The Best WWE Superstars of the 2000s
World Life, this is basic thuganomics. And also a list of the best WWE Superstars of the 2000s.
The Attitude Era survived into the new century but times they were a changin'. Wrestlers that used to be mid-carding back in the 90s were stepping up their games and fighting their way into the main event, like Edge. 90s megastars were starting to gracefully fade themselves out, like Stone Cold Steve Austin. And in 2005 a new superstar named John Cena (?) burst onto the scene and changed wrestling, changed the WWE forever (like it or not... I assume we're all about 50/50 on this).
The 2000s was a great era for the WWE, though for some reason it is undervalued. Probably because hindsight is 20/20 (clears throat: we didn't know John Cena was going to become John Cena). Somewhere in there was the era of "Ruthless Aggression." Come on! That was awesome! Don't think so? Why don't you check out Mick Foley vs. Edge at Wrestlemania 22.
Anyway, who do you think is the top WWE Superstar of the 00s? Vote for your favorite and rocket them up to the top! Get your spinner belts out and vote!Throughout the 2000s, The Undertaker continued to solidify his legacy as one of the most iconic and dominant wrestlers in WWE history. His unmatched athleticism for a man of his size, combined with his eerie persona and supernatural theatrics, made him a fan favorite and a force to be reckoned with inside the squared circle. In this decade, he added numerous championships to his resume, including multiple World Heavyweight Championship reigns, and maintained his legendary undefeated streak at WrestleMania. The Undertaker's feuds with top stars like Triple H, Batista, and Edge further cemented his status as a true wrestling legend.
As the face of WWE's Attitude Era, Stone Cold Steve Austin brought a level of intensity and defiance that had never been seen before in professional wrestling. His no-nonsense, anti-authority persona resonated with fans and propelled him to superstardom in the late '90s and early 2000s. Despite suffering from serious neck injuries, Austin managed to maintain his position as a top star throughout the decade, capturing multiple WWE Championships and engaging in unforgettable feuds with Vince McMahon, The Rock, and Triple H. His contributions to the industry are immeasurable, and his influence can still be felt today.
Better known as "The Rock," Dwayne Johnson was undoubtedly one of the most electrifying superstars of the 2000s. With his unparalleled charisma, sharp wit, and impressive in-ring ability, The Rock captivated audiences worldwide and became a household name. He held multiple championship titles during this era, including the WWE Championship and WCW Championship, and engaged in memorable rivalries with Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H, and Kurt Angle. Even after transitioning to a successful acting career, The Rock's occasional returns to the ring have always been met with overwhelming excitement from fans.
The Big Red Machine, Kane, has been a constant presence in WWE since his debut in 1997. Throughout the 2000s, he continued to evolve his character and adapt to the changing landscape of professional wrestling. His imposing size, agility, and unmatched strength made him a formidable opponent for any wrestler who dared to step into the ring with him. Kane captured multiple championships during this time, including the WWE Championship, World Heavyweight Championship, and several tag team titles. His feuds with The Undertaker, Triple H, and Edge showcased his versatility as both a monster heel and a fan favorite.
Known as "The Heartbreak Kid," Shawn Michaels' return to wrestling in 2002 after a four-year hiatus due to injury was nothing short of miraculous. He quickly proved that he hadn't lost a step, delivering show-stealing performances and engaging in classic rivalries with the likes of Triple H, Chris Jericho, and Kurt Angle. In the latter half of the decade, Michaels solidified his status as "Mr. WrestleMania" with unforgettable matches against The Undertaker, Ric Flair, and John Cena. Despite retiring in 2010, Shawn Michaels' impact on the industry and his incredible body of work in the 2000s have secured his place as one of the all-time greats.
As one half of the daredevil Hardy Boyz, Jeff Hardy brought a unique blend of high-flying acrobatics and risk-taking to the wrestling ring in the 2000s. His fearless approach to competition and willingness to put his body on the line for the sake of entertainment endeared him to fans, while his multiple championship reigns and unforgettable matches against the likes of Edge, CM Punk, and Triple H solidified his status as a true wrestling icon.