlined at Madison Square Garden. Warlord and Barbarian, two mountains of men, muscled their way into WWE in 1988 and immediately set their sights on World Tag Team Champions Demolition. 20) Chris Benoit. Place on the WWE's list: 45. Through former champions like Afa and Sika of The Wild Samoans and Rocky Johnson, the familys dominance began in the 70s. He has since wrestled in TNA, but it looks as if he will return in the near future and will be in the Hall of Fame. Rey Mysterio (No. The Best Wrestlers Who Have Signed With AEW. Marty Jannetty and WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels were pioneers in WWE, especially when it comes to tag team competition. His feud with Hogan was one of the best of the 80's and it was the focal point of the Main Event of the first WrestleMania as he teamed with Roddy Piper in a losing effort to Hogan and A-Team star Mr. T. Following WrestleMania, he turned face and aligned himself with former-rival Hogan. SmackDown results, Oct. 28, 2022: Who is the mysterious Uncle Howdy that interrupted Bray Wyatt? I know why Sammartino was that low, but can the WWE look past their personal feelings for a second? Ric Flair may indeed be the one responsible for their attitude, but they all strived to be the best a fact proven when Flair, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard and Barry Windham held every major NWA title much to chagrin of fans and competitors alike. It was clear he was going to be a superstar and at WrestleMania 21 in 2005, he challenged and beat JBL for the WWE Championship. Lou Albano that The Headshrinkers finally found success, defeating The Quebecers to become the second generation of Samoan champions. He first debuted as Jerry Lawler's dentist, Dr. Isaac Yankem, then as Fake Diesel when Kevin Nash went to WCW. Matching lightning speed with pure technical ability, Strike Force quickly became the team to beat in WWE. He is best remembered . Windham and Rotundo captured the tag titles in January of 1985 before being dethroned by the decidedly anti-American unit of Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff less than three months later at the inaugural WrestleMania. After leaving WCWs top stars in shambles and capturing the Atlanta-based promotions World Title on three occasions, Vader moved on to WWE. Andre was well known for winning Battle Royale matches. A former AWA and WWE Womens Champion, Sherri mastered her craft under the guidance of The Fabulous Moolah. He turned face in 1996. but that run was a fail, as he stayed on the roster doing very little for another two years before the WWE released him due to weight issues. Bobby Heenan became his manager and he won the Intercontinental Championship shortly after WrestleMania, beating Tito Santana for the vacant title. Winning the World Tag Team Titles in their first battle together set the tone for the two competitors over the next two years. He is best-known for his time in WCW and WWE. WWE is an American professional wrestling promotion based in Stamford, Connecticut. In 2007, two of WWEs rising stars, John Morrison and The Miz, were paired together to battle MVP and Matt Hardy for the WWE Tag Team Championships on SmackDown. Reasons why he's on my list: The charismatic enigma started out in the WWE at the age of 21 in 1999 with his brother Matt as the Hardy Boyz, who . After retiring from managing, Heenan became the inciting half of an iconic commentary team with Gorilla Monsoon. He made his debut a year later. Over the years he had memorable feuds with Mankind, Steve Austin and Triple H, and is thought to be the first guy to put over Kurt Angle, Chris Jericho and Brock Lesnar as top guys. In all, The Undertaker won seven World Championships in the WWE, with four WWE Championships and three World Heavyweight Championships. He broke out as a singles star in the 1990s, winning the Intercontinental Championship while also drifting back and winning tag team gold every once in a while. Notwithstanding his unequaled wrestling IQ, Triple H also possesses legitimate physical and mental toughness two traits that must exist in any legend. During the match, he was locked in a Sharpshooter by Shawn Michaels and Vince McMahon ordered the time-winner to ring the bell, screwing Bret out of the title. If he wasnt aligned with villains like Edge or Triple H, The Viper was slithering up behind them to strike and assume their accolades as his own. It also helped that he was a work horse in the ring and quickly won the Intercontinental Championship, a feat he accomplished eight more times. He would go on to hold the title twice, having feuds with Roddy Piper and Bret Hart. For the first time ever, WWE Superstars have rated their favorite Superstars of all time. If it was their extravagant outfits and Melinas flexibility that drew your eyes to MNM, it was their undeniable skill that retained your focus. He is considered by most to be