The Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All Time
The greatest pro wrestlers of all-time include WrestleMania winners, WWF and WWE champions, and TNA favorites. The entertainment of professional wrestling may be staged but all of these professional wrestlers are easily some of the toughest professional fighters inside of the ring or out. This list of all pro wrestlers can be ordered according to their popularity. Just vote for your favorites.
Combining Greco-Roman wrestling with boxing, freestyle wrestling and theater, professional wrestling dates back nearly a century. At first, professional wrestling was more about the actual competition rather than the script. In the past, it was Lou Thesz who was the most-feared wrestler around. Thesz, who had no trouble going off-script to win a match and keep his title, is considered the first true wrestling superstar, an innovator of the business, and the original pro wrestler.
So who is the greatest pro wrestler ever? How about the best WWE wrestlers? This list will answer these questions—and your vote matters. From old school legendary wrestlers to famous wrestlers right now, this list of the biggest pro wrestlers includes former superstars, cool characters, and stars of current circuits.
Thesz continued to dominate until the next era of wrestlers entered in the 1950s and 1960s. Top contenders like Bruno Sammartino and Buddy Rogers helped the sport of professional wrestling grow with their flashy and flamboyant performance styles as well as more often than not came out on top of their matches.
Moving into the '70s, 1980s, and 1990s, wrestling evolved into a performance. The uniforms the wrestlers wore became flashier and the scripted aspects began to increase, as did the fan following. Some of the best wrestlers of all time came from that golden era such as Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Andre the Giant, Ric Flair, and Bret Hart. With business booming, professional wrestling only continued to grow in recent years with big names like Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock using their WWE fame to launch their careers. Many of these big names are considered to be classic legends in the wrestling world.
Professional wrestling may not be for everyone but with a long history of success and a wildly popular following, the likes of WWE and TNA are not going away anytime soon. Any one of the current wrestlers competing today could become the next GOAT professional wrestler but until then, we can only enjoy watching them compete to become that.
This list is more than just the 100 greatest wrestlers of all time - we've got 'em all! Add any that might be missing and be sure to vote for all your favorites! And if you're having trouble keeping up with all the wrestling jargon, check out a list of all the pro wrestling terms you need to know to sound like an expert.
Few wrestlers evoke the same sense of awe, fear, and respect as The Undertaker has throughout his illustrious career. With an unparalleled and generational career spanning over three decades, Mark Calaway has crafted a legacy that will forever be remembered in the annals of professional wrestling history. As a seven-time world champion, The Deadman has left an indelible mark in WWE, competing in some of the most iconic matches and forging legendary feuds with the likes of Shawn Michaels, Mankind, and Triple H, just to name a few. His jaw-dropping 21-0 undefeated WrestleMania streak remains a testament to the enduring mystique of The Phenom, an achievement that may never be surpassed.
Austin 3:16 says it all – Stone Cold Steve Austin is without a doubt one of the most influential and captivating wrestlers to ever step foot inside a ring. A six-time WWE Champion, The Texas Rattlesnake revolutionized the industry with his anti-authority persona, beer-drinking antics, and unforgettable catchphrases that made him a scene-stealing showstopper the second crowds heard that iconic glass shatter. From his game-changing victory at King of the Ring 1996 to his legendary rivalry with Vince McMahon, there's no denying that Stone Cold played a pivotal role in the success of the WWE during the Attitude Era, and his legacy still resonates with fans today.
Before he became the global icon we know today, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was electrifying audiences around the world as one of the most charismatic and talented professional wrestlers in history. Bursting onto the scene in the late 90s, The Great One held numerous championship titles and was instrumental in propelling WWE to new heights during the Attitude Era with his combination of charm, gravitas, and technical ability. With his gift for entertaining both in-ring and on the mic, The Rock's signature moves and catchphrases have become ingrained in pop culture, solidifying his status as an all-time great and paving the way for a successful Hollywood career.
Lovingly given the nickname “The Heartbreak Kid” thanks to his devilishly good looks and swaggering attitude, Shawn Michaels possesses the rare ability to captivate audiences with his unmatched athleticism, charisma, and penchant for show-stealing performances. A four-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion, two-time Royal Rumble winner, and member of the legendary faction D-Generation X, The Showstopper has left an indelible mark on the wrestling world with anti-authority antics and memorable feuds against the likes of Bret Hart, Triple H, and The Undertaker. Perhaps best known for his role in the infamous Montreal Screwjob, Michaels will forever be remembered not only for his incredible in-ring accomplishments but also for being a key player in some of the most controversial and unforgettable moments in wrestling history.
To be the man, you've got to beat the man, and few have ever come close to beating the legendary career of generation professional wrestler Ric Flair. A record 16-time World Heavyweight Champion, "The Nature Boy" is synonymous with excellence in professional wrestling, having built his storied legacy through unmatched charisma, iconic battles, and trademark "Woo!" catchphrase. As a founding member of the influential Four Horsemen stable and a cornerstone of legendary promotions like NWA, WCW, and WWE, Flair's lasting impact on the sport is indisputable, and his importance to the sport is undeniable.
Hailing from the legendary Hart wrestling family, Bret " The Hitman" Hart is widely regarded as one of the greatest technical wrestlers to ever lace up a pair of boots. A five-time WWE Champion and two-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, The Excellence of Execution combined unparalleled in-ring ability with raw charisma to become a dominant force in the industry throughout the 90s. With classic battles against the likes of Mr. Perfect, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Shawn Michaels, Bret showcased his jaw-dropping abilities on a night-in, night-out basis, always providing fans with a stellar show and often being the scene stealer of the night.