the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time. Their aerial acrobatics took the WWE Universe by storm and would pave the way for future high-flyers like Rey Mysterio. And the ultimate honor entry into the WWE Hall of Fame was bestowed upon Afa and Sika in 2007. The deck was stacked perfectly in favor of The Quebecers, whose plan paid off when Scott Steiner got caught using a hockey stick, giving Jacques and Pierre their first of three World Tag Team Championships. Rogers became the inaugural WWE Champion after winning a tournament in Brazil in April of 1963, but due to a heart attack, he lost the title in May to Bruno Sammartino in a matter of seconds to protect his health. Marching into WWE at the tail end of the 80s, Butch and his crazy cousin Luke literally grabbed the WWE Universes attention by putting WWE fans in playful headlocks and licking their skulls during their ring entrance. Later that year, they nearly incited a genuine riot at Heat Wave by getting a little too close to ringside ticket-holders. Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. It quickly became clear that he was arguably the best promo man in the business. When the official looked away, hed make things worse by attacking the victims with an extra-sharp pencil. Ric Flair. During the Rock n Wrestling Connection of the 1980s, few villains were as despised as Nikolai Volkoff and former WWE Champion The Iron Sheik, known collectively as The Foreign Legion. Over the next couple of months, fans started to get behind Batista when he was still in Evolution. In the following years, however, Races arrogance soared to new heights. B.M. After dominating the NWA tag team division, Anderson and Blanchard debuted in WWE as The Brain Busters. As a minister of the dark arts, The Deadman captured and tried to wed an innocent Stephanie McMahon, among other ritualistic acts like setting ablaze his cross-like emblem on the McMahons front lawn. After The Invasion angle was over, Edge began feuding with Kurt Angle and became one of the best workers in the company in 2002. Wonderful cleared the ring of the monstrous opposition before viciously piledriving Hogan to the canvas. Austin won the 1997 Royal Rumble, but lost his title shot, leading to a feud with Bret Hart that culminated in a Submission match that is considered one of the best ever, and ended with a double turn of Austin turning face and Hart turning heel. The biggest moment of The British Bulldogs WWE career came at WrestleMania 2 where they defeated Brutus Beefcake and Greg The Hammer Valentine for the World Tag Team Championships, but The Dynamite Kid and Davey Boy Smith were good every night. It really helps! When he won the 2005 Royal Rumble, he turned face on Triple H and beat him at WrestleMania for the World Heavyweight Championship. Those most deeply bitten? And to top it all off, The Sheik would viciously toss a fireball into his foes face, blinding and burning them as crowds shrieked in horror. He left in 1997 and still wrestles to this day in the indies, while his personal demons have become well documented and are probably the reason he isn't in the Hall of Fame. Pic credit: WWE In November 2018, Jeff. In the late 1990s, Hogan began to become a problem for the WWE, as his ego had spun out of control and everything ended up coming back to him. The feud with Flair and Savage was legendary and would continue into the summer when Flair beat Savage for the title. One problem: "The Eighth Wonder of the Worlds" trophy paled in comparison to a trophy Hogan received to honor his three-year WWE Title reign. Mr. Fuji, impressed by Barbarian and Warlord, ditched Demolition in hopes that the Powers of Pain would dethrone the champions. Slaughter and although he is recognized today as a patriot and a WWE Hall of Famer, things werent always that way for the Superstar from Parris Island, S.C. Randal Keith Orton (born April 1, 1980) is an American professional wrestler and actor who is signed to WWE, where he performs on the Raw brand but is currently out of action due to a back injury. Sure, Macho Man may now bring nostalgic smiles to the faces of the WWE Universe, but in his heyday, Randy Savage was the prime antagonist to WWEs top heroes. He had a great feud with Bret Hart for the title and was the first top guy to really put Bret over in his singles push. With Scottys trademark Worm dance earning mad respect from the WWE Universe, Grandmaster Sexays top-rope Hip Hop Drop brought the team victory after victory. That evening alongside Kevin Nash and Scott Hall The New World Order and Hollywood Hogan were born. Saddled with the personas of exasperating fitness freaks, the seriously gifted Superstars busted out jumping jacks and Hindu squats in-between crisp armdrags and on-the-mark dropkicks. IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT YOU THINK! I mean, obviously, with Bubba being Caucasian and D-Von being African-American, it was a joke.